The Widowmaker: Volume 1 in the Widowmaker Trilogy Read Online Free PDF

cigar, “and I'm naturally curious about you. For example, I know that you didn't exist two months ago. How did you learn to speak the language so rapidly?"
    "You make me sound like a freak,” said Nighthawk, openly annoyed. “I'm a flesh-and-blood man, just like you."
    "No offense intended,” said Hernandez smoothly. “It's just that I will almost certainly never have the opportunity to speak to another clone. It is said that there are less than 500 of you in the galaxy. Your creation is outlawed on almost every world in the Oligarchy. We had to cash a lot of political IOUs to get you made.” He paused. “So it's only natural that I take advantage of the opportunity while you're here."
    Nighthawk stared coldly at him for a long moment, then forced himself to relax. “I was given intensive sleep therapy,” he replied at last.
    "I know we've made great strides in sleep therapy,” said Hernandez. “But I can't imagine anyone could master colloquial Terran that quickly. Did they perhaps start teaching it before you were ... ah ... fully formed?"
    "I don't know,” said Nighthawk.
    "Fascinating! Did they use the same means to teach you to use the physical attributes you so obviously possess?” A tiny bit of ash fell on the desk; Hernandez meticulously ran miniaturized vac over it.
    "I suppose so. I also worked out with Ito Kinoshita."
    "Kinoshita,” repeated Hernandez. “I've heard of him. A formidable man."
    "A friend,” said Nighthawk.
    "Far preferable to having him for an enemy,” agreed Hernandez.
    Nighthawk learned forward intently. “Now let me ask you a question."
    "Certainly,” replied Hernandez. He noticed that his cigar had gone out and lit it again.
    "Why me?” demanded Nighthawk. “You could have hired Kinoshita, or someone like him. Why did you spend all those IOUs and all that money for me ?"
    "I think the answer's obvious,” said Hernandez. “You are the greatest manhunter in the history of the Inner Frontier. Greater than Peacemaker MacDougal, greater than Sebastian Cain, greater than any of the legendary lawmen and bounty hunters.” He paused. “Winslow Trelaine was a good leader and a dear friend; he deserves to be avenged by the best."
    "I've done my homework, Colonel Hernandez,” said Nighthawk. “Winslow Trelaine was a dictator who grew fat at the public trough."
    Hernandez chuckled. “You sound as if you were contradicting me."
    "Wasn't I?"
    "Not at all,” said Hernandez. “Do you think only democratically-elected leaders can attain greatness? Let me suggest that how one reaches power has nothing to do with how one exercises it."
    "I think it does."
    "And well you should,” replied Hernandez. “You speak with the innocence and idealism of youth, and I can appreciate that."
    "I'm not that young."
    An amused smile crossed Hernandez’ face. “We'll discuss it again when you're a year old."
    "Are you trying to insult me?” asked Nighthawk, an ominous note in his voice.
    "Not at all,” Hernandez assured him. “I'm the reason you exist. Of all the men that I could have had, I chose to create you. Why would I insult you?"
    " You didn't create me."
    "Oh, I didn't take the skin scrapings and fill the test tubes and prepare the nutrient solutions or whatever it is they do, but you exist for one reason and one reason only: because I threatened some politicians, bribed others, and paid an inordinate amount of money to your legal representatives for the sole purpose of creating a young, healthy Jefferson Nighthawk to hunt down the assassin of Winslow Trelaine.” Hernandez stared at him. “Don't tell me they also gave you the Book of Genesis during your sleep therapy."
    Nighthawk stared at him but said nothing.
    Finally Hernandez shook his head. “We've obviously gotten off on the wrong foot. Perhaps we should talk about what you plan to do now that you're here."
    Nighthawk waited for the tension to flow out of his body. “I'll have that drink now,” he said at last.
    Hernandez