The Athena Factor Read Free Page A

Paul’s voice assured in his earpiece. “ We’re go . Limo’s at the Door Three curb.”
    Sheela asked Dot, “God, are we still on for that thing in Atlanta? I mean, we’re two weeks into the promotion, the box office is down fifteen million from last week. What does
the studio expect? That CNN can bring us back up? The buzz is on Tobey Maguire and his robot revenge flick now.”
    â€œJust do it,” Dot chided. “You know the game. So does the studio, and so, too, does CNN. No sense in pissing them off with a no-show. Face time never hurts. Not for this box office, and not for the next. It’s just one more day.”
    â€œAnd another hotel, and another airplane, and another room-service meal.” Her beautiful face pained. “No, I’ll be honest. Here’s what I really hate: It’s the same damn questions that I’ve been answering for the last three weeks.” Her voice dropped to a journalist’s slightly superior lilt. “‘What’s it like to work with Kevin Spacey?’ ‘Have you been seeing anyone since you broke up with de Giulio?’ ‘What is your next project?’ ‘What’s Jagged Cat about?’ ‘Who stars?’ Over and over and over again. Dot, can’t we just send them the clips?”
    Lymon’s lips twitched at the note of frustration. Hey, it was the modern reality. Back in the good old days actors didn’t have to globe-trot to build hype for a picture. Firms like his could consist of one to four guys and cover everything. Now people in his business had to be like a mini secret service, employing enough coverage to ensure a client’s protection around the globe.
    The elevator dinged, and Lymon positioned himself. As the doors opened, he blocked Sheela’s body with his own until satisfied that the cage was empty. He held the door as they entered and placed himself to repulse anyone who might try to slip in at the last instant. Only then did he press the button for the first floor.
    â€œZemeckis is throwing a party Friday night,” Sheela reminded. “It would be good exposure for us. Universal and Dream Works are going to be there.”
    â€œRex knows that” Dot frowned. “Look, we can do both. I’ll talk to the producer at CNN, see if they can tape early. That means we fly in, shuttle to CNN Plaza, shoot the piece, and have you on the plane back to LA. Weather, CNN personnel, and the FAA permitting, you’re at Zemeckis’ by seven. Eight at the latest.” She turned to Lymon. “Can you do that? Find us a jet back to LA on such short notice?”

    â€œNo problem,” Lymon answered, mentally noting that he’d be on the phone to the Am-Ex Centurion travel service while Sheela was on camera.
    The elevator slowed, settled, and stopped. Lymon was ready when the door opened and stepped out in a blocking stance. The hall was clear. He gave the briefest of nods and stepped in slightly behind Sheela’s left shoulder as she started toward the door. The hallway wasn’t long, no more than forty feet to the fire exit. He nodded at the security camera over the door. Hotel security had been notified of their route and supposedly were watching.
    Past that last metal door, he had fifteen feet to the curb, and Paul would have the limo door unlocked for him to open.
    â€œWe’re in the hallway,” Lymon said into the sleeve mike.
    â€œ Roger ,” Paul returned. “ Sidewalk’s clear. No visible threats.”
    Routine.
    The word had no more than formed in Lymon’s head when a door opened to the right. A man stepped out.
    Instinct led Lymon to take a half-step forward. In that brief moment he took the guy’s measure: medium height, dark complexion, Middle Eastern or maybe Mexican, muscular and clean-shaven. The guy was dressed in the hotel’s bell stand uniform. He was holding something in each hand that Lymon