Shadow Gambit: A science fiction thriller (Farewell Amity Station Book 2) by Frank Kennedy

Author:Frank Kennedy [Kennedy, Frank]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-06-02T00:00:00+00:00

15

TREVOR HAD KNOWN SHARIF AL-JANI for five years, but only as a colleague. Neither cared for leisure-time social meetups with others in uniform. Al-Jani painted and composed music. Thrice a year, he jumped home for a quick visit with his family. Sharif never volunteered details, nor did Trevor ask.

That weak connection made their latest exchange more awkward than usual. Trevor didn’t want to accuse Sharif of neglect in his duties. Yet how could he avoid the implication? Sharif shunted aside the Mau Ping case for weeks then foisted it onto Trevor, hoping an abuse of power would boot Ping off the station.

Five hours after Trevor pushed the case forward, he entered Sharif’s office with little warning and provided an update.

“We confirmed none of the complainants sought medical help or ever reported lingering issues.”

“Good news,” Sharif said. “I assume there’s bad news if you thought a personal visit was necessary.”

Trevor sensed it already: This was not going to go well.

“Yes, from a certain point of view. We’re finishing off a Red Level analysis. We’ll know every detail of Mau Ping’s life in a few hours. Afterward, I’ll interview him. I won’t start expulsion proceedings without hearing his side of the story.”

Sharif maintained a cool demeanor in every professional encounter. Today was no different. He did, however, leak a knowing grin.

“But first, Trev, you want to hear my side.”

Trevor nodded.

“I thought it would be easier in person. Any comms via wrist plate can be summoned for a court action.”

“Oh? Going there so fast, are we?”

Trevor wasn’t Sharif’s boss, but Shadow Gambit created a clear inequity.

“Look. Central will ask these questions if Ping is submitted for expulsion. If we clear the air now – just the two of us – I can mitigate the damage later on.”

“Sounds like a roundabout way of saying you’ll save my job and reduce my penalty to an official reprimand.”

Sharif’s grin held fast, but it morphed into a smirk that said he didn’t buy Trevor’s motive.

“What do you expect, Sharif? You knew about this man for two months. Every complainant says they became ill afterward. You interviewed him, suggested he see a therapist, then let him go. No follow-up, even as the complaints continued. After all that, you don’t bring the case to me directly. You rope in Thomas Quinlan, a man we barely tolerate. Before anyone starts throwing around accusations, I need to know why you neglected this case.”

“Neglect. Strong word. You think it was willful?”

“Not as such. Thomas said you mentioned having a ‘Dorrit-style malaise.’ It’s a creative excuse but not who you are.”

Sharif leaned forward over his desk and drew imaginary circles.

“You don’t know me, Trev. Unless you’ve been violating regs to surveille this office.”

“C’mon. I’m investigating a case you handed over. Why the snark?”

He stopped drawing circles and squeezed his fists.

“You’re right. It’s uncalled for. Truth is, I went through Quinlan because I was embarrassed. I knew if you picked up the case, I’d take fire eventually.”

“Then why not bury it? Hope for Ping to stop, and maybe all this would go away.

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