The Hunt for Pierre Jnr Read Free

precisely what Pete was counting on.
     
    There was, of course, no privacy possible in this building. Services offices were permanently under surveillance, as were all public areas, and refusing to reveal his business as he had done was one sure way of flagging himself for closer attention, thus the officer’s sneer.
     
    Behind him a younger man, straight of back, uniform buttoned and wired to regulation, opened a door and invited Pete through to a closed room. Baumer had a casual and confident manner, despite beginning an interview that had instant complications. They sat across an empty table, wondering about the other.
     
    People like Baumer were essential to Services. Without men and women who could relate to the public, resentment would quickly build against the institution. Pete suspected the Lieutenant had some of his mother’s empathy and might be able to sense that he had come in peace. Or so he hoped.
     
    ‘I am obliged to tell you this interview is being actively monitored.’
     
    ‘I understand. Thank you, Lieutenant Baumer.’
     
    The young man raised an eyebrow at the use of his name without any formal introduction. ‘We are having some trouble with your records, sir. Can you explain why this might be, and please begin by stating your name for the record.’
     
    ‘What’s in a name?’ Pete teased. The Lieutenant put on a professional not-amused expression, though Pete knew he was a little entertained by the answer. ‘I have many names.’
     
    ‘You are a Citizen?’
     
    ‘I have been.’
     
    ‘But one who won’t reveal his identity. You understand that I must treat you as a non-Citizen?’
     
    ‘Of course.’ Pete paused to read over Baumer’s mind; the Lieutenant was listening to the remote communications of his superiors while keeping his eyes locked onto Pete’s. He was being ordered to gather more information and advised that the status of the interview had been raised another level. ‘Before I begin, I have a request.’
     
    ‘A man with no clear identity does not have the rights of a Citizen, sir.’
     
    ‘It is a small request, in light of the fact that I have come to you of my own free will, am not hostile and, if required, will freely accept any restraints you deem necessary. I also understand that any rights I have as a Citizen will be revoked once I reveal myself.’
     
    ‘This interview has been regraded.’ Baumer repeated the words as if wired straight to his lips. This meant more people were watching the interview. Underneath he was becoming worried and was pondering the need to order a facility lockdown. ‘You are offering yourself into custody? For what crimes?’
     
    ‘No crimes.’ Pete swallowed. ‘I have committed no harmful acts. I am here to offer my services.’
     
    ‘What is your name, sir?’ the Lieutenant demanded.
     
    Pete for a moment didn’t answer. The small room suddenly felt smaller as it hermetically sealed itself and the air-conditioning closed off. They were preparing to gas him and the Lieutenant both; they were simply waiting for confirmation of their computed suspicions.
     
    ‘My name is Peter Lazarus, Citizen W4 3358Q AG210385 of Los Angeles.’ He heard the disapproving hiss of venting gas. ‘I have come to help in the hunt for —’ He looked at Baumer’s alarmed and rapidly drooping eyes. His voice became wet, lips nearly too heavy to release the words, ‘Pierre Jnr.’
     
    The Lieutenant slumped in his chair as if his soul had oozed out through his feet. Pete imagined he must look the same before his head fell back and he passed out.
     
    ~ * ~
     
    Pierre stood on a stool to be measured and let the tailor waiting at his feet see the real him. He didn’t often reveal himself, instead keeping an image in watchers’ minds of a normal eight-year-old boy. It was what they expected to see, so it was quite easy for him to do. Now he stood bared, not naked by literal definitions, but naked for him, reflected in the tall