Involuntary Control (Gray Spear Society) Read Free Page B

convincingly. That's not what's bothering me. What do we know about the perpetrator so far?"
    "He's a skilled hacker."
    "Exceptionally skilled, according to Wendy," Aaron said, "with access to money. Other people's money."
    Norbert raised his eyebrows. "A government could be responsible."
    "No. Governments don't steal money. They print it. And corporations make it. I believe we're looking for a single individual or a small group. But he can't be a criminal, either."
    "Why not?"
    "As a rule they're lazy and stupid," Aaron said. "A real criminal wouldn't engage in such complex espionage, and then overpay for the goods. A hundred grand is way too much. Actually, the part that bothers me the most is paying in advance of delivery. Nobody does that." Aaron made a face. "I can't tell whether this hacker is a genius or a total idiot."
    "Maybe the courier will provide the clue that leads us to enlightenment."
    "I hope so. Let's go find a restaurant and eat dinner. I'm starving."
    Norbert looked towards the house. "Shouldn't we stay here, sir?"
    "Nothing is going to happen until nine."
    "Kaitlin might try to run. She already has the money."
    Aaron shook his head. "I doubt it, but it doesn't matter as long as the courier shows up. We're done with her. If she wants to pay hospital bills, that's fine by me. The money isn't important to us."

Chapter Two
    Aaron looked up at the heavens. In Chicago, even the darkest night had a vague orange glow that washed out the stars. In Lemonseed, tiny, glittering jewels covered the sky, and the Milky Way was a broad white stripe. He recognized a few constellations even though he hadn't seen them in years. God's glorious universe was in full display.
    Aaron checked his watch. It was 9:05, and the courier hadn't appeared yet.
    He and Norbert were hiding behind a thick bush. They had a clear view of Kaitlin's white house, but so far they hadn't seen any movement. Their car was parked on the street nearby.
    "Sir," Norbert said softly, "do you mind if I ask you a personal question?"
    "Go ahead," Aaron said. "There are no secrets between us."
    "I noticed a lot of tension between you and Marina lately."
    "She doesn't like being controlled by a man, which is understandable. She had a horrible experience with that as a teenager. But she has to learn to deal with the situation. It's not going to change."
    "You love each other so much. I'd hate to see that relationship ruined."
    Aaron took a deep breath. "So would I, but being a good commander is more important than being a good lover. She understands. She's been a Spear long enough to know it's a job that demands many personal sacrifices."
    "What if it gets really bad between you two?" Norbert said.
    "I can't allow anything to compromise the operations of our cell. I'd have to do something." Aaron frowned. "But I don't know what."
    A teenage boy in jeans and a leather jacket approached Kaitlin's house. He was riding a mountain bike. He wore a baseball cap with the brim backwards.
    "That's the courier?" Norbert said.
    Aaron shrugged.
    The boy knocked on the door. Kaitlin answered a moment later, and they exchanged a few words. She gave him the thumb drive. The boy hopped on his bike and rode off.
    "Come on!" Aaron whispered.
    They sprinted over to the car. He started the engine and drove with the headlights off. The boy rode down the middle of the street at a leisurely pace, making him easy to follow. There was no other traffic.
    After going east a few blocks, they reached the tiny commercial area in the center of town. The boy parked his bike in front of a coffee shop without bothering to lock it. Aaron stopped the car on the other side of the street and observed.
    The boy went inside and walked straight to a public computer. He pushed the thumb drive into a USB port. He left immediately without looking back.
    He was about to get back on his bike when Aaron yelled out the window, "Hey, kid! Hold on. I have to talk to you."
    Aaron opened the car door and ran