The Columbus Code by Mike Evans Read Free Book Online

unfunded.”
    Tejada nodded. “And that would bring chaos to the American economy. Can I bring you into my confidence?”
    â€œSince when do you have to ask?”
    Tejada gave it a beat before he continued. “IMF is facing an imbalance in several of its accounts.” That wasn’t true, of course, but he knew Snowden wouldn’t notice—or care. “They look at this as a supply-and-demand problem.”
    Snowden’s forehead wrinkled in a frown. “I don’t follow you.”
    â€œThe price of US debt trades at par because the US keeps producing so much of it.”
    â€œInteresting way to look at it.”
    â€œThat the US might do otherwise and limit the availability of its paper would suggest a limit on supply and most certainly drive up the price, helping the IMF get things back in balance.”
    â€œYou’re looking at a huge risk there,” Snowden said. “Doing that will raise doubt about whether the debt will be repaid and drive the price down rather than up, making things worse.”
    â€œThat is a risk I would be willing to take,” Tejada said. “If it were up to me.” Tejada could see the tension working in Snowden’s neck. He must remember to challenge him to a friendly game of American poker. “Perhaps you should talk to Michael Stafford about this.”
    â€œThe lobbyist?” Snowden said.
    â€œWe like to use him in political matters.”
    A knock on the door interrupted them. Tejada had sent his administrative assistant home for the day and everyone else had been instructed to stay away. It must be—
    â€œCome in, Molina,” he said.
    The door opened. “It’s not Molina,” a female voice said.
    A head of loosely curled hair appeared in the doorway.
    Tejada stood. “And you are?”
    â€œMaria Winters,
Señor
Tejada,” she said. “I’m with Gump, Snowden and Meir.”
    â€œI know—”
    â€œMaria,” Snowden snapped as he rose from his chair to face her. “What are you doing in here?”
    â€œI just wanted to—”
    â€œWhatever it is, we’ll talk about it later.”
    â€œI just—”
    â€œIt’s okay,” Tejada said, cutting them off. “What did you need, Ms. Winters?”
    â€œI just wanted you to know that I do not need a bodyguard, so you can call off your
Señor
Louis before I—” She paused to take a breath. “Before I dismiss him myself. I’m sure you would rather do the honors.”
    Tejada fought the urge to smile. He suspected this was not a young woman one laughed at. Still, he couldn’t resist the temptation to play with her a little. He turned to Snowden. “How do you feel about this, Bill?” he said. “Should we turn her loose alone in the city of Barcelona?”
    â€œWe can’t afford an incident,” Snowden replied. “Perhaps it would be better if he—”
    Tejada expected her to backpedal but was surprised when she said coldly, “I was told the bodyguard was
Señor
Tejada’s idea.”
    â€œAnd so it was,” Tejada said. “Most women who visit us here are grateful for the protection.” He smiled at her. “But clearly you are not most women.”
    â€œI don’t need protection,” Maria repeated, “so if you’ll relieve Louis of his duties I would appreciate it.”
    â€œDone,” Tejada said.
    â€œThank you,” Maria replied as she backed out the door.
    When she was gone, Tejada looked over at Snowden. “What was her name again?” Tejada said.
    â€œYou don’t want to know,” Snowden said as he slumped into his chair.

As a psychiatrist, Julia Archer couldn’t have been more of a stereotype, at least how Winters pictured one. Dark-rimmed, rectangular glasses. Hair pulled into a severe bun. Sweater set and Aigner loafers. She was the caricature of all therapists he had seen in