Hunting Will by Alex Albrinck Read Free Book Online Page B

them ever are,” Porthos replied. He kicked off his boots and wriggled his toes.
    “Porthos will need the list in hand before we land, so that he’s prepared to do his reading and I can do mine,” Athos said. Athos was able to divine the truth of any question posed to a person; he’d know if someone was lying even if they themselves did not. His talent probed the memories of their very cells, which could not be erased, modified, or hidden. They referred to his skill as Reading, for he could read the truth in anyone, regardless of the depths to which they’d gone to conceal it. As such, Athos’ proclamations were considered inviolate documentation of guilt. “Are you ready to go? Clint’s no Will Stark, but he’s a reasonably senior Aliomenti.”
    Aramis scoffed. “After dealing with Stark, nothing else worries me.”
    Athos nodded. “Good. We need to figure out where this man is hiding, and ascertain who may know the truth about him, or who may have learned about us through his intentional or accidental revelations. Computer, hologram screen. Display property transactions.”
    A screen formed in front of them, displaying a list of buyers and sellers of property in a ten-mile radius around the target zone. Aramis put on his unneeded glasses and Porthos sat back up in his chair to look as Athos discussed the particulars of Clint’s case. “Given the circumstances, he’s going to want to be as hidden and isolated as possible, and involve few outsiders. That means he’s likely to be someone who paid cash for any property he lives in. Aliomenti bank records show he withdrew approximately one million United States dollars in the six months preceding his ‘vacation,’ which according to local real estate listings can procure a large amount of property in the target locale. I’d suspect we’re looking for large acreage, an isolated location, and a cash transaction.”
    Aramis sighed. “Athos, if you’ve already figured out where he is, then just show us and stop the games.”
    Athos scowled. “Fine, spoil sport. Computer, display the target’s property, please.”
    The holographic screen displayed a large home, isolated from neighbors on all sides by large fields of swaying grasses and clumps of tall trees. The home looked to be well-maintained. Though the image had been taken at night, the property was well-lit both outside and inside, with many cars on the outside of the house. It appeared that their rogue Aliomenti, Clint, wanted to have privacy, but wasn’t against entertaining large crowds if the mood struck.
    Porthos looked at Athos. “The Leader mentioned some indication that our friend Clint had been supplying humans with some of our medical advances. Do we have any further information on that?”
    Athos nodded, and Aramis suddenly perked up, flipping his rule book open. “There are indications that he’s used Aliomenti healing techniques on a young woman. Supposedly he’s told her to keep quiet… but we heard about it anyway. At present, though, it’s likely that the humans hearing of his… talents from her think she’s exaggerating. Still, The Leader indicated sufficient concern that he’s dispatched The Assassin on a separate flight. Apparently our next three missions are simple desertions with no human interaction, so our red-eyed friend can take his time.”
    Aramis shivered, and Porthos grimaced. “That guy gives me the creeps. And I didn’t know he had friends. Come to think of it, Athos, I didn’t know that you had any friends either.”
    Athos sent a withering gaze the way of the man in the cloak, but Porthos ignored it. “In any event, we need to go at a more accelerated pace. Porthos, you’ll need to do your usual information gathering with the locals. I’ll gather floor plans of the house. Aramis, you look for any news or gossip stories about a local woman who experienced some type of medical miracle in a mysterious fashion. If you find such stories, make sure nobody else