Free Redemption by Richard Stephenson Page B

freely admit that I am a narcissistic sociopath, I am quite sane.”
    “Are you joking?”
    “Far from it.  The icepick lodged in Mr. McCallon’s ear speaks to that point.”
    Sebastian had actually forgotten about the corpse still in the room.  The fact that Charles knew his true identity was enough to make the good doctor forget every facet of reality.  The entire reason Dr. Biggs abandoned his previous life was so that his extensive knowledge of artificial intelligence wouldn’t fall into the wrong hands.  The last thing the world needed was another up and coming dictator like the late Simon Sterling creating an artificially intelligent war machine.  Sebastian never imagined his knowledge of aeronautics would attract anyone.
    “Dr. Biggs, I can assume you have two very basic questions – how and why?  Am I correct?”
    “You could say that.”
    “Well, the reasons why I wish to embark on this endeavor need not concern you.  How we will proceed from this point is quite the opposite.”
    “Do I have a choice?”
    “Of course you do!  Come now, Sebastian!  I can’t imagine you’d turn down such an opportunity.”
    “You’ll forgive me if I doubt your abilities.”
    “I’d be concerned if you didn’t.  Trust me; your doubts will soon vanish.”
    “You say your reasons don’t concern me.  They concern me a great deal.”
    “And why is that, Sebastian?”
    “You really think I’m naïve enough to believe your motivations for getting into space are for science?  For the good of mankind?”
    “My goodness, Sebastian, why else would I want to embark upon such a grand endeavor?  Is it so hard to believe that an old man at the end of his life would aspire to achieve something so remarkable?”
    “I find it very hard to believe that all you want is to scratch an entry off your bucket list.”
    “I’m sorry, and what is a ‘bucket list’?  I’m not familiar with the term.”
    “Really?  You know, uh, things to do before you die … kick the bucket?”
    “Ah, you Americans are so clever.  I assume you’re worrying my plans center around some nefarious purpose?”
    “That sums it up, yes.”
    “I wonder, what evil plot can you envision?”
    “Uh, well, I don’t really know.”
    “Neither can I, Sebastian, neither can I.  While I am very adept at killing, I don’t know what it is you think I want to accomplish up there that would jeopardize mankind.  I’m simply offering you the chance to reclaim the glory of your previous profession, the very notion of which you no doubt abandoned a long time ago.  How can you turn down such an opportunity?  Even if I’m a delusional old fool, what do you have to lose?”
    “My time.”
    “Dr. Biggs, I’ll be more than compensating you for your time.”
    “Which will be what?”
    Charles looked to the floor.  “A position of power here in St. Louis has become available.”
    Sebastian looked to the floor and back at Charles.  “I like the sound of that.”
    “I’m honestly surprised to hear you say that so quickly, Sebastian.  I thought it would require a lot more effort on my part.  You’ve been in hiding for so long; I figured such a bright spotlight would be hard for you step into.”
    “That much power?  Are you kidding?  Being in charge of the last great city in America?  Why would I need to hide?”
    “A valid point.  Good for you, sir.”
    “What about Willie’s lieutenants?”
    “Easily dispatched.  I simply preyed upon their lust for power.  Each thought I was murdering Mr. McCallon on their behalf so they could take his place.”
    “That’s what you were doing while I was out in the hallway guarding the door?”
    “Precisely.”
    “No way Frank was on board.”
    “He wasn’t.  An unfortunate accident befell Willie’s partner.”  Charles felt it imprudent to disclose the intimate details of Frank and Willie’s sexual relationship.  His professional standards would not allow such