Free Running Dark by Jamie Freveletti Page A

shoot.”
    “Do I need to touch the guy? ’Cause let me tell you right now, I don’t want to get that close.”
    Janklow shook his head. “It has two darts that shoot out on fishing lines with a range of twenty-one feet.”
    Block smiled. “That’ll do for distance.”
    “But there’s a hitch with the fishing lines. They both have to hit the target to work. Guy manages to avoid one and you won’t complete a circuit. Nothing will happen except you’ll be standing there trying to reload while he’s madder than he was before. The extra charges are attached to the holster’s belt.”
    “Great.” Block sounded disgusted. “Anything else I should know?”
    “Certain materials will stop the electrical charge.”
    “Like what?”
    “Like a wet suit,” Sumner said.
    Janklow hid a smile, while Block gave them both a long look.
    “Sumner, give me your rifle,” Block demanded.
    Sumner shook his head. “The Dragunov stays with me.”
    Block pointed a finger at him. “Probably every one of those pirates will be wearing a wet suit as he climbs over the railing. You can’t keep that state-of-the-art weapon while you give your passengers these pieces of crap.”
    Janklow knocked out another smoke. Before he lit it, he aimed it at Block. “Have you ever even shot a sniper rifle?”
    Block looked outraged. “I can shoot anything you want to hand me, and that’s a fact.”
    Janklow gave an incredulous laugh. “Texans. You guys are the biggest exaggerators in the world.”
    Sumner started pacing again. Behind him he heard Janklow instructing Block on his patrol duties. Sumner turned a corner, and the only sound was the swell of the waves on the side of the boat.
    But in the distance came the roar of a cigarette boat’s engine.

13
    THE ASSISTANT TO THE UNDERSECRETARY FOR INTERNATIONAL security policy and procedure called Banner at one o’clock in the morning. Banner noted the caller ID before he snatched the phone off his nightstand.
    “Mr. Banner, we need you at Department of Defense headquarters immediately. There’s been a problem in—”
    Banner interrupted her. “Don’t say it. My phones are tapped.”
    The woman began coughing. While she did, Banner pulled an image of her up from memory. She was a mousy woman, about thirty years old. Nondescript brown hair, ill-fitting dark suits with button-down shirts and flat shoes. She was new, one of the few who had lasted longer than a quarter of a year, and for the life of him he couldn’t remember her name. She got hold of herself, and he heard her take a deep breath.
    “Who’s tapping you?”
    “Probably the FBI, but I can’t be positive.”
    “Oh.” The woman sounded relieved. “The FBI is on our side.”
    “You would think, but I’m not so sure. Best you wait to fill me in until I get there.”
    “I’m using a secure phone and calling your secure line. A tap is unlikely. Are you always this cautious?”
    Banner was up and rummaging through his dresser drawers, using his ear to hold the phone to his shoulder. “Yes. And really, aren’t you just a little bit impressed that I am?”
    His joke was rewarded with a small laugh. “I guess I am. We’ll see you soon, then. And could you bring Major Stromeyer?”
    Banner glanced again at the clock. He hated to bother Stromeyer unless it was urgent. No need for both of their nights to be ruined.
    “Is it necessary? I could handle the meeting and let her sleep a little longer.”
    The woman coughed again. Banner thought it was a nervous reaction. He rushed to reassure her.
    “Is there a particular reason you want her there?” he asked.
    “No, no, it’s just…” The woman trailed off.
    “Go on.”
    “It’s just that Major Stromeyer is so good at requisitions.”
    Banner slid on a pair of pants and sat on the bed to put on his socks. “Major Stromeyer is great at requisitions,” he said. “I’ve often thought that Major Stromeyer could requisition a trip to the moon and do it in a way so that no