Broken Protocols by Dale Mayer Read Free Book Online Page A

In fact, there were likely a dozen or so that could have used my pod. I had a big party and many people, not having their own pod, come specifically for that purpose. I don’t mind. I never have.”
    “You will have no problem supplying us a list of your guests then?” The speaker asked, who Levi thought was called Carlson, peering over his glasses at him.
    Levi wondered at the glasses. No one used them for vision anymore. Chances were good the speaker was running all kinds of scans on Johan right now. From financials to health statistics. The speaker settled back with a frown, removing the glasses.
    That was interesting. Levi turned slightly to study the man at his side. Did Johan have a way to block the scan?
    “As many as I can, but I have an open door policy with regards to guests.” Johan gave them a fat grin. “The more the merrier.” He held his hands up in appeal. “What is this about?”
    “Data from the pod proposed a few questions last night. We are obligated to check it out further.”
    Johan’s eyebrows shot up. “Interesting.” He glanced over at Levi and shrugged.
    “And I’m here why?” Levi asked coolly.
    “We have information that you asked to use the pod last night.”
    Not good. Levi tilted his head slightly. “That is correct. And what regulation did you violate to find that information?”
    Johan snorted. “That’s a damn good question. Are you recording my calls?” he asked in outrage. He pulled out his comp and jotted down notes. “That is something I will be looking into.”
    “In the case of issues of national security, we are within our rights to record calls.”
    “National security?” Levi spluttered. Inside, his nerves jangled. “What are you talking about?” He pulled out his comp and sent a nudge to his own lawyer, John Driscoll. With any luck, he could keep this tied up long enough to solve the problem. He also checked to make sure his comp was recording the session.
    “We don’t have enough information to complete a full analysis of the problem. The data stream from the pod was corrupted. There was also a massive power outage that we must investigate.”
    “Ha, corrupt data is the norm half the time. And lately there have been more power outages than not. You know that.” Johan laughed. “Any one of my many guests could have broken it.” He shook his head. “You will also be able to check that I have it repaired on a regular basis.”
    “We will follow up on the list you supply. If you have no further information to offer, you are dismissed.”
    And that tone of voice had Levi’s back going up. He glared at the four men staring down at him, identical looks on their faces. But this was not the time or place to start an all out war. He’d warred with these men before. Milo often got into trouble.
    And Levi always worked to get him out of it.
    He wasn’t sure that was possible this time.
    Johan tugged his arm. “Come on, buddy. It’s time to get a coffee. Let these guys worry about national security.” He laughed. “Coffee is on me.”
    Levi let his friend tug him outside. They went through the austere building in complete silence but once outside, Johan lost it. “They were monitoring our freaking phone calls? They are not going to get away with that.”
    “Sorry if I got you into this.”
    “Ha, it probably wasn’t even you. Dozens of people were in that thing last night.” Johan shook his head. “Besides, I’m glad you did. I need those bloodsucking lawyers to earn their retainers. I’ve been paying them for years and they do nothing. This…” he held up his comp, “is not allowed.”
    He glared at Levi. “Do you know how many laws they’ve broken? Do you have any idea how many secrets of mine they might have uncovered?”
    Levi was surprised at the sheer level of fury in his friend’s voice. Maybe he had a reason. Maybe he was hiding something. Levi didn’t care. He was hiding something himself.
    Light rain drizzled down on the two men.