Wired Strong by Toby Neal

Author:Toby Neal [Neal, Toby]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Toby Neal

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Connor

Day 6

Connor lowered the heavy wooden bar that blocked the door into the upper room computer lab. The method was crude but effective. He’d also taken the precaution of sweeping the room for bugs, but there were none—and he’d have been surprised if there were. Most of the men in the compound had little awareness or training in the use of such devices; but he couldn’t be too careful with what he was about to say, and to whom he was about to say it.

He turned around to face the three people he trusted the most in the organization. Seated around the work table he used for meals were his faithful assistant Nine, his former houseman Nam, and Kupa.

Kupa looked unfamiliar. Nam’s wife had gone away with Pim Wat, looking middle-aged, comfortably plump around the waist, with graying hair she wore in a braid. She had returned with a complete face and body makeover. For all of that, Kupa did not seem happy with the change, and her new, pretty face looked pinched and sad.

Nam, for his part, sat as close to his wife as he could, one arm slung protectively around her. From what Connor remembered of their partnership on his island, the couple had been private and independent, each engaging in their own hobbies and pastimes, though close and loyal.

Being brought to the compound and forced into the lifestyle here had made them cling to each other for support, and Connor felt a stab of guilt at the unhappy expression on Nam’s normally serene face. But what could he have done? The Department of Justice would definitely have taken them hostage if they’d realized the couple’s value to him.

Meanwhile, Nine, who’d been redeployed by the Master to lead morning drills, sat with his hands on his knees in an attitude of expectancy, his dark eyes inscrutable. “You called us here, Number One. How can we be of service?” His English was halting—he’d been studying in his spare time.

Connor approached the table and sat down, speaking in Thai to ease communication. “Thank you for coming when I asked. You are my most trusted companions, and I need you to swear not to say anything to anyone about what we will speak of here.”

Three pairs of eyes stared at him unblinkingly. “I swear,” each of them said aloud. Connor almost smiled. Sometimes he forgot how literal his companions were; but on the other hand, it couldn’t hurt to have them take that vow.

“I know all of you have had your struggles recently, as have I.” He got up again, needing to move, and paced in front of the table. “I find myself trapped in a role and a lifestyle that is not what I intended. I joined the Yām Khûmkạn for several reasons. To evade the FBI, with the hope that the investigation into my online activities would blow over, and to add to my skills in studying with the Master. I also was—heartbroken at losing Sophie. She was with Jake.

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