The Huntsman Read Online Free PDF Page A

to your extraordinary animal skills. If I had picked a more
compatible personality type, you’d be more comfortable, but one day you’ll be
Director. You need to learn what he knows.
    Nonetheless,
I did consider you. One does not learn from half-knowledge. It is not enough to
know what to do and how to be. You must also know what not to do and how not to
be. The comparative opposites provide perspective, the basis for all wisdom.”
    A
jealous twinge stabbed through Miranda. She could see his students sitting
quiet, attentive, their recorders whirring. She missed the daily interactions
with the former Director. He’d served as mentor and taskmaster while she weaned
Ben. He made her his second when she returned. Under his tutelage, she learned
more than in any lecture hall. “Well, it might please you to know that good man
of yours has me on loan to the CIA.” The silence gave her some satisfaction.
    “What,
what? What could the CIA possibly want with you? Wait, I’ll sit before you
knock me down again.” Miranda laughed.
    “Don’t
bother. I’m on a flight to Honolulu and about to reenter the atmosphere. The
signal will disconnect. I’m transmitting some photos and documents as well as
my notes to you. It includes a DNA report I think you’ll find interesting. This
Hawaii trip is in conjunction with the case. I’ll call you in the next day or
two, so do your homework.”
    Gary
laughed. He’d often commanded her to do the same. “I will, Miranda. Thanks for
calling. Aloha.”
    “Aloha,
professor.” No “Fasten Seat Belt” sign flashed. In zero-g the orbiter
automatically locked them.
     

CHAPTER
5   Curiouser and Curiouser
     
     
    Encumbered
only by immediate necessities, Miranda bypassed the typical baggage claim
anxiety for the terminal’s exit. Cross and Dawkins had accompanied her to the
Columbus ticket counter then wished her luck. “How will I know where to go when
I land?”
    “Someone
will be waiting for you and make contact.”
    “What
if the person contacting me is the maniac we’re pursuing? Don’t we have to
exchange passwords or something?” Dawkins smiled.
    “That
happens mostly in fiction and movies. The irony of our business is that without
a little faith, one can easily end up a paranoid schizophrenic. There’ll be
undercover assets throughout the terminal. No one will pick you up who’s not
supposed to.”
    “Will
we see each other again?”
    “Yes,
but first we have other leads to follow.”
    Curious
who awaited her, Miranda stepped through glass doors that swooshed open. All
about her, frenzied passengers rushed for departing flights, tired travelers
greeted excited family, anxious arrivals searched for taxis, casual shoppers
awaited connections, loudspeakers announced delays. She slowed then noticed the
tall, tan, fortyish, good-looking man strolling toward her. He wore khaki pants
and a blue open-necked, pullover sports shirt with matching blue, deck shoes.
Sunglasses perched atop his black curly hair conveyed a relaxed, island-chic image.
In comparison to the instantly forgettable Cross, he certainly fit the suave,
dashing, international spy ideal. Strong, white teeth smiled at her.
    “Dr.
Logan? Dr. Miranda Logan?” She smiled back.
    “Yes,
I am. How did you know?”
    “They
told me to look for a distinctive female emerging from Gate 11b. I thought a
beautiful, green-eyed, red-head fit the bill.” She shot him a look.
    “I’m
kidding. I saw a photo.” He extended a hand. “My name is Ben Wolford. Hi. May I
take your bag?” Miranda shook it and her head.
    “That’s
okay. It’s not heavy. You’re the second Ben I know.” A faux frown darkened his
face.
    “I
knew there had to be competition. Oh well. If you’ll follow me, we’ll be on our
way.”
    Miranda
didn’t like to set first impressions in concrete but the glib and too
self-assured Ben Wolford might have talked himself out of any chance. Long
accustomed to just showing up and smiling, he’d become