The Hit Read Online Free PDF Page A

been trim but had become thick around the middle. His hair was thinning rapidly and his face bore extensive sun damage. Not unusual for a man who had started out in the Navy, where an overabundance of wind, sun, and salt was an occupational hazard. He was as tall as Robie, but seemed larger still.
    He glanced at Blue Man, who nodded back deferentially.
    Gelder fell into a chair opposite Robie, sat back, unbuttoned his off-the-rack suit, and slid a hand through his graying hair. He cleared his throat and said, “Have you been brought up to speed?”
    “For the most part,” said Robie.
    He had never been in Gelder’s presence before. He didn’t feel intimidated, only curious. Robie never felt intimidated by anyoneunless the person had gotten the drop on him with a weapon. And that almost never happened.
    “Jessica Reel,” said Gelder. “Shitstorm.”
    “I’ve told what I know about her. And it’s not much.”
    Gelder picked at a bit of jagged nail on his right thumb. Robie noted that the other nails were bitten down to the quick. Not a comforting feeling since he was the number two intelligence man in the country. But Robie knew the man had a lot to worry about. The world was one catalyst away from blowing up.
    Gelder had risen to lieutenant commander in the Navy before transferring over to the spy side. It had been a springboard for a fast-rising career, culminating in his current position. It was widely known that he could have had the number one slot but didn’t want it. He liked to do things, but kissing Congress’s ass was not one of them.
    “We have to get her,” said Gelder. “Alive or dead. Alive, preferably, so we can find out what the hell happened.”
    “I can see that,” said Robie. “I’m sure you have a plan to do just that.”
    Blue Man looked at Gelder. Gelder glanced up at Robie.
    “Well, actually,
you’re
the plan, Robie,” said Gelder.
    Robie did not look at Blue Man, though he could feel the man’s gaze now on him. “You want me to go after Reel?” he said slowly. This scenario had never occurred to him and he suddenly wondered why not.
    Gelder nodded.
    “I’m not a detective,” said Robie. “That’s not my strength.”
    Blue Man looked at him. “I would disagree with you on that point, Robie.”
    “But regardless, send a killer to find a killer,” said Gelder simply.
    “You have lots of them on the payroll,” Robie replied.
    Gelder stopped picking his nail. “You come highly recommended.”
    “Why? Because of what happened recently?”
    “We would be derelict in our duties if we ignored that,” said Gelder. “You’re just coming off an assignment. I think you can be better deployed tracking down Reel.”
    “Do I have a choice?”
    Gelder stared across at him. “Is there a problem?”
    “Despite what you said, I don’t think I’m the right man for the job.”
    In answer Gelder slipped a small square electronic tablet from his inside jacket pocket. He scrolled down some screens, reading as he did so.
    “Well, let me give you some ‘specifics’ as to why you are the right man for the job. You graded first in your class with record marks. Two years later Jessica Reel was first in her class with a score that would have been a record but for yours.”
    “Yes, but—” Robie began, but Gelder put up a hand.
    “In a practice scenario you were the only one to track her down and capture her.”
    “That was a long time ago. And it wasn’t the real thing.”
    “And finally, you saved her life once.”
    “Why does that matter?” asked Robie.
    “It might make her hesitate for a second, Robie. And that should be all you need.” He added, “Not that I was required to provide an explanation for you to follow a
direct order
, but there you are. Consider it a gift under extraordinary circumstances.”
    He rose and glanced at Blue Man. “Keep me informed.” He looked back at Robie. “As always, failure is not an option, Robie.”
    “And if I do fail I better die