Spiral Read Online Free PDF Page A

leather chair.
    ‘I hate Scotland,’ she said.
    ‘It’s where I was brought up,’ said Carter softly. He drained the glass in one. ‘Where I was born. It has character and strength and solitude. Sure you won’t try some wine, you bad-tempered little temptress?’
    ‘Maybe a whisky.’
    As Carter found the Lagavulin decanter and poured two generous measures, he watched Natasha’s slim and athletic form. He licked his lips and thought back to better times - long nights and longer days, making love on this very floor, laughing, talking, drinking...
    He handed her the glass. She ran a hand through her short black snow-damp hair, leaving it spiked - the way that he knew she knew he liked it. He smiled in anticipation, downed the single malt and threw the crystal glass into the fire where it shattered; for a moment the flames grew bright.
    ‘You always were over-dramatic,’ said Natasha sombrely, staring down into her whisky. She had moved to sit in front of the fire and she twirled her glass gently, seemingly lost in thought.
    ‘What do you want?’ he said finally when he realised that she would not break the silence without prompting.
    Flames crackled for a while and Carter wondered if she had heard him.
    ‘How do you know I want anything?’
    ‘It’s been over a year,’ sighed Carter. ‘You still working for that slave-driver Spiral?’
    ‘Of course. Our role grows more important with every passing day.’ She smiled softly. ‘We have a job for you.’ ‘Ah.’ Carter sighed, climbed to his feet and walked to stand in front of the window. The snow was falling thick and fast and he could see, dim through the swirling flakes, the lofty peaks of Ben Macdui, blue-grey and sheer -exhilarating. The wind howled in the distance and Carter shivered, despite the fire’s heat in the room. He felt a twinge of disappointment that he could not see the frozen lake.
    ‘Is it a solo, or a joint assignment with a DemolSquad?’
    ‘Solo. A protection issue.’
    ‘I am finished with Spiral,’ Carter whispered softly, turning and watching Natasha through heavy half-lowered eyelids - internal movie screens flashing images of events he would rather forget, nightmares he would rather not relive. She stood, a fluid and graceful action, and moved to him, draped her arms across his shoulders and ducked a little, looked up into his eyes.
    ‘I know you’ve turned down the last four gigs - as with all Spiral jobs that is your prerogative. But this has come from the top. Real important.’
    ‘It always is,’ said Carter bitterly.
    ‘Things are getting worse,’ whispered Natasha. ‘The world is changing, Carter, and you’re fucking hiding up here ...’
    She tailed off as she saw the look on his face and cursed herself inwardly. That had been unfair; Carter was good. No, he was the best. And after the Battle of Cairo7 ... he had the right to live and rest any way he pleased ...
    Natasha took a deep breath.
    ‘Look, I want you to do this,’ she said. She moved forward slowly. Her lips touched his and he allowed her to kiss him for a few moments. Her breath was sweet, her lips soft and inviting.
    ‘Why?’
    ‘I empathise with this girl’s situation. She is young, alone, afraid. And you are the best, Carter.’
    ‘Bull - shit.’ He kissed her again, anyway, tasting Lagavulin on her lips. When he pulled away, he was frowning. ‘What about Jax? Or Scott? Or Evoss?’
    There was a long pause. Natasha averted her gaze and looked over at the fire as though debating with herself. Carter caught a glimpse of something then, in her face, in her eyes. There was something that Natasha knew, a secret she did not wish to share.
    Carter smiled tightly and reached up, stroking her cheek. She turned back to him, licking her dry lips.
    ‘I recommended you, Carter,’ she said softly. ‘Don’t turn me down. Don’t let her down.’
    ‘Who is she? Why should I care?’
    ‘Maria Balashev. She’s nineteen. The niece of Count