“I just came from a meeting with the senator. He’s still in a padded cell, but they’ve taken him out of the jacket and placed him under twenty-four-hour surveillance. He hasn’t tried to injure himself, apparently remembers who he is, so hopefully he’ll recover over time.”
Max nodded. “Glad to hear it. He could do the world a lot of good, working in the right environment.”
“We’ll see, I suppose.”
“And now you have something for me, I believe.”
“Yeah...” Marklin sounded none too enthusiastic about it.
“Ok, General. I’m waiting.”
“You think you want this but you don’t.”
“With all due respect, allow me to choose what I want and don’t want. Last I checked Max was a big boy who could decide for himself, so enough of the bullshit head games. Honor your end of the bargain and give me the name.”
Marklin shook his head, stared downhill toward the fountain. “Very well. Under one condition.”
“No more conditions. The name, General.”
“When you go cowboy, you keep it quiet. No more high-profile agents kidnapped and dumped.”
“I’m not agreeing to anything. You owe me. And unless you want me to resort to questioning your honor, I suggest you give me the name.” Honor had little to do with it. Not only would Max never work for Marklin again if he welshed on their agreement, Marklin would find a place on his hit list. I’m done fucking around.
Marklin knew it too. He shrugged in futility, like a man watching helplessly as his house burned down. “You asked for it. Don’t say you weren’t warned.”
Several seconds passed in silence. Patience exhausted, Max was ready to press him again, lean on him, put him in the chair if necessary. And I will. Don’t doubt it, old man.
Gazing off at the fountain, Marklin softly uttered two words: “Swift Carter.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ryan Aslesen is a bestselling author and security consultant based out of Las Vegas, NV. He is a former Marine officer, veteran of the War on Terror, and a graduate of Presentation College and American Military University. His military and work experience have made him one of the premier writers of military science fiction. His bestselling Crucible Series is highly regarded for its authenticity, explosive action, and intense suspense. When not writing or out protecting the world, you will find him spending quality time with his family. He is currently working on his next novel. He can be reached at [email protected]
Check out Max’s other adventures in the bestselling Crucible Series.
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