Read To Die Fur (A Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Mystery) for Free Online Page A

“braintalking” within “mindshot” of somebody who can “hear” you and that’s it, I’m done putting little quotes around every other word.
    Whiskey, go find her. Don’t bother coming back inside to report, just do it from the field if you can .
    [I shall.] He galloped off toward the zoo. I rushed back inside and sat back down.
    Dinner was delicious, but I was too preoccupied to enjoy it, all my attention focused on trying to pick up either Whiskey or Tango’s voice in my head. I heard nothing but my own worried thoughts.
    Ben had prepared duck in an orange sauce, with wild rice on the side and sautéed baby vegetables. There was crème brûlée for dessert, along with coffee or tea, and ZZ waited until all of us were finished before announcing that it was time to begin the presentations. “You’ll be going in random order,” she said. “I picked names out of a hat this afternoon. Rajiv, you’ll be going first.”
    Rajiv nodded. He pulled a smartphone out of his pocket and began tapping on the screen. “Just let me link to your system … ah. Very good.” All the wall-mounted flatscreens changed to a bright red, with a large corporate logo resembling an embossed gold coin in the center.
    “I represent a limited-liability company called Goldenwheel,” Rajiv said. “We are based in the state of Goa, which is per capita the most prosperous in all of India. Other than the state of Sikkim, it is the only area in the whole country where gambling is legal. Sikkim has a single casino, whereas Goa has twelve. Of these, five are aboard boats on the Mandovi River. We are planning to be the sixth.”
    “The thirteenth casino?” said Jaro Karst. “Good luck selling that. ”
    Rajiv scowled at him. “It is not a matter of luck. It is a matter of good planning. We have prepared extensively, purchasing and retrofitting a cruise ship in order to offer the maximum number of amenities.” He tapped his phone and the flatscreens shifted to a shot of an opulent casino. “As you can see, we have spared no expense. The tiger is a powerful symbol to my people, and a casino featuring a liger would be irresistible.”
    “I understand why you want him,” said ZZ. “Now tell me why you should have him.”
    Rajiv spread his hands expansively. “Is it not obvious? Augustus would be our most prized asset. As such, we would be fools not to take care the most scrupulous care of him. But do not take my word for it; study these plans and see for yourself.”
    The screens showed us concept drawings and blueprints. “The environment we have designed will be Paradise for him. We have incorporated a river, as opposed to a pool, which is self-cleaning and often a tiger’s preference. The tropical vegetation is lush and thick, the internal temperature and humidity precisely controlled. We have recorded sounds from both the African veldt and the Indian jungle to provide a naturalistic sonic environment. Augustus’s living quarters will take up an entire deck, with the upper half of the top deck removed to provide a maximum of sunlight.”
    “And viewing opportunities,” Karst murmured.
    “Yes, of course,” said Rajiv. “But Augustus will be almost entirely unaware of those watching him. The glass will be double-paned and vacuum-sealed—completely soundproof. It will also be one-way, lit so that Augustus will be visible but his admirers will not. He will be fed nothing but fresh meat, and his health will be scrutinized by a team of experienced and qualified veterinarians.”
    I could see ZZ considering it. Money is always a factor, and putting this much into keeping Augustus happy and healthy meant Rajiv’s bosses considered him a major investment. Major investments get protected.
    “Thank you, Rajiv,” ZZ said. “You make a good case, as far as practicality goes. But Augustus is more than just a commodity; he’s a living, breathing being. How does that figure into your calculations?”
    Rajiv was silent for a moment. I