The Hunted Assassin Read Online Free PDF Page B

everything about him, where he worked—where he lived. Have I gotten sloppy? he wondered.
    At level fifteen, Jaxon slowed his pace and inched up to the access door. Silently, he twisted the handle and pulled the door open an inch. Sector 15 was virtually identical to his own habitation level, and it was equally quiet. He re-latched the door and leaned into the center of the stairwell and listened intently. He tried to hear if there were any other footsteps on the stairway in either direction.
    Silence.
    He decided to go up two more levels, then he could reenter the streets of the station, and hopefully gain access to a lift that would take him to the promenade.
    Nearing the limits of his exertion, Jaxon arrived at level thirteen, stepped out, and came face-to-face with one of the most beautiful women that he’d ever seen.
    “Hi there, handsome. And you looking for a good time?” the voluptuous auburn-haired woman asked, wasting no time on pleasantries.
    Realizing that he’d emerged in the entertainment district, which was known for its adulterous ways, he declined politely.
    “Perhaps another time,” he said, stepping around her, truly hating life right then.
    “You don’t know what you’re missing,” she hollered after him but refused to give up her position near the stairwell.
    Jaxon slowly maneuvered through the crowd of scantily clad women and potential buyers until he caught sight of the elevator. He quickly changed direction and headed straight for it. As he did so, he inadvertently bumped into another prostitute.
    “Pardon me,” he said as he stepped around her and continued on his path.
    “It’s all right, I was only borrowing this particular spot until you came by,” she said, sarcastically.
    “Excuse me?” Jaxon asked, not sure he understood her.
    “No, no. You appear to be in a hurry, and I don’t want to take any more of your time, as it looks like you are in search of a friend,” she said, again causing bewilderment to overcome Jaxon.
    He stopped in his tracks and turned to face her fully. Jaxon wasn’t ashamed to admit that he had frequented the entertainment district a number of times over the years, and each visit meant nothing to him except for the release. Human nature demanded it, and who was he to question that? But, through all those visits, he’d never encountered a creature such as this.
    “Sorry, what did you say?” he asked.
    “I said that you appeared to be looking for a friend and were in a rush. Are you so sure that your friend isn’t right here in front of you?” she asked.
    Jaxon contemplated her words. Her approach was definitely worthy of consideration, but his time was limited. Just as he was about to reject her, something flashed in his mind. Something about what she said. Was he looking for a friend?
    “No? I guess I’m not the friend you’re looking for,” she said as she began to turn walk away.
    Another great tactic on her part. Playing hard to get.
    “As a matter of fact, I am looking for a friend,” Jaxon said, realizing that she would be the perfect cover for him. The assassins were clearly looking for a single man and not a couple. He would just need her companionship until he got to the space dock.
    She froze and turned her purposeful pouty face in his direction. “I don’t know.” She paused. “How do I know you’re not just saying that to get me in the sack?”
    “Well, that’s a chance you’re gonna have to take. I was thinking of taking a trip up to the promenade for an hour or so. Interested?” Jaxon asked.
    A look of confusion crossed her face. “So, you really don’t want to get me in the sack? You do know what this place is, right?”
    “Oh, yes. I know. It’s just that, first, I want to take in a little of the festivities, and I would like to have you as my friend and companion for the next hour. After that, I’m game for whatever you have to offer.”
    She moved intimately closer to Jaxon and slipped her arm through his. “It