Read Cloud Dust: RD-1 for Free Online

shooter and is giving us the usual bluster about our
defective security, but the Secretary of State pointed out that his security
let the Ambassador get away from the Embassy in the first place. We're having a
small, cold war at the moment, but we'll find out who that bastard was and
we'll have the Russians by the balls. Your theory is looking pretty sound from
where I'm sitting. You say she stopped you and asked about the shooter right
away?"
    "She sure did, Madam President. General Safer can't get
over it, either."
    "Keep me informed. This could turn out better than we
thought."
    "Yes, Madam President. It sure could."
    * * *
    "You know she won't say anything. She never talks about
it." Shaw met me for dinner, as requested. "You're telling me she
went right to the guy, without even sizing anybody else up?"
    "The minute she saw him, she stopped me. Safer knew
something was up, so he stopped, too. The guy knew he was made, so he stood and
pulled his weapon."
    "If he were involved with something deeper, he knew he
had to die before we arrested him," Shaw agreed around a mouthful of
steak.
    "Nobody has anything on this guy. He's a spook."
    "No money trail?"
    "None to follow. Not yet, anyway. Picture's sent
everywhere. Nobody knows him."
    "Did Maye walk right past him and not pick anything
up?"
    "That's what I hear."
    "It may be a good thing he's dead, then."
    "We all worry about that—that somebody knows. So far,
we've been safe."
    "I worry about what will happen if ninety-five families
find out their relatives didn't die in combat."
    "We had nothing to do with that, and you know it. Those
were volunteers. The life insurance payouts given to the families weren't
refused, either."
    "No comment."
    * * *
    Corinne
    Waking up in the afternoon after sleeping all day after
staying up most of the night before always leaves me groggy and nauseated. I
wouldn't have awakened when I did if there hadn't been a knock on my door.
    Shuffling toward my front door and silently cursing whoever
stood on the other side, I peered through my peephole to see who it was.
    Colonel August Hunter. He didn't look happy.
    "Who pissed in your Post Toasties?" I asked when I opened
the door.
    "I don't eat Post Toasties."
    "Shredded Wheat?" I asked innocently.
    "This isn't about breakfast cereal."
    "Then come in and tell me what it is about," I waved
him in. Yes, I was dressed in pajamas and a robe, which wasn't exactly military
issue. Colonel Hunter ignored my dress and walked inside my suite.
    "I just got word," he began, "While I was
downstairs having a late lunch with Doctor Shaw."
    "What word is that?" I asked.
    "That we'll be getting a new resident soon," August
muttered.
    "Great. Didn't I tell you that? I thought I told you
that," I said trying to comb fingers through my hair. It likely looked as
if birds had nested in it. Condors, maybe. I didn't have a mirror to check.
    "Corinne, will you stop and listen for a minute?"
    "I'm listening."
    "They want to put him in the suite next to yours, because
he likes to cook. You'll be sharing your kitchen with him, looks like, since
it's the only one available to a resident. They'll install a connecting door in
the next few days, and they'll put up something sturdier between your living
space and the kitchen, so you can lock yourself in. The kitchen is the only
thing you're expected to share."
    "No. That's not acceptable," I snapped, immediately
angry. "It's one thing to be hauled here without being given a choice in
the matter. It's something else to share any space with one of the others. You
know how they all feel about me." I tossed up a hand, as if that might
make a difference.
    "Corinne, the decision wasn't mine to make. I objected
when I heard, but that didn't sway the ones in charge."
    "So they don't even know how things will turn out with
him and already he's getting perks? Typical," I huffed. "When have
they ever given me perks? Want to answer that?" I rounded on August, as if
he could wave a hand and make