Murder Inc.: A Sci-fi Thriller: Book 1 Read Online Free PDF Page B

she would get her Taekwondo training back on track, and find out how to progress her career at work. Perhaps she’d pursue the job advertisement her boss, Charlie, had told her about the week before. Tabby had dismissed it at the time, but maybe she should reconsider, make it part of the overall change. She loved working for Charlie, but her career had stalled. Tabitha had deferred an economics degree in favor of getting her hands dirty in the real world, a decision her father had supported. She had flown through several low-paying administration roles, handling reception desks, then accounts payable—all junior level finance positions used to gather a better understanding of what her father called roots finance. She had enjoyed the interaction, even if the processes were mundane. Her father had pointed out the job at Janefield Investments—the next logical step in her career advancement. She had interviewed with a low expectation, but the man who interviewed her—Mr. Fox—who she now knew was the CEO, had seemed impressed, and the role was offered to her the following morning. Not the highest salary she expected to earn in her career, but decent nonetheless.
    The water stopped. Tabby felt the rush of cold air, wishing the water would run for longer just one time. She knew the rations were critical for consumption levels, and shouldn’t complain. Many had it much worse, with no water for bathing at all. The company she worked for owned the complex and had negotiated a special deal for greater water rations than the average citizen.
    She pressed a button on the wall and a rush of warm air cascaded over her. In thirty seconds, her hair and skin were dry. She dressed then returned to the bathroom with Stella, the ‘Bot, who began applying her make-up. When Stella had finished, Tabby checked the job out of habit, and lingered on her reflection a moment, an action she always tried to avoid. People spoke of her looks, but the attention unsettled her. Perhaps it was the lack of it from the boys through high school that had left her convinced she was nothing special.
    She was of average height—closer to six feet than five, with a moderate build that showed she always had enough to eat. Large, blue eyes spaced wide across her face, and pointed features were things of which she would never grow fond. It was the proportions that drew attention; everything was balanced, just the right size to make her face come together with an alluring prettiness, even if Tabitha couldn’t recognize it. She loved her hair though, spilling down over her right collarbone in thick, yellow waves. For the first time though, Tabitha noticed age catching up to her features. The first traces of lines appeared between her eyebrows and on her forehead. Her cheeks had lost some of the firmness they once had, and the slightest sagginess appeared beneath her eyes.
    She left the bathroom, passed through her bedroom and into the hallway, where a frameless, 2-D photograph of her mother hung on the wall. Tabby had fading memories of the woman: her mother pushing her on the swings at the park as a toddler. Buying ice-creams on a summer night at the Coney Island fair. They were pleasant recollections, leaving mixed feelings of warmth and sadness, but there were too few of them. Part of her drive to do more with her life was honoring her mother’s memory, and knowing if she were alive, she’d be proud of Tabitha’s achievements.
    In the kitchen—a plain, circular room with a bench in the middle, leading to a sitting area—Tabby found Stella waiting for her command.
    “Coffee, Tabitha?” the ‘Bot asked in a soft, pleasant voice. As soon as Scott left, Tabby had changed Stella’s voice from that of a brash young male to a well-spoken British woman. There were more than fifty styles to choose from in the model.
    “Yes, please, Stell. You’re a life saver.”
    As the ‘Bot collected and prepared the coffee, a flashing screen on the digital wall organizer