Page 87 of Red Zone Awakened

CHAPTER35

Freedom

The terrace of CommTECH’s research facility

Houston, Northern Territory

A transparent imageof Susan’s nemesis appeared in front of her.As usual, Miriam wore cream-colored silk, as if her clothes were an attempt to whitewash her sins.

“Have you reached the board?Is there a date set for a general election?”Susan knew the answer to each question before asking it.

“I’m afraid not,” the ice queen said in a tone that indicated her minions should be grateful she’d even graced them with her presence.

Unfortunately for Miriam, Susan had never been anyone’s minion.She was the leader—of her business, of her team, of her Freedom cell.And she bowed to no one.

“What you’re asking for is a fundamental change in the way this territory is governed,” Miriam said, as though Susan was too stupid to know this.“I’ve already told you.These things can’t be changed in a matter of hours.”

Susan smiled with triumph.“Then you can say goodbye to your press secretary.”She stepped to the side to allow CommTECH’s CEO a clear view of the bound and kneeling star of their media show.

“Such a pity.”Miriam’s voice was cold.“It’s so difficult to find a press secretary who’s of any use these days.Still, Ms.Sato lasted longer than most.”

Susan glanced behind her to see if Keiko had heard exactly how much CommTECH valued her.From her wide eyes and pale face, she most certainly had.It was a delightful sight.

“The truth is”—Miriam’s cool voice drew Susan’s attention back to the hologram—“there isn’t anyone you can kill who’ll move the mountain you want to be moved.CommTECH runs this territory.We have done so for decades.Do you honestly think one hostage situation with a ragtag band of misfits who don’t even have the official backing of Freedom will change that?”She looked at Susan’s face and laughed.“My dear, you do believe it.You are far more foolish than I thought.”She brushed an imaginary piece of lint from her immaculate trouser suit in a gesture that dismissed Susan and everything she stood for.

Rage exploded within Susan, and she took a step toward the hologram.“Listen, you psycho bitch.Your rule is at an end.The world loves your press secretary, and they’ll know exactly who’s to blame when she dies in front of them.You, Miriam.You.”

If her outburst bothered Miriam, it didn’t show.Instead, she looked off to one side and nodded to someone in her office.When she looked back, her eyes were flat.Like a shark.Like a predator.Like somebody who already knew they’d won.

“Goodbye, Ms.Neal,” Miriam said.“This will be our last communication.I’m afraid I’ve wasted enough of my valuable time dealing with you and your pathetic attempt to take on CommTECH.It’s time for this to end.”

As the image blinked out, her words registered, and Susan’s eyes flew to the doors into the building as they burst open.Men in SWAT gear rushed out.

Enforcement.

“Call for pickup!”she screamed at the man beside their communications station.

Susan lifted her weapon to fire at the army that poured out onto the terrace.

But it was too late.

In the midst of all the chaos, two small grenades landed at her feet.She had time to look up at the ledge above her to see who’d thrown them.

The reporter who’d run with Keiko smiled down at her.

And then her world exploded.