Free Rath's Gambit (The Janus Group Book 2) by Piers Platt Page B

I’m not talking chump change – I’ve got twenty million dollars coming out of other private equity ventures this year, and you might just get all of that. So start thinking about a business plan, who you need to hire, etc.”
    Khyron gulped.
    “Nervous?” Lizelle asked.
    “Yes, sir.”
    “Good. Stay scared, it will motivate you. I also want exclusive access to your analysis of the Senate data. I’m primarily interested in predicting voting outcomes, or even individual votes. Can FiveSight tell me who’s on the fence, and who’s likely to swing their vote?”
    “Possibly,” Khyron guessed. “Probably.”
    “If you can do that ….” Lizelle exhaled noisily, a slow smile spreading across his face. “If you do, we’ll restructure the investment deal so you get to keep a bigger share of the company. Deal?”
    “Yes, sir.”
    “Okay. I’m going to hire you as an unpaid intern. I don’t think our tech team is going to give an outside researcher access to the data you’re talking about, even if I tell them to – you need to be a badged staff member. Once you’re set up on my team, we can make things happen. I also need to make some calls to our Tech department, call in some favors … but I should have you access in the next week. Dasi can take you to our staff coordinator to get the ball rolling.”
    Dasi nodded eagerly. “Of course.”
    Lizelle stood up and held out his hand. “Khyron, this has been most interesting. Keep me posted on your progress. Thanks for coming in.”
    Khyron managed to overcome his shock, and slowly stood, a grin on his face. “Thank you , sir. I can’t wait to show you what FiveSight can do.” 

8
    The woman’s datascroll chirped at her when she came in from the parking lot. She hung a set of air car keys on the large board behind the reception desk, then took a seat at the desk, picking up the datascroll and opening her messages folder. She didn’t recognize the sender, but the address looked valid, and the message at the top was labeled URGENT. She clicked it open.
    From: SkyLine Rentals Corporate Security Division
    To: All facilities on Lakeworld
    In order to assist an ongoing investigation, all employees should be on the lookout for any individuals matching the attached photos, or anyone inquiring about the vehicle rental detailed below. Employees with any relevant information should notify Corporate Security by replying to this address immediately.
    The woman opened the attached photos and scrolled through them, and then read the vehicle description. Her eyes widened.
    “Oh, gosh. Now isn’t that a coincidence?”
    She tapped on the Reply button.
    A gentleman was just here a few days ago, and he asked about that exact kind of hoverbike.
     
    * * *
     
    Interstellar Police Station ALB112 was a tall, granite edifice looking out over a grassy plaza. Several police cruisers were parked on the street, and a pair of armed officers stood guard at the front entrance, while a steady stream of people passed in and out of the doors. Rath checked that the fake media credentials were still attached to his jacket, and took a deep breath. He eyed the doors with resignation, and then climbed the stone steps and passed inside.
    In the lobby, an automated kiosk directed him to an office on the first floor, where he knocked on the door. The officer inside was on the phone, but he saw Rath and motioned him to enter and take a seat. Rath waited, nervously counting the police officers as they passed by the glass walls of the office.
    One guy that could arrest me for Senator Reid’s murder … two guys that could arrest me … three, four, five guys …
    “Sorry about that,” the police officer told Rath, hanging up the phone and turning back to face Rath.
    Rath smiled, and resisted the urge to fidget in his seat. “No problem.”
    “Now, what did you need help with?”
    “I was hoping to do a story about one of your detectives.”
    The officer eyed Rath’s PRESS badge. “Oh. Why