Warrior by Angela Knight Read Free Book Online Page B

Philadelphia for the signing of the Declaration of Independence. All fifteen had been shot with a shard rifle—not exactly a weapon common in the eighteenth century. Their tour guide had gone on the run after looting their respective financial accounts. Vanda was working with Galactic Union Interstellar Investigations on tracking the woman down.
    Finally Dyami gave Galar a faint nod, and he stood to report on his own case. He outlined the events of the night before in terse, pointedly unemotional terms. Even so, an angry mutter rumbled over the Enforcer crowd when he described the Xeran’s knifing Riane.
    Regen or no regen, nothing pissed off TE agents like an attack on their own. One rule had remained the same over the centuries: you kept your hands off law enforcement. If you didn’t, they’d hunt you down like soji dragons after a snakebird.
    â€œThe Outpost computer has completed its analysis of the subject’s DNA.” A three-dimensional image of the Xeran appeared in the center of the stage, twice life-sized, rotating slowly in the air as Galar spoke. He was a big bastard, of course—that went without saying. He had the aggressively masculine kind of face Xeran genetic engineers favored, all cheekbones and chin, so that his head sat on his thick neck like a stone block. His eyes were a demonic red, with thin slit pupils. Two sets of skull implants jutted from his shaved head, a larger pair curving out like a bull’s horns, two shorter ones protruding from his forehead. Both were heavily engraved with fine, intricate designs in a glittering blood red.
    Xerans had a taste for melodrama.
    â€œColonel Cyrek Marcin is a heavy combat battleborg with Xeran Interstellar Intelligence,” Galar said. “According to our own Galactic Union Interstellar Intelligence, he specializes in the assassination of political and military targets. GUII has been sending agents after him for years, but he keeps killing them.”
    Dyami lifted a brow. “Yet our little artist stopped him in his tracks. Smart girl.”
    â€œLucky girl. Unfortunately, that kind of luck doesn’t last. And I have a feeling he’s not after her because she paints very expensive, very pretty pictures. This isn’t a simple art theft. Something else is going on here.”
    The chief’s expression turned grim. “I suspect you’re right, Master Enforcer.”
    The meeting wrapped up ten minutes later. Galar gestured to catch Dyami’s attention, then walked over to join him off to the side for a low-voiced conversation.
    â€œWe can’t afford to send Kelly to the Rehab Center,” he told the commander. “Security at that facility won’t have a prayer of stopping Marcin if he comes after her again.”
    Dyami folded his powerful arms and frowned. “And he’s not the kind to give up on a target.”
    Galar nodded. “He’d find it a lot more difficult to get to her here, behind the Outpost’s shields.”
    The chief gave him a sharp, cool look. “This isn’t a halfway house, Master Enforcer. We need to bounce this one to GUII. Let them protect her.”
    A chill of pure, elemental fear crept down Galar’s spine, not for himself but for Jessica. With an effort, he managed a cool tone. “They’ve lost a dozen agents to Marcin, Chief. Kelly would be dead inside a week.”
    â€œYou think you can do better?”
    Galar blinked. “Me?”
    â€œWe can’t let her run around loose. And if you’re right, Marcin’s going to try for her.”
    He shifted uneasily. “I thought Dona Astryr and Ivar Terje could keep an eye on her. Given their cybernetic enhancements . . .”
    â€œSorry, Master Enforcer, this is your job,” Dyami interrupted. “From what I saw in that house when we Jumped in last night, you already have a rapport with the girl. She’s going to need a friendly face to help her get through