Medusa (NUMA Files 8)

“That’s because our family has always looked at the world in a different way from others. Pyramid Triad was in existence centuries before your rabble chased the British back to England. We have not survived all this time by being sentimental when it comes to the deaths of others, or even deaths in our own family.”

“Glad to hear that,” Austin said, “because you won’t shed any tears over the loss of your brother Wen Lo.”

“Wen Lo is dead too?”

“He ran afoul of the Chinese Army . . . another casualty of your insane scheme.”

“There was nothing insane about it. Our country’s leadership is extremely fragile. The government would have reacted violently to protests in the streets. We would have encouraged the mob rule that would have followed and then stepped in to end the epidemic and take over the reins of government. With the vaccine, we would have held the power of life and death over a billion of our countrymen. We would have offered the same choice to the rest of the world in exchange for money and power. The plan was well thought out. We didn’t anticipate the interference from you and your NUMA friends.”

“NUMA doesn’t deserve all the credit,” Austin said. “You planted the seeds of your own destruction when you decided to play at being a three-headed god. You’re not the first ones to appoint yourselves immortals, and you won’t be the last, which is why I will always have job security.”

“Did you say the same thing when your CIA unit was dissolved?”

“I’m happy to say that my work became no longer necessary with the end of the Cold War, but, from the sound of it, you’ve been digging into my past.”

“I know more about you than your closest friends, Zavala and the Trouts. I have studied your house on the Potomac via satellite. I know what kind of music you listen to, what kind of philosophy books you read. But some of your life is hidden in the shadows, which gives me hope.”

“Hope for what, One? You’re almost completely immobile. The best you can look forward to is being hired as a hat rack.

”

“But you could change that, Austin.” The voice had become as soft as a snake rustling through grass. “My pharmaceutical company developed the virus, and, given some time and direction, they can work on an antidote to neutralize the effects of the toxin. I would reward you beyond your wildest dreams.”

“Seeing your Triad wiped off the face of the earth is the only reward I want.”

A flash of anger came to the staring holographic eyes.

“I could squash you like an ant, Austin.”

“You could, if you could lift a finger. So long, One. The toxin will keep you alive for a long time. Have a good life.”

Austin’s finger was poised over the button that would have ended the transmission.

“Wait! Where are you going?”

“After dealing with you and your brothers,” Austin said, “I need a long, hot shower.”

“You can’t leave me all alone like this.”

The plea could have been genuine, but it made no difference to Austin. He felt only revulsion toward the freakish figure.

“Then I’ll make a deal with you,” he said. “Tell me where you are and I’ll relay the information to the Chinese government. You can take your chances with them.”

After a moment, the triplet reeled off an address in Hong Kong.

“Thanks, One. Now I’ll give you some good advice. Forget any thoughts about bribing your way out of this. The government is appropriating all your assets. You have nothing to offer them.”

“I will kill you, Austin. Somehow, I will find a way.”

“Good-bye, Dragon Lady.”

“Wait!”

Austin pushed the button to halt the projection. The words came out of a formless cloud of dancing motes. It was a woman’s voice.

“Come back!”

Zavala, who was standing off to the side, muttered something in Spanish.