Read Torn (Jay Gunner, #1) for Free Online Page B

and giggled. “I see what you mean. Well, what are you going to do about it?”
    I swooped to Amanda’s side and picked her up in muscular arms. My trips to the gym were paying off. As I headed for the bedroom with my precious cargo I remembered my gift. That could wait. As could dinner time. There were more important tasks to perform.
    Later that evening I gave Amanda the gold necklace. She turned her head and presented her neck. I brushed shining hair to the side, and then fastened the necklace. It was as lovely on her as I’d visualized at the gift shop. “I love you, Amanda Lee. I do.”
    “And I love you Jay Gunner. And always will. Now what will we do about it?”
    I said, “I don’t want to lose you. Not now, not ever. It’s my fear of changing the relationship that scares me. We get along well as we are. So many married couples start out great, and then end up divorced. Something seems to change. Love turns to disrespect, then hate. They end up despising each other.”
    Amanda looked concerned and said, “That’s true with some couples. Others make it work and their relationship only improves with time. They enjoy a wonderful life together. My parents are a good example. Their marriage is better than ever. They’ve supported each other for over 25 years. I believe we can do that. I’d like to see us try.”
    “Amanda, let me get beyond this deal I’m working on. Then, we’ll take a vacation and talk this completely out. I’m crazy about you. Over the past months I’ve come to realize that. I just need time to relax, clear my head and overcome fear. Fair enough?”
    “OK, Jay. Just remember, I won’t wait forever. I want to be an honest woman, have kids, and grow old with the man I love. And please. If you’re planning any sort of deal with Brian Andrews don’t do it. I have bad vibes about having anything to do with that man. Getting involved with him could ruin your career.”

9 – Ready
    I was a few minutes late arriving at the Lobby Bar. It’d been a hectic day with Yen gaining strength during Asian trading hours before heading my way as European markets opened. Brian sat at the same table in the same seat as our last meeting.
    He seemed to be in deep thought as he stared through the floor to ceiling windows. From his previous comments I knew he loved the views of the always bustling harbor. On the floor, a new Apple MacBook Pro laptop sat next to a briefcase.
    “Hello Brian. Sorry to keep you waiting. Been here long?”
    “I’ve just arrived. How’re you?”
    “I’m great. How about a gin and tonic? It’s warm today.”
    “Not for me, thanks. I’d rather keep this short and get down to business.” 
    “I understand. What do you have for me?”
    Brian said, “I brought you a computer along with a briefcase. In the briefcase you’ll find written instructions. My advice is to memorize them, then burn the documents.”
    “All right, I’ll do that. Are you sure about a drink?”
    “Jay, I must be getting paranoid. I haven’t gone public with my whistle-blowing, yet feel uncomfortable in public places. Rather than sit here and drink I’d rather just go. You should leave alone. In the instructions, you’ll see how we can stay in touch. Remember my interview with The South China Post reporter is tomorrow. I’m sure shit will hit the fan as soon as the paper runs the story.”
    “How will I know if your hacking is successful?”
    “Everything is in the instructions. It’s simple.”
    OK, then. Good luck to you.”
    “Thanks. And good luck with your trading.” Brian rose, shook hands, and without another word headed for the main exit.
    “Waiter, gin and tonic please.” I resisted the urge to open the briefcase and read the documents. Instead, I placed the computer in the briefcase, closed the latch, had one drink and headed home.
    I was glad Amanda was on an overnight flight to Beijing. I could read the documents in complete privacy. The instructions on receiving data were