"Excuse me, but I seem to be lost." Aida said to a nearby pedestrian. The man glowered at her and moved past her.
She frowned. "How rude."
She walked on down the street, passing the unfamiliar sights. The buildings around her loomed like gigantic towering monsters. Far off, she could see the Taelon embassy, it's outer purplish skin shining in the sunlight. She shrugged and opened her backpack. She searched until she found her global.
On the screen, a man appeared. He was dressed in a crisp suit, and his hair was slicked back. Behind him, the windows projected a scene of New York City.
Aida frowned and looked up. the sun shone as if it had never said goodbye.
"You're deceiving.' She said, smiling.
The man looked briefly at the landscape behind him.
"Yes, well, when you can't be in New York-"
"-Bring New York to you." Aida said. She smiled. "Well, I did all the things you wanted me to do. Now what?"
"Go down the street until you find the church. When you get inside, ask for a Father McHenry." He said.
Aida nodded and put the global back into her pack. She walked again, finding the church. She entered and stared at the inside. She placed a hand on the pews, the polished wood running beneath her hand. Her feet made soft thumps on the floor as she got closer to the podium.
A small man in a uniform came out.
"Father McHenry?" She asked.
The small man nodded and smiled at the young girl.
Aida smiled. "I have a package for you. It's from Mr. Landon."
The man's smile disappeared. His eyes widened and his mouth curved into a frightful 'O' as the intruder pulled out a weapon and aimed for his chest.
"Mr. Landon apologizes for anything he might have done to provoke your betrayal. But he sincerely wishes you good farewell."
She fired and the man fell, his chest the ugly remnant of a murder.
***
Liam Kincaid sat outside Street's trailer, sipping one of the young woman's latest concoctions. Despite not being too clear on what the ingredients were, he enjoyed the taste. It was almost fruity, with a touch of tanginess.
Street walked out, carrying a steaming pan of pancakes.
"When is Renee getting back?" She asked, as she put a pile of the cakes on his plate.
"This afternoon. Meanwhile, Sandoval has me doing routine security inspections." Liam sighed.
"Not too happy with the chores?" Street said. She tried to hide her resentment when Sandoval's name escaped his lips. He was as evil they came, and she certainly hated nanos even more now.
"There are other things I'd rather be doing." He looked up toward the sun.
His global chirped. He groaned internally.
Street disappeared back into her trailer with an empty pan as he unclipped his global from his belt.
"Major Kincaid, how are those security checks?" Sandoval asked.
"Just fine."
"There is a situation that has arisen, and I have to accompany Zo'or to a meeting with the Nigerian dignitaries. I am sending information to your global now. I trust that you will do your best."
"I'm on it." Liam said. Sandoval dissipated, leaving the information he had promised.
***
"So this guy is murdered in his own church?" Street said. The sound of her computer infiltrated the otherwise calm peace.
"Yeah. He took a shot right to the chest, point blank. And I can't figure out why. He was just a normal guy, devoted to his church. The only thing I can think of is that he's a Taelon supporter and the shooter was an extremist. We've seen them before." Liam read from his global.
"Witnesses say there was a woman entering the church a few minutes before the time of death."
"I'm trying to get an ID right now. It's hard. If you don't have it, then it'll be hard for me too." She said. Moments later she shook her head. 'Nothing. Sorry.'
Liam shook his head. "No problem. See what you can dig up on recent activities within the extremist groups. I know that they've heard of this and they're probably breaking out the champagne right about now."
"I'll see what I can do." Street said as Liam left.
***
Renee walked through Doors International, her brain pounding. Headaches aside, she hadn't spoken to Liam since that morning and he had not called her.
When she walked into her office, she almost expected to see him standing at her desk.
But he wasn't there.
Actually, he was sitting.
"Taking over now?" She asked with an amused smile.
"I think I just sold some old woman in Texas Doors International shares." He smiled. "Good trip?"
"As good as it could get." She said, pouring herself a glass of water. 'What's going on?"
"Sandoval has me tracking a killer.' He said simply.
"The Priest?" She asked.
Liam nodded.
"Well as far as I can tell, the murder doesn't have anything to do with the Taelons. Why is Zo'or investigating it?"
"The story from Sandoval is that Father McHenry was a very big supporter. He gave a lot of money to the Taelon cause."
"Which was played to look like charity." Renee said.
"And Zo'or is investigating the murder to make it look like he's contributing to society."
"So he's sending out Companion protectors to make him look like he's helping." Renee smiled tightly. "Typical."
"And knowing Sandoval, he sent me because I'll actually do my job. He's Zo'or's errand boy, this investigation isn't going to involve him unless there's something in it for Zo'or." Liam stood up. "You should get some rest." He said.
Renee shook her head. "I'm all right." She said, but not even she could believe her words. Liam nodded and silent words were exchanged. She knew where to reach him and he knew where she would be. He left, the glass door closing behind him.