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  Brian showed her a corner of the warrant inside his coat/

  “You’re an executioner?”

  “Today I am. Right now I am an agent. I must perform a kill before I am a Special Agent. Every Special Agent must kill someone to be a special agent”

  “Why am I in this little truth, then.”

  “They want you to investigate. Did I leave to much evidence? I will leave the warrant with you. You’ll solve it an hour after the ‘crime.’”

  She punched the Grav-car back in the direction.

  “How can you be so calm.”

  “How will being nervous complete the mission?”

  She considered that for a moment. She had never been military, so she had no idea of the mindset required to be a military member. She figured that someone would have to have that ability to drive out nervousness.

  They came upon Clement’s secluded country house. Felicity showed her badge and Brian showed his badge to Secret Service guards. The guards saluted Brian and not Felicity, which told her who the guards worked for.

  “Please coast to the side of the house.” Brian pointed to where he wanted the grav-car.

  She did as he instructed. He reached in his long coat and grabbed his thin leather gloves. Then out came his pistol. He screwed in a silencer.

  “Why that?”

  “Minimal presence.”

  “You’re showing them that you can perplex the police. Kill and get away.”

  “With no one knowing that it was an Eridani.”

  “No interstellar incident.”

  Brian nodded. “Excuse me I have something to do.”

  Brian stepped out of the squad car. Brian sauntered minimizing the sound he made. He did not want the man inside trying to defend himself. He got to the corner of the building. He dashed around the corner staying in the light briefly. Brian came to the back door as the plans he was able to find in the building office.

  The backdoor used a digital key to open. Brian had the universal keys on a key ring. He pulled those keys out. He inserted the Datastick into the doorknob. About twenty seconds later the door was unlocked. Brian pulled his key out of the knob.

  He looked around. Then he opened the door enough to allow himself to step through. He brought up his pistol. He swept the gun through the Kitchen. The smells told him that Clement had prepared a meal for himself. He stepped closer to the dining room. He sidestepped, took careful aim and squeezed the trigger. The sound that the pistol made was a sneeze.

  The dart did its job nearly blowing the head apart. He put the gun at the feet of Clement. Then he put the death warrant under the arm. He retraced his steps out of the building. He made sure that the back door was locked once more. Then he walked with a lighter step. The guards' that surrounded the house disappeared.

  Brian got in her squad car. “You and I were on a date when you got the call. I thought it would be a hoot, a real murder scene. Your team went through the house and found a lot of evidence to help you get 5 more of the Harper gang. That’s when you noticed the pistol and the Death Warrant. All the evidence you found before the discovery of the warrant is admissible.”

  “If we were on a date, then we need to kiss.”

  Brian kissed her with passion. They backed off for a moment. Then they kissed each other with a vengeance. Halfway through their kiss, the police radio crackled to life. It surprised them both. Brian ended up with a mouth marked with red lipstick. Felicity had two more buttons opened.

  Felicity announced that she was en route. Then they both got out of the squad car as the team showed up to investigate a murder. Felicity announced Brian as her date for the evening. Most of the team thought it was about time that the ice queen had someone melt her. By the look of the man, she had kissed just about every part of his face. When they saw her wearing a skirt with a blouse and that blouse had more than six buttons opened Brian knew what he was doing here. He was building a cover story for him to be around Felicity. This business with Felicity was supposed to be a song and dance and not reality. Brian really liked kissing her. He also loves sneaking a hand to open two buttons. Then he noticed that she was still almost showing all to everyone.

  Brian walked over to Felicity. “˙Here Honey, I let my hands roam too much. I’ll button you up.”

  “Where it was before,” she said. “Do you think we can go on a real date?”

  “I know a bistro. it is called ‘my apartment.” You’ll like the chef. He’ll give you a kiss between courses. My Apartment also has a substantial selection of drinks.”

  “After tonight sounds wonderful.”

  “Hey, ma’am what was this guy hit with a rocket?”

  “Can I look? He looked at the wound.

  “Yes, this looks like a 40 caliber flechette round. This looks like an Alphacent round. Brian reached into a pocket and pulled the Alphacent round to show them all. Six darts. This will scramble your brains.”

  “How would you know?”

  “I am a licensed Arms Dealer working with the Pendit Corporation.” He passed out his cards to everyone.”

  “Felicity, what’s this under the pistol.”

  Felicity did not want to touch the paper. Then she looked at Brian who indicated that her other team had found the information. Felicity read the article. She used her Slate to scan the code and the verification.

  “Damn,” she said. “Open and shut in an hour. This is a judicial killing, and this paper is the death warrant.”

  “What about the stuff we found?”

  “Found before we knew this was a judicial killing. Still good. Take that stuff back to headquarters. I got to take Mister Butler back to his own home.”

  Brian followed her outside. They said nothing until they were far along the drive back to Centerpoint City. He told her how to get to his apartment. She had seen the building with the people who lived in it. Brian told Felicity to drive into his building’s private parking. They Both left the car and went into his apartment doors. He walked into a living room that opens into a small dining room with a kitchen and pantry. If you went through the living room, you would find an office. Down Further were two bedrooms facing each other. She looked into Brian’s bedroom.

  Felicity saw Brian's extravagant bed with satin sheets. Felicity saw where Brian stored his tailored gray suits. .She snooped and found where he kept his boxed White shirts pressed. He also had golf clothing. The golf bag looked brand new.

  Everything in the apartment was new. It was cleaned to a shine that Felicity had seen only in someone that was from the military.

  “Just what are you?”

  “You’ve signed your Official secrets warning?”

  “Yeah.”

  “I am now a Special Agent of the Eridani Secret Service. I guess you could call me a fixer. If there is a problem someplace, I come in and fix it.”

  “Shoot someone?”

  “If necessary.”

  “Rescue people.”

  “Action squads do that mostly. I might be part of that kind of action.”

  “Kidnapping? Theft?”

  “Yes. Even law enforcement on and off planets.”

  “I knew it.”

  “You’re wrong. We are taking over things that are not a high priority to you but is a high priority to the Emir. Like Gold. The crown is the standard throughout the 29 colonies. That fact makes our crown currency the standard as well.”

  “Why this charade with me?”

  “We had to approach someone with power in the ranks. Someone has to learn to work with us. We don’t want to step on toes.”

  Brians took off his costume for tonight. She laid on the bed enjoying what was coming off. She saw the Bathroom and noticed the size of the shower. She walked back to the living room.

  When she arrived, he made her a scotch and ice. She took a sip, and it hit the spot. As she took another sip she unbuttoned the two buttons he managed to get during their kiss. “God helps me, but I want to jump your bones, now.”

  FI
RST DAY

  Brian Butler watched Felicity go with a pang of sorrow. It did not help that it took kisses to see her off. He was up with her. He made her breakfast. Then they had that scene at the door. Now Brian was up and had nothing to do till ten that morning. He thought he knew what was going to happen. Today would be his first day. At Nine thirty he put on his suit coat. He made sure he had everything. Then he walked out of his apartment.

  He came out the main entrance of his apartment nearly across the street from the Secret Service. At the top floor was a sign that said Pendit Products. There were no other indications that the Secret Service was at this location.

  Brian walked across the Sanga Road. He then walked to the security station. Brian handed them the loaner badge. They took it. Everyone at the checkpoint gave him a sir. He nodded back at them. They were all beaming.

  Brian noticed that all workers did not wear the gray suit. Everyone seemed to be looking at him. He smiled and nodded at everyone, He rode up to the twenty-third floor. He walked out of the elevator car. He took a right that would lead him to the office of the Director.

  The door to the office was made of transplanted mahogany. Brian opened the door to see the Directors personal Assistant Miss Hanhurst and the Deputy Director. Retired Marine Major Carla Sylvester.

  “He’s ready for you,” said Carla. “You know how many times I wished you were an officer, so I could bounce your bones.”

  Bruce smiled at her. “I might have found her working with the police.”

  “You mean Felicity?”

  Carla opened the Battlesteel door. Brian walked through followed by Carla. Behind a solid wood desk sat a white-haired balding man. He wore a gray suit made by the same Tailor. On his desk, he had a leather badge wallet. It was very new.

  “Good morning agent,” said the Director.

  “Good morning sir.”

  “I must say that I enjoyed what some of your instructors and test proctors have to say about you. All three of your fox hunt targets enjoyed the experience and would like another go with you.”

  It sure sounded like the Director was using a double entendre, but he gave no indication that he was indeed joking.

  “The etiquette instructor said that you danced all dances of the ball. You danced with more women than any etiquette student ever. She also stated that you were developing an amount of reserve. Gushing praise from her.

  “The Hindjitsu instructor said you kicked his butt. The weapons instructor said you were a typical Marine. You did more with less. The class they called dirty tricks 101, the instructor does not want to see you on the other side.

  “You wowed the instructors. It’s the call of the examiner that really means a lot to me. She had no form to write on. Still, she stated that you carried out your kill with proficiency and elegance. She also indicated that they were unable to gather any substantial evidence. She also reports that you got away Scott clean. She can’t wait to work with you. The final examine proctor she said you filled her up with truth. Then she said you filled her up.

  “These are the kinds of things we want to hear. We see the special agent as moving through the colony worlds. But he has to work with the police. A lot of missions may begin with a joint bust which leads you to another world.

  The director tossed him his badge wallet.“Raise your right hand. Say I do. You’re a Special Agent. We don’t have an oath yet. Deputy Director issue him a kit.”

  ‘My Pleasure, Director. Follow me, Brian.”

  Brian followed Carla to her office. On her desk was a red box. She went to the counter and opened the box. The first thing she brought out was the briefcase.”We find this case to be a good way to move sensitive information. The shell is duralloy. That's what’s on the newest fighters. The lock is unlocked by an id check. We already programmed this one for you. You see this rough patch touch it with your finger.”

  Brian did as was ordered. As soon as he touched the rough patch, he felt a sharp pinprick. Then he heard the hasps pop open.

  “Put it right there. Next to the red box.” Carla reached into the box and produced a presentation case for a pistol. She opened the best of the best. She showed him the small frame version. Intelarms 120 40 caliber automatic pistol.

  “You’ll need this, a belt line holster.”

  Brian put on the belt line holster. It was not a quickdraw holster though.

  Carla reached into the box and produced a black bladed knife made of carbon nanotubes. Brian put the blade into the briefcase. Carla reached in and presented a boxed Slate, and a book: “The Slate for the completely weird.” “I’m surprised you never had one of these.”

  “The computer on the ship could do everything that does.”

  “You can’t take your ship’s computer with you. Your job is now to walk around on the planet. You will need a Slate. This is the best model ever made.”

  Brian tossed the Slate and book into his briefcase.

  Carla reached once more into the box. She pulled out a personal communicator. “That is completely set up. Open and go. The last thing is your vehicle. We provide you one because we know how hard these things are used in the field. You are driving a red Aponte. Carla handed him a small electronic brick. "All you need is to have one on your person. By the way, it is an Aponte sports grav-car.

  “Now comes my advice. You might do better if you could play a passable game of golf. Here is your membership card. Talk to the starter Harry Kane. He will know a good pro to get you up to scratch. You need only call in, so enjoy these next few weeks. If something finds you, do tell us about it.”

  Brian picked up the personal communicator.

  “Do take this day to learn your Slate and set up your com. Do this in your office. You have a personal assistant. Do her the favor of showing up from time to time. You get an office budget. This is for the quality of life issues for you and your assistant. Buy a coffee mess. I know you know what that is,”

  “How much can I spend.”

  “We don’t like to limit what a Special Agent gets. Let’s call it ten thousand.”

  Brian nodded. He closed his briefcase and started to leave. Then he realized he did not know where.

  “Room 610.”

  He walked to the nearest elevators. Brian went down to the sixth floor. He found office 610. He opened the door and saw a young woman at the reception desk. At his appearance, she stood up. She wore a smock that barely covered her. That was the current fashion for the young lady. She wore a name tag that read: Julie Brio.

  “Mister Butler,” said Julie hoping that the good looking man who walked into the office was her boss.

  “Uh—Yes, My name is Brian Butler.” He held out his right hand. She took his hand. His grip was firm and dry. He wore a masculine scent. Then she noticed his gun. She might like the man, but his job was to kill people. He was tall, about six three. His hair was coal black. His green eyes could transfix a woman if she liked that kind of thing. The sound of his voice could make a woman shiver if directed at her.

  Brian looked at his personal assistant. At first blush, you would think that she was an average woman. Brian could see that Julie was hiding something about her figure from him. His reputation must have preceded him. Julie turned to face him. Then she blushed.

  “Is there anything I can do for you now,” asked Julie.

  “Are we allowed to have a coffee mess here?”

  “Yes, I would have ordered one, but I did not know your preference.”

  “My preference is coffee,” said Brian. “Have it include sugar, cream, and whatever the dining room uses as coffee. What about you?”

  “I like those fancy flavored whiteners.”

  “Then order the lot. Sometimes I will be here and be working hard. Sometimes I will be in and out. I may dump a pile of work on you. Then there will be times I will not be here. No matter if I am here or not you must be here for the full workday. When I am not here order the coffee mess anyway.”

  “Yes, sir.”

&
nbsp; “Tell me when the coffee is here. I need to go and learn how to use a slate.”

  She watched him enter his office. Julie hoped he would not be angry. Supply gave him the wrong office furniture. He stood up and sat down several times as if that would change the comfort level of the chair.

  “Miss Brio is this the office furniture I am entitled to?”

  “No, sir.”

  “And you had no authority to complain.”

  “Yes, sir.” She nodded her head violently.

  “I have the authority. Call the idiot who did this.”

  She smiled and nodded. Julie dialed the number. The same louse answered. “This is Miss Brio for Special Agent Brian Butler in 610. Here he is.” Brian took her handset.

  “Butler here. You will bring the office suite the was intended for 610. You have ten minutes to comply Failure means I will come there and perform an inspection. I might find some theft of government property. I thought so.”

  “It should be here in ten minutes.”

  “I like it when powerful men exercise that power.”

  “Miss Brio I do believe that you are propositioning me?

  “Of course. Ohhh, are you married.”

  “Not married. There is someone that I want to be my steady, though.”

  The coffee mess arrived from the dining room. The catering service did an excellent job. Right on time, the supply pukes showed up with Brian's furniture. The men got out of the office as fast as they could with the lousy equipment.

  Brian opened his briefcase and got out the Slate. He also had the book out. For the next few hours, Brian worked through what the Slate could do. He also downloaded and installed the Secret Service apps. Brian felt like He had the Slate done. He went through the set up of the personal communicator. He called Felicity at work when he finished that chore. He spoke to her for ten minutes He told her that he was going to make a few holes with a pro to refine his game at Black Sands.”

  He packed everything into his briefcase. He stopped by quartermaster to pick up some caseless ball ammunition. He put that into his briefcase. He went into the internal garage and found his number. Sitting on its struts was a red wedge-shaped body. Brian could see the flight surfaces hidden in the bodywork. Not only could the Sports Grav-car fly on the ground, but it could also operate in the air. Brian still had his commercial pilot’s license. His license from the Marines was reinstated. Brian had the right to fly the Aponte from three different licenses.