The Gauntlet Assassin Read Online Free PDF Page B

your only warning. If you violate another rule, you’re out.”
    “I’m sorry. Thank you.” Kirsten closed her eyes in relief.
    Minda turned to Lara. “The rules concerning weapons are less clear. You can’t bring a weapon into the arena, but federal law allows you to carry one in public as long as you’re licensed. However, I want the Taser to remain with me during the competition.”
    Lara knew she should simply set the stun gun on the table and let it go, but she couldn’t. She’d been beaten and sexually assaulted as a college student in Seattle. She’d fought back and saved herself from a full rape, but the trauma had triggered her obsession with self-defense skills. Later as a detective, a police sergeant under investigation had viciously attacked her, and once on an emergency call, a man had charged her with a knife. Her Taser had saved her.
    Then the laws changed and people started carrying guns and using them more freely. Distrust and the need to be prepared were part of her DNA now. She would rather walk around naked than be without a weapon.
    Finally, Lara said, “I prefer to keep it with me.” She counted on the director not being willing to attract negative publicity over the issue.
    Minda glared and pressed her red lips together. Lara had second thoughts. The director could sabotage her in the competition in so many ways. Then Lara remembered she had the commissioner on her side.
    “I’m sorry, but I won’t be able to sleep without it. I have PTSD from my last year as a homicide detective.” Lara hated to pull the sympathy card, but she needed both the security of her weapons and the director’s goodwill. She was glad Minda didn’t know about the Kel-Tec.
    “I’m not willing to make an issue of it then.” Minda’s left eye twitched. “I’d rather the other contestants don’t know that you have the stun gun.”
    “Trust me, I don’t plan to share.” Lara didn’t want to make the situation worse, but she had to know. “Are there cameras in the bedrooms or bathroom?”
    “Of course not.” Minda looked offended. “Our coverage is family-oriented. And, since you obviously didn’t read the guidelines, I’ll remind you that the cameras in the hotel-room sitting areas shut off at eight.”
    Kirsten suddenly spoke up. “I’m not sure Lara and I are compatible. Would you consider reassigning me?”
    “No. Your personal conflict is good for ratings. The difference in your ages and physical appearance adds to the tension. Not only will you share a room, I’d like you to keep the conflict going throughout the competition.” Minda raised her tattooed eyebrows. “It’s in your best interest, if you know what I mean.”
    Back in her room, Lara sent a message to the only number she had for the employment commissioner, the one he’d used to summon a freelance paramedic. She hoped it was his personal iCom or would route to it. Her text said simply: I may need your help. I’m on Minda Walters’ shit list already.

Chapter 5
    Seven and a half months earlier: Sat., Oct. 29
    Paul picked at his microwave dinner as he watched a game show on his Dock. He’d been cutting calories since his first coffee date with Camille and he was down five pounds. He sucked in his stomach. The daily thirty crunches he’d added hadn’t done a thing for his abs though, so he decided to increase his effort to fifty. None of it changed his reality. He was alone on a Saturday evening, like every other weekend of his life.
    The day before, he’d finally worked up the nerve to send a text message to the employment commissioner, suggesting he consider Camille Waterson as one of his replacements on file. Morton had shot back a terse note, essentially telling him to mind his own business. Paul hadn’t told Camille about either message and didn’t plan to.
    He put the rest of his dinner on the floor for Lilly, but she wasn’t interested. His little white Lhasa-Poo was a picky eater but he didn’t mind. Sometimes