Warden: A Novel Read Online Free PDF Page A

all four soldiers jumped in as well, dropping onto bench seats mounted to the thickly armored walls. The large door automatically swung closed behind them—latching with a loud clank—and then they sped off down the road. As the APC accelerated away, Tana looked out through the front window and saw people starting to come back out of hiding.
    “I was stupid enough to think you actually served the people,” she said angrily. “And now you’re snatching innocent citizens off the streets?”
    The Wardens ignored her and continued to stare straight ahead, saying nothing. Sri was also silent during the short ride, and Tana could see the fear set deep into her face. She was already convinced that she was going back to prison, and Tana had every reason to believe that she’d be joining Sri this time. One question still remained, though… Why? But when the APC finally slid to a halt and the door opened up again, Tana saw where they were and it all began to make sense.
    The Wardens hefted the pair up and pushed them outside, guiding them straight across the sidewalk and into the building. There wasn’t enough space for everyone in the small room so two of the Wardens remained outside.
    “You son of a bitch!” Tana yelled. “You sold me out.”
    Cobin was standing behind the counter, as usual, but this time he was not alone—the old fence was flanked by two men Tana had never seen before. She could tell by the insignia on his cloak that one of them was a high-ranking officer in the Wardens; the black armor underneath was a dead giveaway as well. But the other man wore civilian clothing, with no outward clues to his identity. He wasn’t stocky and imposing like the Warden, but he still bore himself like someone of great importance. The man’s strong voice reinforced the impression that he was someone to be taken seriously.
    “My name is Nedol Cedef,” he said. “Grand Editor of the Vade Mecum. And this, is Major Kline.”
    “You can release them now,” Kline directed his men. “And then wait outside with the others.”
    Tana rubbed her wrists as the restraints came off, and then she glowered at Cobin.
    “I didn’t turn you in,” he said defensively. “A few hours after I started asking around about the pistols the Wardens just showed up.”
    “So you are Tana Neng,” Cedef said. “Somehow, I thought you’d be larger…more formidable.”
    “Where are the police?” Tana asked him, already resigned to her fate. “And what’s with all the Wardens?”
    Tana knew the situation was bad…very bad. This much attention meant the guns belonged to someone really important. But the apartment she’d found them in wasn’t that nice.
    “Whose pistols were they?” Tana said.
    “They are mine,” Major Kline answered. “And I’m delighted to have them back.”
    “Oh shit,” Tana blurted out.
    She looked over at Sri and saw that she was on the verge of tears. And Tana knew why. They were both going away for a very, very long time. Stealing from a Collective pretender who kept ceremonial pistols as a keepsake was one thing, but taking them from a Warden was one of the highest crimes imaginable. During graduation from their exclusive academy, the Wardens were presented with actual firearms brought by the First Ones during the colonization—irreplaceable, historic treasures.
    “Those were real ?” Tana asked, incredulous.
    “Yes,” Major Kline answered, “they were. So now you understand just how bad this situation is for you?”
    “I do,” Tana replied somberly.
    “Excellent. Then you’ll also understand how magnanimous the offer I’m about to make is.”
    “Offer?” Tana said, unable to hide the surprise in her voice.
    “I’m still not convinced, Major,” Cedef interrupted. “Are you certain that she is the one?”
    “I am,” Kline replied confidently. “She’s good, Cedef…very good. She easily defeated the complex security system I have installed in my apartment, leaving no trace. And