Free Kraken Rising: Alex Hunter 6 by Greig Beck

 …” Hammerson said, and Alex’s eyes flickered. “What do you know about the Sea Shadow ?”
    Trance-like, Alex continued to stare. “I’ve heard of it.”  The frown was still creasing his brow. “Experimental sub that went missing in the Southern Ocean, years ago.”
    “That’s right. Missing since 2008, up until a day ago.” Hammerson watched Alex closely. After a moment, Alex turned his cold, gray-green lasers back on him, the gaze penetrating to his core, assessing him.
    “You’ve spoken to Aimee.”
    Hammerson knew it wasn’t a question. And also knew it would be a waste of time trying to poker face the guy. Hammerson nodded. “Yeah, it’s all okay.”
    “Something happened to her.” Alex suddenly leaned forward. “Joshua …?”
    Hammerson held up a hand. “There was a minor altercation at their home. They’re all fine. We took care of it.”
    “I need to see them.” Alex stood.
    “Not yet.” Hammerson lowered his brow. “I said they’re fine.”
    Alex started to pace. “Need to see them.” He was like a caged beast. “Need to see them now …”
    “ Sit down! ” Hammerson’s voice boomed in the small room, and he got to his feet. “This is not a fucking democracy, son. You want to do your own thing, then go back to wandering the streets at night, dismantling muggers, and living off the land.” He stepped closer. “But if you want to help, want to help Aimee, Joshua, all of us? Then shut up and listen.”
    Alex gripped the seat armrests, but didn’t sit. His face contorted and his fists clenched. The air in the room felt like it crackled with tension, and Hammerson tried to remain as still and calm as he could manage. He could see there was a battle taking place inside the man; it raged and tore at itself, warring between logic and insane fury.
    Hammerson didn’t blink. “I said Aimee and Joshua are fine. Do you trust me?” He waited for several seconds, and then banged a fist on the desk, making everything jump. “ Do – you – trust me! ”
    Alex crushed his eyes shut, and the muscles in his neck strained like cords on wood. His hands on the armrests gripped until the wood started to make a splintering sound. Finally, he nodded and eased back into the seat. His eyes stayed shut, but the tension in his jaw began to relax and after another moment he exhaled long and slow, opening his eyes to focus on Hammerson.
    “Yes.”
    “Good.” Hammerson sat down slowly, feeling the perspiration run down under his arms. “Aimee is fine. And you know you can’t see her … yet.”
    Alex nodded again. “She still thinks I’m dead.” He looked up. “When?”
    “Soon.” Hammerson smiled, keeping his face expressionless. “Listen up; we don’t have much time, and this is critical.”
    Alex exhaled and nodded again. Hammerson continued, “The Sea Shadow ’s automated distress beacon just triggered, or was finally detected. The kicker is, it’s coming from under the Antarctic ice.”
    Alex looked up slowly. “Beneath the ice?”
    Hammerson nodded. “We found the signal, and so did the Chinese. They sent a destroyer, the Kunming , down there, and we think they’re going to make a run at it.” He shook his head. “Can’t let them do that.” He clasped his hands in front of himself. “We have the USS Texas onsite, keeping an eye on the Kunming . But in a day or two, there’ll be a lot more military assets down there. One false move, and we’ll be at war with China.” He shrugged. “We’d win, but …” He got up, and went around his desk, picking up a computer tablet and sitting down. He flicked through some screens, stopping on one.
    “What we’d end up winning might be a field of ashes.” He handed the device to Alex. “We have a range of imperfect options. Any one of them could work, and any one could blow up in our faces with catastrophic consequences. One thing is for sure, we’ll end up with a bloody nose.”
    Alex watched the war game analysis on the