Dead Reckoning by Ronie Kendig Page B

his pocket, Reece tore through the city toward his house. Without time to rehearse their stories, there were so many things that could go wrong with this meeting. He wouldn’t have a chance to make sure the embassy gruntstuck to a script. One wrong word and the guy could put everyone's lives at risk. He revved the engine and eased back on the seat.
    By the time the shiny black car slid to a stop along the curb, Reece had showered and changed into a slick Italian suit. He folded himself into the back passenger seat and shut the door. Attuned to the darkness, he resisted the urge to smile. “Couldn’t get one of your lackeys?”
    Toby shifted. “Don’t give me any of your mouth. I knew you didn’t have time to prepare someone, so I came.”
    “About time you got into the field.” Reece grinned and unbuttoned his jacket. He hated the way the heat turned the silk blend into a sauna suit. “I met with a friend. He has it on good authority that our Hindu deputy minister isn’t exactly loyal to his country.”
    Toby shifted from the window. “What do you mean?”
    “We need to buy some time. We’re just asking questions, performing a routine investigation into the deaths of the American college student and his professor.” Reece tugged at the noose around his neck.
    “You’d better quit messing with your tie, or they’ll think you aren’t an embassy official.”
    With a quirked eyebrow, Reece glanced at the man next to him. “But I am.”
    “Yeah, whatever.”
    Minutes later, they pulled up to the security checkpoint outside the walled, barbed-wired, sniper-protected government building. A team of guards allowed the car to enter but halted them just inside the compound. After the gate closed, the car was escorted to the porte cochere .
    “Think they have enough snipers?” Toby asked.
    “Keep it cool.” Reece stepped from the car and rebuttoned his jacket.
    Two columns of armed soldiers protected the entrance to the building. Although Reece hung back to give the appearance that Toby was in charge, he memorized every detail. The mirrors behind the reception counter were new. Cameras? Security? As Toby gave the woman his card and waited for her to notify Abdul of their arrival, Reece eased away, studying the long corridor to the left.
    Footsteps echoed from the other direction—two people in a hurry. Rubbing his jaw, Reece turned and drifted toward the paintings on the wall to get a look at the men, who hustled down the hall and disappeared around a corner.
    “Ah, Mr. Roberts.”
    Reece swung his attention to the minister as Toby and Abdul shook hands.
    “Thank you for meeting with us so quickly,” Toby said. “This is my associate, Mr. Simon James.”
    Reece nodded toward the much shorter Hindu. “Minister.”
    “Mr. James.” Abdul gave a half bow. “If you’ll come this way, we can talk in private.”
    Inside the office, Deputy Minister Abdul eased the door shut and pointed toward the chairs in front of a large desk. “Please, have a seat. Would you like a glass of water?”
    “No, thank you.” Toby settled into a chair and looked a bit uncomfortable. “What we want will not take a lot of time, Minister.”
    “Ah, right to business, is it? You Americans should relax.”
    Lowering himself into the leather chair, Reece surreptitiously examined the office. A security camera lurked in the corner. The potted plant probably contained a hidden microphone. Or maybe it was in the desk lamp.
    “I’m afraid a lot of time has already been wasted, Ali.” Toby swept his sandy-blonde hair from his forehead.
    Seated behind his desk, Minister Abdul folded his hands over a pristine surface.
    No clutter. No paperwork. Interesting for a man too busy to meet with American embassy officials. Where were the itinerary and files for his upcoming business trip?
    “Yes, most unfortunate misunderstandings.” Abdul's smile seemed plastered on with determination. That is, until he looked at Reece, who gauged the minister