Hunter grabbed an autocab and directed it to the address Hargreaves had supplied as promised. He hadn't planned on what he would say or do when they met but on the spot decisions had been a big part of his life as commander of a cargo ship.
He spotted the house and the large balcony overhanging the sloping hill and stopped the cab. Hunter put his card in and paid then punched in a wait reservation before climbing out. The area was dotted with expensive residences on large sections of property, so neighbours were a fair distance apart. Hunter climbed the shallow hill and then the steeper steps up to Chesterton's door.
He glanced at the video camera following his movements, wondering if Chesterton would answer. When the door opened he wasted no time.
"Hello, Mark mind if I come in?" He stepped inside without waiting and turned to face his old exec.
"Hunter! What- how . . .?"
"Shut the door and invite me in." He stepped down three stairs into a vast living area of ceramic tile floors and glass walls. "Wow, you did well for yourself."
"What do you want here, Hunter?"
"I wanted to see how a demoted executive officer lived - make sure you weren't having any hardship. Apparently you aren't."
"It wasn't a crime making credits off what happened at Galapagos." Mark said churlishly, passing Hunter and moving to a drinks dispenser.
"No, it wasn't. A heads up might have been nice . . . you know, so reporters' questions might have been handled more factually."
"I can't help the spin they put on my words." Mark selected a drink and found a modular chair to roost; his confidence gradually returning. "Is that how you found me, through the media?"
"It is but not how you might imagine it." Hunter helped himself to a drink and wandered over to the doors to the massive balcony. "I didn't come here about your celebrity seeking, Mark. I came because of your connection with Vatten Industries - Horace Torrance to be exact."
The silence before the denial told Hunter all he needed to know. His theory was confirmed.
"Mark, give it up. I know what you're after and probably how you think you're going to get it. I have Arlen Downs and videos of his attempt on my life."
"I had nothing to do with that--"
Hunter smiled as he watched Chesterton squirm. "It's never you is it, Mark. "Tell you what, you back off now and I won't go to the media myself . . . and that's about everything to do with the work taking place at Vatten."
"Get the hell out of my house, Lewis!"
"Everything, Mark." Hunter finished his drink and handed Mark the glass, who automatically accepted it, and left.
He chuckled as he closed the door, hearing the smashing of glass inside. Chesterton wouldn't quit but at least his game was out in the open. Hunter summoned the autocab and headed back to the city.
********
Diane looked up from her microscope and frowned as Alice announced Hunter Lewis at the door.
How did he find me here? "You may admit him, Alice. Thank you."
'Certainly, Dr. Sommers.'
She smoothed her smock and fussed with her hair then assumed a pose by the work bench. Hunter came down the stairs and stopped, gaping about.
"Boy, your friend Frost really came through."
YOU ARE READING
Transition
Misteri / ThrillerWhat they found, arriving at the planet was the entire research team, except for one terrified doctor, had been wiped out by a deadly organism and rescuing her cost the supply ship its crew. The Commander, his Executive Officer and the survivor were...
