The Tomorrow Heist by Jack Soren Read Free Book Online Page A

meant it. “Where are you, now?” Umi leaned in toward the image of her great-­granddaughter on the screen. She was a striking young Japanese girl, dressed in black leather, her red hair splayed out across her shoulders.
    â€œHello, Obasan ,” Tatsu Koga said, sounding just as pleased. “I’m at JFK Airport, in New York, waiting for a connecting flight.”
    â€œHow are things going? I haven’t heard from you since Texas.”
    â€œThings are going well. I’ve taken care of two more cryonics labs.”
    â€œExcellent. And you made sure to leave the name at the scenes?”
    â€œYes, in spray paint just as you asked.”
    â€œGood. I knew I could trust you. That’s why I picked you for this assignment. When your mother left you in that terrible place, I knew she’d made a mistake. You just needed . . . direction,” Umi said. “You’ve proved me right a hundred times over, Tatsu. I’m so very proud of you.” It was true, but Umi was well aware she was using the praise as a tool.
    But then, isn’t everything a tool?
    Tatsu wasn’t technically her blood, but Umi treated her like she was. After Tatsu had beaten two bullies to death in Osaka’s Kamagasaki district—­Japan’s biggest slum—­for brutalizing her brother, Tatsu’s parents took the opportunity to admit her to a psychiatric hospital. From what Umi knew of them and their situation, it was probably more to reduce the number of mouths they had to feed than save Tatsu from jail.
    That’s where Umi had found her while touring the facility several years ago, trying to decide if she should fund their research facility. In the end, she hadn’t provided the money they wanted, but she had made a smaller contribution for the freedom of a young girl who had garnered her attention. At the time, she’d had no idea what she’d use her for, but Umi was always stockpiling things on the off chance she’d need them.
    Back then, Tatsu had had natural talent but was like an unpolished gem. Over the years, Umi had arranged training for her. She’d learned judo and karate in the early days, advancing to disciplines that involved knives and swords. By the time Tatsu was eighteen, Umi began sending her out into the world.
    Tatsu had lacked conviction, though. While she’d had the skills, she’d lacked the heart of an assassin, which was the real reason Umi had rescued her from the facility and honed her skills. But if there was one thing Umi was good at, it was finding someone’s motivation and using it to her own ends. Umi found Tatsu’s motivation when she remembered why Tatsu had killed in the slums. Bullies. Tatsu couldn’t stand bullies. Once Umi understood that, motivating Tatsu to do her bidding had just been a matter of concocting the right story—­again, something at which Umi excelled.
    â€œI’m so glad,” Tatsu said. “I’m headed home. I should be there by tomorrow afternoon.” Umi could almost feel the girl’s need for approval through the screen.
    â€œExcellent. We’ll need time to prepare.”
    â€œYes, Obasan. ” Tatsu preened. Umi had given her what she wanted, but there would be a price.
    â€œBut . . .” Umi feigned indecision. “No, never mind. You’ve done enough, child.”
    â€œWhat is it? Please tell me.”
    â€œIf you’re sure.”
    â€œI am!” Tatsu said, before turning to apparently check her surroundings after speaking so loud. “I mean, I am.”
    â€œWell, all right,” Umi said, stifling her smile. “There may be a new problem. But this isn’t like anything you’ve faced before. He’s . . . experienced.” She’d only just received the reports from the bugs she’d had planted in Harcourt’s mansion back when Reese had come to work for her, but she needed to be ready.
    Per