Better to Beg Forgiveness Read Online Free PDF Page B

coming from," Jason groused. "Try that."

    The second bundle of gear came up on the cargo elevator and was delivered, which was far better than having to go back down for it. While unsorting that, Alex's phone beeped. He used no music, colorful auras, or other expressiveness because it was strictly a tool, and encrypted in several layers to keep it secure. He had his set to beep and tingle, so he'd be aware of it.

    "Marlow," he answered.

    "Alex, Massa here. How goes it?" a deep voice asked. Agent Massa was the District Agent for all RC contractors in the capital and surrounding areas, which pretty much meant this continent.

    "Good, sir. We just rolled in, got our basic gear. I'm going to ask again about more weapons."

    "Yeah, and then you'll ask again until I buy some out of pocket to shut you up. Feel free to acquire some. My hands are tied by the BuState assholes."

    "Understood, sir. Local purchase."

    "Yup. For cash. We'll cover you but don't know about it." At least with the Company, when they said, "we'll cover you," they actually meant it. That still meant the hassle of acquiring weapons they should have been able to bring. BuState was bent on this being a "low-key" operation.

    Bishwanath was a president. There would be nothing low key about guarding him, Alex feared.

    "Got it. I'm on-site and you can log me in. I'll send my updates when you ask."

    "Weekly will be fine unless I call. Good luck, Alex. Massa out."

    "Thank you, sir. Out."

    He had no sooner disconnected than it buzzed again. He answered.

    "Agent Marlow, this is Tech White," she said with a clear, perfectly modulated voice. "President Bishwanath is on his way up, and would like to meet all of you."

    "Of course," Alex said. "We're a bit grubby, though." Sooner or later, they had to find out if the President was a straight shooter, or a stick in the ass. Now was as good as any.

    "I'll forward that information. White out."

    "Marlow out."

    He turned to the others. "Head's up. The VIP is on his wa—" he was saying as there was a knock at the door frame, followed by it opening.

    Bishwanath came in.

    It was obvious who he was. No one else would be traipsing around the palace in a suit, surrounded by Recon soldiers with carbines and other lethal hardware.

    Without hesitation, they stood to attention.

    "Sir!" Alex said crisply. "A pleasure to meet you at last."

    "I rather think we are meeting at first," Bishwanath said, eyes twinkling behind his glasses. Glasses, not contacts, not surgically corrected. That's how far back this place was. "You would be Agent Marlow, and this would by Sykora, Weil, Vaughn, Anderson, and Mbuto?"

    Alex didn't raise his eyebrow, but was impressed. He'd taken the time to learn about his contract underlings. That spoke well of him and was definitely a hint as to why he'd been chosen for this. His English was English. Where had he gone to school? One of the Oxford colleges?

    "Correct, sir," he said, and shook the offered hand, then moved aside to allow the rest access.

    Over his shoulder, Bishwanath said, "Thank you, Captain Nugent, I appreciate your escort."

    "No problem, sir. We'll be around for backup whenever you travel, and on patrol in the palace at all times." The captain was in armor and field gear but with short sleeves. Still, full gear in the palace showed that the President wasn't a wimp, understood practicality, and was a gentleman who could handle any function.

    It also meant that large numbers of professionals felt that such garb was needed, despite large numbers of professionals. So the local security had to be just the shit.

    "Excellent."

    Ugly , Alex thought to a completely different conversation than the audible one.

    Nugent saluted Bishwanath, nodded to Alex, and left with his troops.

    "Agent Marlow," Bishwanath said as he turned back.

    "Mister President. How may I help you?"

    "Please sit, and get on with whatever tasks you have. Can I have some drinks brought? Ades? Fizzes?" He produced a