"Charles Ingrid - The Sand Wars 05 - Return Fire" - читать интересную книгу автора (Ingrid Charles)

"I know the whore has returned to Malthen. More than thatтАФshe doesn't
carry an ID chip. She can go anywhere without being recorded." Baadluster
shrugged. "He'll know she's being sought. He'll find another whore."

Pepys paused in the doorway of the chamber. He looked back, lips
thinning. "Your assessment of Amber's relationship with Storm proves me
out. The lady may be many things, but not a whore. I want Jack Storm
found."

"Then just what do you suggest I do? I'm a Minister of War, not head of
the World Police." The ambitious man who had lost his life trying to nail
Commander Storm had been head of the security network. Baadluster had
wasted no time in tapping into Winton's position, but it had all been
unofficial. He spread his hands, large, flat appendages, in the air. "The
Ash-Farel keep me busy."

Scorn smoldered color back into the emperor's pale face. "Try the Green
Shirts. He may have gone looking for the underground." Pepys drew up a
corner of his robe, wrapped it nervously about one freckled hand, and
smoothed it there. "He says he has full knowledge of who and what he was
twenty-five years ago, but I doubt him. He's exhausted his options
hereтАФhe'll have to go to them for answers."

Baadluster inclined his head, thick lips pursed in a noncommittal
expression.

"And Vandover."

The minister looked up from the delicate, threadlike cable he had begun
to roll up and put away. "Your majesty?"

"Spread the word that Storm is on an infiltration mission. If he reaches
the Green Shirts, they won't trust him either."
 "Yes, your majesty."

"I want him dead. If we can't find him and do it, perhaps they will."

Baadluster straightened. "PepysтАФthere appear to be two invincible forces
operating in our space. The first is the Ash-Farel, who are dangerous enough
that they drove us to ally with the Thraks, and the second is Jack Storm. I
respectfully remind you that opposing Commander Storm may not be wise.
You've tried to take him out before. This time, he may feel free to return
fire."

Fury filled the emperor to the point where he seemed to gain height. But
he said nothing, turned heel, and left.

Baadluster found he'd been holding his breath. He looked at the fine
cables draped over his fingers and dropped them on the communication