The Huntsman

by Rafael

  Miranda woke with a start. Opened eyes saw nothing, not even a hand close enough to press her nose. Heat. Penetrating, maddening heat stifled the air. Total darkness blinded her. A slow, oncoming dread dissolved the anger at having succumbed to sleep. She tried to swallow but it hurt. Screams and shouts had left her throat swollen and raspy. She waited. Naked skin began to crawl. At any moment the nightmare would resume.

  Time had a new criterion. The slot low on the door measured it. Four times it had opened without warning or sound. On a plastic tray a cup of water and a small paper bowl containing a thin, tasteless stew slid in. No utensils. The corner left of the door held the discarded refuse. Thirst had become a constant companion and hunger a cruel friend. They left her faint, weak, exhausted, prey to an induced sleep. She fought against it. Against an unconsciousness that left her vulnerable, defenseless. She never won.

  The stench from the right corner, piled with feces and urine, no longer registered. She’d tried chewing the bowl to soften it for use as a wipe. Her dehydrated state had stopped producing enough saliva.

  The wait ended. One crawled onto her toes and began exploring her foot. Another dropped from the ceiling. Miranda sighed, brushed them off and sat up. Arms wrapped around her legs, she pressed her face into her knees. Another then another fell into her hair. She felt them struggle to find purchase. More scurried onto her feet. Their tracks left trails of filth and germs. A struggle to close her mind against the reality began. I’m a trained zoologist, she thought. Roaches can’t hurt me. The thought became a chant.

  Whiskers and warm fur brushed against her labia. It bit. Endless screams refilled the dark.

  CHAPTER 21 Left Hanging

  Without any discretion, Nicholas Koh leered at Jasline’s cleavage. She leaned forward for the pepper, then gave two sharp shakes. Again she leaned forward to return it. In a world of men, it still amazed her two breasts could reduce them to idiocy. Despite their technology, evolution had not kept pace.

  A slow, gentle, late-afternoon rain tapped the canopy over their outdoor Clark Quay eatery. High tea remained a British legacy but Jasline eschewed pastries and scones for a small dim sum plate to accompany her chamomile. “C’mon Jasline. Rainy afternoons are perfect for sex. I’ve seen your boyfriends. It’ll be the best you ever had.”

  She raised a half-bite to her mouth and slowly let her lips cover it. Long inured to his clumsy jousting, she chewed with an expression that seemed to give his offer serious thought. She put down the fork, lifted her cup, and took on a rueful tone. “No. I have a rule against mixing business and pleasure.”

  “Then let’s end the business relationship right here.” She laughed.

  “I don’t think so, Nicholas. Then I’d have to have sex with you.”

  “Okay, we’ll keep it strictly business. A hundred thousand.” She clucked her tongue.

  “Order me a drink and don’t insult me.” Nicholas glanced toward the waiter who rushed over.”

  “Scotch and soda.” Nicholas didn’t wait for him to depart. “Talk of sex offends you?”

  “No. Your puny amount.”

  “I’ll double it. Two hundred thousand.” She rolled her eyes.

  “Give me a number then.”

  “Why? I know what I’m worth. I’m not about to go to bed with a man who doesn’t.”

  Nicholas sat back and eyed her. What number did she have in mind? A million? More? He had no intention of engaging in a bidding war against himself and he hadn’t risen to his level by overpaying. Nicholas didn’t like to lose. Had no experience with it. “Why’d you ask to meet me here?”

  “Oh, Nicholas. Don’t be disappointed.” She gave him her warmest smile. “Maybe next time.” His annoyance grew.

  “Why are we here, Jasline?”

  “On behalf of a client who asked me to convey some information to you.” She reached into her bag and withdrew a single page. “This is a subset list of cargo containers and their shipping codes from a Chinese freighter, the ChangLi41.”

  Nicholas scanned the page. An alarm began clamoring. He kept his tone flat and face impassive. “So?”

  “Singapore police might be curious why cargo that never cleared customs is in your possession.”

  Koh’s eyes narrowed. Ice chilled his words. “Be very careful, Jasline. Extortion is a dangerous business.”

  “Why, Nicholas. Isn’t that the business we’re in?”

  She held his gaze well aware the man who sat across could make her disappear. If they ever found her body it would have a knife in the throat and a bullet in the brain. “Anyway, this isn’t extortion. You have something he wants. He proposes a trade.”

  “And what does he think I have?”

  “A female named Miranda Logan. She must be a hell of a woman.” Nicholas knew the answer without asking.

  “Who is your client?”

  “I don’t normally reveal that but in this case he wanted me to. Janesh McKenzie.”

  “And your role is?”

  “I’m the intermediary. I understand you two would kill each other on sight. He gets the girl, you keep the cargo, everybody walks away.”

  “Do you know what the cargo is?” Jasline shrugged.

  “No idea. And I had the impression he didn’t either.”

  Nicholas remained calm though his anger boiled. He had no decision to make. The facts decided themselves. Round one went to McKenzie. A thousand Logans did not add up to one wormhole. The device was worth his entire empire. He could allow no chance the police might come sniffing around. He also couldn’t trust McKenzie didn’t have another copy he’d send to the police anyway. No, he had to move the device immediately. He also had to deal with the three physicists he’d lured away from Singapore University. They’d have to relocate to his research and testing facility in Malaysia. Now that they made triple their former salaries, he doubted they’d object.

  “There are a few complications to attend to. I’ll need some time to arrange the trade.” Koh had to insure Janesh McKenzie never interfered with his plans again.

  “How much time?”

  “Two, three days.”

  “Seventy-two hours is reasonable. I’m sure my client will agree.”

  Jasline stood and leaned forward to buss his cheek. Sweet perfume filled the air and full breasts his vision. Her soft voice whispered, “You know how to reach me. Don’t drive yourself crazy watching my ass.” Confident he would, she allowed her hips an extra sway.

  Nicholas looked away and thumbed his communicator. “Boss, you need to get back here right away. There’s a big problem on the 32nd floor where you built the lab for those physics guys.”

  “What’s the problem, why didn’t you call me?”

  “You said you didn’t want to be disturbed. You need to come see for yourself.”

  Koh’s voice hissed menace. “Calm down and listen to me. Tell me exactly what the problem is.”

  “The professors. Someone tore their arms off. They’re hanging from a wall by their faces.”

  * * *

  Nicholas felt disconnected, at war with himself. Rage and dread fought one another for emotional control. His mind floated, untethered from reality. McKenzie had raised their long-standing feud to a new level. Shocked by the sheer violence of it, nothing else explained the ghastly sight before him.

  Koh switched focus to the surrounding laboratory. Except for huge pools of blood where the dismemberments must have occurred, its pristine state appeared undisturbed, the equipment intact. Perhaps goaded by the Cambridge affair, his arch rival had sent a clear message. Hurt her and I’ll hurt you where it hurts most. Still, McKenzie had never before descended to such depravity. It shook Nicholas. The Mahān Śikārī had waltzed into the heart of his headquarters, murdered three men charged with unlocking the secrets of his most valuable asset, then waltzed back out with impunity.

  Nicholas inhaled a sharp breath. All while distracted by Jasline Wong’s guiles. Well, he would repay her treachery but first he had to sa
feguard the wormhole device. It occurred to him he might be acting as McKenzie wanted but for now he had no choice. The equipment could not remain here. He thumbed his communicator. It rang once. Jithu Ong answered.

  “Yes, Mr. Koh.”

  “I’m on the 32nd floor. I have three opened packages that need removal. Their contents left a mess. Once cleaned, the room’s equipment must be moved. I’ll let you know where.”

  “I understand.” Nicholas thumbed off. Comfort washed over him. Though somewhat bloodless, Wei and Feng’s successor had proved more than able. But it had always been so. The world never stopped for death. It simply moved the living forward on the conveyor belt.

  Nicholas turned and exited the lab. Outside the five top security heads he’d summoned waited. “I want your resignations on my desk within the half-hour. Your confidentiality clauses remain in effect but if word of this leaks in any way, legal jeopardy will be the least of your concerns.”

  He turned on his heel and headed for the elevator bank. One more detail remained. He had to know what Janesh McKenzie knew. His woman would know.

  CHAPTER 22 Phoenix Rising

  The light evoked a familiar but distant memory. Miranda stared, mesmerized by its sparkle and shine. Then it burned her eyes. She flinched and cowered, turned her back to its glare. Tears leaked through squeezed eyelids. Another familiar sensation seeped into her consciousness. Cool water gurgled from a hose, splashed over her head and body. Thought processes shut down as the liquid cleansed to her very soul. She opened her mouth and drank through sodden hair until a rough hand covered it. “Enough. Too much right now will sicken you.”

  Without toweling, a blanket descended over her. The darkened interior allowed a peek to the tiled floor. Her feet plopped as water dripped and eyes readjusted. Her brain formed no coherent thoughts. The hand on her arm guided a blank automaton along the hallway. Memories formed and faded as doors opened or closed. She felt neither relieved nor expectant when the hand guided her to a wooden chair and left the room.

  Minutes passed before the sound she heard reconnected shattered neurons and severed memories. The rhythmic slap, slap of flesh against flesh accompanied muffled groans and whimpers. Covered with one blanket edge, she lifted another and held it to shade her eyes. She looked about and found herself at one end of a long conference table. At the other, a beautiful Asian girl lay bent over the table, nude from the waist down. She had a mouth taped shut and hands tied behind her. Eyes widened in fear, also reflected impotent rage. She strained and struggled but with painful upward tugs of her arms, the man behind her kept her in place. Thrust after thrust pounded into the helpless woman. Face distorted by pleasure and effort, he paused long enough to gaze toward Miranda. He gave her a smile his cold, dead eyes gave no warmth to. As if embarrassed by her prurient intrusion, Miranda lowered the blanket. After a time, the sounds stopped.

  Footsteps neared. Still catatonic, Miranda made no attempt to cover herself when the rapist snatched the blanket away. He reared back and slapped her so hard she flew from the chair, landing on the floor with a hard bounce. Dizzy and dazed, Miranda struggled to orient herself. She felt her face redden with heat and swell with pain. The man leaned down, yanked her by the hair, and slammed her back on the chair. Woozy, she again fell off and banged her head. Again he grabbed a fistful of hair before jamming her into a sitting position.

  “Hello, Miranda. My name is Nicholas Koh. I’m going to ask you some questions. That’s just a sample of what will happen if you lie to me. Watch what will happen if you continue to lie to me.”

  From behind her a giant of a man stepped forward to walk the length of the table. The woman thrust herself up, tripped over a chair, then struggled to regain her footing. Cheeks puffed hard against the tape as the survival instinct demanded oxygen to fuel escape. Fear. Stark, palpable fear blazed from her eyes. With unexpected agility, the giant closed the distance. Huge, meaty hands closed around her neck. Her face reddened and swelled, her body writhed and kicked.

  Miranda’s torpor-laden eyes watched without interest or care. She felt disconnected from the reality playing out before her. Unable to comprehend, her fog-addled mind ignored the dim alarm clanging deep within.

  The giant’s hands squeezed. Movement slowed then died. Seconds later, eyes bulging in horror, so did Jasline.

  Instinct screamed at her adrenal glands. Electricity sparked deadened neurons. Her vision cleared and reflexes reignited. Lethargy dissolved. She bent to retrieve the blanket but Nicholas reached it first. He gently draped it around her shoulders. Closed it to restore propriety. A knock on the door took him from sight but he returned with a tray to take the adjoining seat. Koh removed a glass of orange juice and placed it before her. “Take slow sips.” While she obeyed, he spooned soup to cool the steam wisps. Still half-filled, he slid the orange juice away, placed a napkin then the bowl before her. As she reached for the spoon, he brushed away a long tress.

  Miranda stared at the meaty soup, briefly considered throwing it in his face. Hunger. Raw, primordial hunger wrenched away her will. Survival overpowered any interference to eating. After the first mouthful, composure disintegrated. She tried to wolf down the remainder. His hand closed over her wrist. “Slow down. Your stomach can’t yet handle a rush of food.” Beneath his grip, her flesh crawled. Disgust crept up her arm. When he released her, she willed herself to comply.

  “Are you Janesh McKenzie’s woman?” Brow furrowed, she paused her eating, gave him a blank look. Like a tidal wave, memories flooded her thoughts. She remembered the events aboard the ChangLi. A sharp inhale swelled her lungs.

  “Janesh? Is he okay? Is he alive?” Nicholas frowned.

  “I assure you, he’s quite hale.”

  For the first time she acknowledged a truth the question asked for. Peace descended across her shoulders. Self-control took tentative steps. Her voice low, flat, emotionless, she locked eyes with Koh.

  “Yes. I am his woman.” Koh flashed brief annoyance. She took another mouthful.

  “What do you and McKenzie know about the equipment in the cargo containers?”

  “The scientific equipment?” He nodded. She shrugged.

  “Nothing. That’s why we searched for it. We thought it would explain why Joshua Ang died or what he used it for.” Again Nicholas nodded. Her quick, natural response could not be contrived. Another spoonful disappeared.

  “What is the CIA’s involvement in all this?”

  “Without Joshua Ang knowing it, they sponsored his research. They feared a foreign agent had compromised him and forced the invoice falsification.”

  “Why did the CIA involve you? You’re not in the business so to speak.”

  “The agency found indication of an animal’s presence at the scene. They wanted me to confirm or deny it.” Thus far I’ve found the evidence inconclusive.”

  Nicholas pondered the information. With Miranda not mentioning the method of death, he connected it to nothing, not even the three physicists. It had to be a dead end. “Why is McKenzie involved?”

  “He’s a trained field biologist and a hunter. A professor we have in common thought his assistance might be helpful.” Koh mulled over the response. He marveled at the intricate serendipity that had brought the Mahān Śikārī once again into his life—and this woman. Nicholas shifted his gaze toward Miranda as she finished the soup and reached for the orange juice. He placed a hand on her shoulder, caressed it.

  “You see. There’s no reason why you and I can’t have a perfectly civilized relationship.” He leaned closer, lowered his voice. “We can talk, exchange. I can do so much for you. I can place the world at your feet. I can fulfill your every whim and desire.”

  Miranda looked toward the crumpled corpse. She reflected on a previous life in which violence had played no part. Indeed, its portrayal repulsed her. She had possessed open, compassionate views on crime and its punishment. She lauded rehabilitation and humane imprisonment. Miranda turned toward her jailer. She embraced the emoti
on that welled within.

  “You should have no illusions about your future, Mr. Koh.” He stiffened.

  “And why is that?”

  “Janesh McKenzie is going to kill you.”

  CHAPTER 23 Three Part Harmony

  From all sides time pressed upon Nicholas. It had shredded his seventy-two hour window but he hadn’t been idle. Back against the wall, he once again had done good work. He stared out the window where the lights of Kluang, Malaysia had begun to glow as his helicopter skirted its southern boundaries and maneuvered for final approach. A disdainful grunt escaped his lips. The effort hadn’t come cheap. A ten million dollar endowment to the Malaysian Association of Theoretical and Applied Physics paved the way for the four professors on board. He turned toward its President.

  “We’ll be landing in just a few minutes, Professor. We’re coming up on the estate now but if you look to the clearing beyond the forest here you can see the lights of the research facility. It’s a ten minute ride away. For tonight you’ll be my guests. Every accommodation and convenience will be made available to you and your associates. I again apologize for the hurried arrangements but time is of the essence. I do appreciate the courtesy you and your team have extended me. I do not expect you’ll be gone more than a week and rest assured your services will be well compensated.”

  “It is our pleasure, Mr. Koh. Your generosity will permit the Association to better serve Malaysia. It’s the least we can do.”

  “The pleasure is mine, Professor. I have some business matters requiring my attention but I will join you for dinner.”

  The helicopter circled the property once before executing a smooth descent onto the helipad between the tennis courts and swimming pool. Once the Chief Steward’s staff, with hotel-like courtesy and service, carted the physicists to the estate’s guest wing, Nicholas turned with his Security Chief toward the main house.