Awakened: Book One of the Mind Agents series

Awakened: Book One of the Mind Agents series, Chapter 14

Kasym examines the framed hotel policy on the back of the door while the man in the blazer speaks from notes in a virtual monotone.

"For first target there is map. You will see we have provided you the directions to the entry point, information on parking permits you will need, and all the information on the internal security."

Kasym touches the wood frame lightly and examines the tiny letters on the sign under the glass.

"Kasym," Taalay calls out from within the room, interrupting the man. "Over here, please."

Kasym turns around and meanders into the center of the motel room, where the droning man sits on a chair in the far corner. Another man dressed just like him lies on the far bed with his hands behind his head. A third man, a big one, stands by the window, looking out of it as if on guard. Taalay sits on the nearest bed, with papers, a phone, and small laptop computer arranged around him.

"We need to understand all these details," Taalay continues.

Kasym draws his finger across the top of the TV, watching a line form in the thin layer of dust. While he's seen with very little interest how technology has evolved in the 20 years he's been way, he observes with regret that humans have not.

"You were followed," he says without looking away from the dust.

The three men exchange looks. Taalay sits up.

"By who?" the man in the chair asks skeptically.

"How could you know this?" the one on the bed seconds him.

"Brother, if we are in danger . . ." Taalay begins.

Kasym waves his hand in dismissal. "I took care of them."

The one in the chair goes on, disregarding the interchange with Kasym altogether.

"Once inside first target, you have three layers of security. No weapons allowed, of course."

"No weapons," Kasym orders, pointing directly at the man.

The man pauses to look up to Kasym for a moment, and then looks back to his notes. "Right. Yes. No weapons allowed. The secretary's office you will find on the fifth floor of the southwest side, near corridor three. It is room five A. The directions are written out for you."

"Yes, that's all in order." Taalay says. "And what is the progress on this final item, the press pass?"

"For the press," the man in the chair says while punching some keys on his computer. "This is more difficult. We will take photograph. Pyotr has camera. We can take now, or . . ."

The big man by the window, Pyotr, walks to Kasym and positions his body against the wall. Kasym pushes his arms away violently.

"Not now?" Pyotr says.

He stands over Kasym, as if unafraid of him.

"Brother, this is important," Taalay says impatiently. "Now is good," he says to Pyotr.

Pyotr holds up a small thin camera near his face and takes a picture.

"Again, please," Pyotr says. "You looked away. Look in phone."

He takes another picture, and then looks at the device. "Good." He walks back to the window.

"So," the man in the chair goes on, "we get this to our man, our contact, and he makes a pass."

"I think there's been some kind of mistake," Taalay says, looking over his notes.

The man in the chair tilts his head.