Red Awakening (Red Zone 2)

Daniel didn’t have to look to know that he was staring at the press secretary. Keiko Sato had been on his brother’s radar from the moment they’d joined CommTECH.

“After,” Daniel reminded him. “We get the job done first.” And hopefully, while he was doing his job, he could spare Keiko Sato from becoming Charles’s next victim.

“Of course.” Charles inclined his head, his eyes still on his prey.

A hologram flickered into place in front of Susan Neal, and Miriam Shepherd smiled benignly. It was their cue to get ready. Once Miriam gave the signal, all that mattered was the job—secure the data, eliminate the enemy.

And, if possible, kill Keiko Sato swiftly before his brother had a chance to get his hands on her and prolong her agony.

“One day…” Charles muttered, greed in his eyes.

This time Daniel followed his gaze and saw he was focused on the CommTECH CEO.

“No.” Daniel was firm.

His brother’s dark, blank eyes met his.

Daniel wasn’t intimidated. He knew his brother would never touch him. There was no game without him. And Charles dearly loved his game.

“Miriam is off-limits,” Daniel said. “We agreed.”

That mockery of a smile appeared again. “For now.”

As Daniel watched Miriam dismiss the terrorists, he wondered what Charles saw when he looked at her. Did he see a victim? Or did he see a partner?

The world would shudder if it was the latter.

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Freedom

CommTECH Research Facility terrace

Houston, Northern Territory

A transparent image of Susan’s nemesis appeared in front of her. As usual, Miriam was dressed in cream-colored silk, as though her clothes were an attempt to whitewash her sins.

“Have you reached the board? Is there a date set for a general election?” Susan knew the answer to each question before she asked it.

“I’m afraid not,” the ice queen said in a tone that indicated her minions should be grateful she’d graced them with her presence.

Unfortunately for Miriam, Susan had never been anyone’s minion. She was the leader—of her business, of her team, of her Freedom cell. She bowed to no one.

“What you’re asking for is a fundamental change in the way this territory is governed,” Miriam said, as though Susan was too stupid to know this. “I’ve already told you. These things can’t be changed in a matter of hours.”

Susan smiled with triumph. “Then you can say goodbye to your press secretary.”

She stepped to the side to allow CommTECH’s CEO a clear view of the bound and kneeling star of their media presence.

“Such a pity.” Miriam’s voice was cold. “It’s so difficult to find a press secretary who’s of any use these days. Still, Ms. Sato lasted longer than most.”

Susan glanced behind her shoulder to see if Keiko had heard just how much CommTECH appreciated her. From her wide eyes and pale face, she most certainly had. It was a delightful sight.

“The truth is”—Miriam’s cool voice brought her attention back to the hologram—“there isn’t anyone you can kill who will move the mountain you want to be moved. CommTECH runs this territory. We have done so for decades. Do you honestly think one hostage situation with a ragtag band of misfits who don’t even have the official backing of Freedom will change our rule?” She looked at Susan’s face and then laughed. “My dear, you do believe it. You are far more foolish than I thought.” She brushed an imaginary piece of lint off her immaculate trouser suit in a gesture that dismissed Susan and everything she stood for.

Rage exploded within Susan, and she took a step toward the hologram. “Listen, you psycho bitch. Your rule is at an end. The world loves your press secretary, and they’ll know exactly who’s to blame when she dies in front of them. You, Miriam. You.”

If Miriam was bothered by her outburst, it didn’t show. Instead, she looked off to one side and nodded to someone in her office. When she looked back, her eyes were flat. Like a shark. Like a predator. Like someone who knew they’d won.