The Assassin

  The Assassin

  by

  Imogene Nix

  The Assassin

  Copyright © 2014, Imogene Nix

  ISBN: 9781940744209

  Publisher: Beachwalk Press, Inc.

  Electronic Publication: May, 2014

  Editor: Leigh Lamb

  Cover: Fantasia Frog Designs

  eBooks are not transferable. No part of this book may be used or reproduced without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations in articles and reviews.

  This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously.

  Back Cover Copy

  Kumi Ito has her mission, as does Carmichael Snow, but are their objectives compatible?

  Kumi Ito is a woman with a problem. Since assuming the role of head of the Commerce Department, she’s found discrepancies…the kind that could cause anarchy if the truth got out.

  When Carmichael Snow, the commander of the Emancipation, comes across intelligence that someone has placed a hit on Kumi, he has to save her. His plan? Hide her and find the assassin.

  As they dodge the killer, a passion ignites between them that runs from simmering all the way to steamy. But will the actions of one snatch away their happiness before they can accept what is growing between them?

  Content Warning: This book features a buff, hot guy and a kick-butt heroine. Naturally, hot scenes will follow.

  Dedication

  I need to thank a number of people, because without their help and assistance, the Reunion titles would never have been written.

  A special thanks goes to Danielle, the very first person to read any of the books from this series.

  I need to thank Leigh and Pamela from Beachwalk. A book that doesn’t have a publisher is a dream that will never come true—and these ladies took my dream and helped to fashion it into something very special.

  Lastly I need to thank my family—my husband Mark, my daughters Charlotte and Beth, and lastly my mother-in-law who devours my books and doesn’t stint with her praise.

  To you, dear reader, I owe more thanks than you can ever know. Every time you choose my book, you tell me how worthwhile my writing career is. And that? That I consider the ultimate praise.

  Chapter 1

  Kumi furtively rubbed the aching arches of her feet inside her shoes, wishing the event would come to an end soon. Since she had taken over as the head of the Department of Commerce on Reunion, it felt like she spent more time attending functions than she did in her office. Everyone, it seemed, had to invite her to every damned event. Of course, that was only because the previous head had been socially inclined.

  “Now, my dear, you simply must attend the launching of the new flag ship. I’ll have my people contact your people.” Kumi watched the aging socialite flit take another sip of her wine.

  She smiled, more than a little aware of how much her cheeks ached. That bloody line! It’s the bane of my life!

  Back at the office, her tower of files was growing and she was sure her desk was groaning under the piles of data chips waiting. She snuck a discreet look at her timepiece. Three PM. Maybe should could make her goodbyes now? “Hmm.” The non-committal groan was enough to allow her to move away.

  Kumi headed in the direction of the door, nodding and smiling at the appropriate times. Being an Ito was hard enough, but now that she had the role of head...well, things had become progressively more stifling. The doorway loomed ahead and she surged through it, gulping down the fresh air that whistled through the open window. The Regent, His Highness the Honorable Pasang, was dozing in a chair by the doorway. With great care, Kumi stripped her shoes off and gripped them in one hand. It wouldn’t do to wake him. His advanced age was her ally though, and he snored on as she made her escape.

  At the front door, the major domo hailed her transport and she shuffled in, pleased to finally take a seat. “To the office, please. Sorry I was gone so long, it can’t have been too exciting for you to be waiting around.”

  “Madam Kumi, after years of this, you learn to find things to do.” The driver punched the vehicle into the sky and she relaxed, knowing she’d be at her desk soon enough.

  In the distance, she could see the city skyline jutting out above the clouds. Minarets and domes had become the latest architecture craze on Reunion. Many of the larger buildings had refurbished their upper stories to keep up with the style mavens.

  The small communicator on her belt gave a cheerful chirp. She was more than happy to answer her personal system. “Kumi Ito.”

  “Hey, Kumi! Are you busy tonight?”

  Kumi rolled her eyes at her brother’s teasing tones. “Yes, I am actually. I have reports to read, more than one release to prepare, and—”

  “Renjiro and Selina are coming over for dinner. A family dinner.” She noted the emphasis on ‘family’ and it caught her interest. Family dinners were usually reserved for announcements. She wondered what that meant, her mind whirring away.

  “Hmm. I might be able to make it there for an hour or two, but honestly, there are so many functions...”

  Tomi laughed and she frowned.

  “Tell me, is it usually like this for you?” Kumi couldn’t stop the question from escaping.

  “I have excellent executive support. Gillian knows how to get me out of the non-essential functions.”

  The vehicle was traveling at pace and the building that housed her office was just ahead. “Look, send me details and I’ll let you know when I can get there. Oh, and Tomi? Don’t ever suggest me for another function like today’s.”

  “Sure, I’ll send you what you need. And on the other? I make no promises.” With that the connection faded away.

  As the vehicle came to a halt inside the large parking bay, she hustled out and was across the plascrete surface, her mind already delving into the array of problems that needed solving.

  At the doorway Dobry, her personal assistant started updating her on various projects. She nodded and smiled, accepting the cup of tea that was handed to her. The rich aroma teased her and she sipped the hot beverage. Once Kumi stepped up to her desk, she slipped the cup onto the tabletop and grabbed the first file.

  The report was both comprehensive and disturbing. Selina glanced up and found Dobry waiting, deep frown lines on his face. “So if we don’t get the spending on the project perfectly balanced, we run the risk of not being able to finish any of the ships? How could this happen?” Kumi thought it was yet another blow, one that physically stole her ability to think for a moment.

  The ships in question were the newest freighters developed to send the foodstuffs Reunion grew in plentiful supply to moon bases scattered throughout the Federation. It was singly the largest source of income for Reunion.

  Dobry grimaced. “The previous head... He didn’t see that it was a concern. He wasn’t very...” The black-haired man stopped and shrugged.

  Not for the first time, she felt a burst of pure anger. From everything she’d found in the last few months, her predecessor had been more interested in the social function of his role than the hands-on. Because of his lack of care, Reunion had suffered economically.

  At least, very few knew the true state of affairs, she reminded herself. Reunion was teetering on the edge of total financial collapse. Only the senators were aware of how bad the situation really was. If the populace learned... She shuddered. It could result in pure anarchy.

  In an effort to repair their shattered economic circumstances, Kumi worked long hours and pared costs to the bone. There was only so much one person could do though. She was grateful that her staff was both efficient and close-lipped. So far, sh
e’d barely scratched the surface of the crisis with their assistance. She had to find a way, needed to formulate a quick but long-lasting plan, to resurrect the economic situation of Reunion.

  The information in the cardboard folder before her reinforced her concerns. “Right. Then I suppose we had best get the project managers over here for a meeting. See if we can’t find a way to stabilize the credit bleed.” With a head shake, she moved the information to the pending pile. It was, by far, the largest mountain on her desk.

  Kumi swiped an unsteady hand over her forehead. The constant woes had drained her. How could the planet’s finances have gotten in this kind of mess? She slid into her chair, the padding molding itself to her body.

  At times like this, she felt more like a little girl playing grown-up. One who didn’t have any answers to the problems. It was overwhelming. Her stomach wobbled precariously then ached. She ignored the discomfort and concentrated on reaching for the next file. The next disaster.

  “Madam Kumi, it could be worse.” Dobry spoke softly and she looked up at him. His face softened as he looked at her. Since she’d assumed her role, she’d become aware of his interest. Kumi hadn’t missed his constant cosseting. On one level, she wished she could reciprocate his emotions.

  He might be twice her age, but he was steady and very good looking, having dark hair shot with silver and deep blue eyes. He would be, in many ways, the perfect foil for her drive and determination. But she felt no interest in him, except that of a friend. He wasn’t the man she yearned for. A quick memory of blond hair and pale, icy blue eyes flashed. She shook herself and thought about his comment.

  “I don’t see how it could be any worse.” She reached for another pile of documents as the communications unit blared. “You set up the appointment and I’ll take this comm.” She smiled, hoping to soften her dismissal.

  With a quick move, she swiveled her chair in the opposite direction. “Kumi Ito speaking.”

  “Kumi, it’s Tomi. We have a problem. I’m en route to your office now.”

  Her breath caught. What could possibly have happened to make Tomi physically come there?

  “Are you all right? Renjiro and Selina?” Her fingers gripped the communications device, squeezing. Damn it, maybe she was just paranoid, but there’d been things, odd incidents that rattled her. Files disappeared from her system, new budget overruns, strange items turning up in the parking garage. Nothing dangerous, but certainly unsettling. Maybe it was something else. What if people had caught wind of the true financial situation? Don’t go borrowing trouble, Kumi.

  “Yes. Just... Look, Kumi, stay in your office. Don’t go anywhere until I get there.” Tomi’s voice was concerned.

  She frowned. “Okay. I’ll stay here.”

  The line disconnected and she stared at the small, silver unit. The communication call had left her feeling uneasy, it hadn’t sounded like her brother at all. Emotions roiled within her. Tomi, the senior senator for Reunion, was usually calm and collected. Nothing ever seemed to shake him. The unusual turn of events did nothing to soothe the burn in the pit of her belly, and unconsciously she rubbed her hand across her stomach.

  She opened the line to Dobry’s office. “Senator Ito is on his way. When he arrives, we are not to be disturbed.” She broke the connection and waited.

  * * * *

  Captain Carmichael Snow, commander of the Emancipation, watched the man opposite him carefully. Tomi Ito might be one of the most important senators in the Federation, but at this very moment in time, he was also a terrified big brother. His hands were clenched, his knuckles bleached white, and his face was drawn and hard.

  The intelligence was explosive. Someone planned to assassinate Kumi Ito, the head of the Department of Commerce. On a purely visceral level, he felt rage that anyone might attempt to snuff out the life of the wonderfully vibrant woman who’d caught his eye. The fact that he saw it in such a personal light confused him further. Dimly, his psyche demanded that he be more concerned because she was a woman of standing in her community.

  He’d kept tabs on Kumi after meeting her at Selina and Renjiro’s commitment ceremony last year. She’d... He struggled for the right term. She’d intrigued him.

  He turned away, willing himself to focus on the facts as he straightened in his seat. “Until now, she’s not said a word about any incidents?” Carmichael’s face tightened.

  “She’s not said a word. I had no idea until one of her staffers apprised me. Then you bring me this.” Tomi slumped back in his seat.

  “Now that we have this information, we can take steps to protect her, while we hunt for the assassin.”

  Tomi grunted as he scanned the view. Carmichael couldn’t blame him. He considered himself an expert at reading body language. The way Tomi averted his gaze, the stiffness he exhibited... They all spoke of denial and fear. But that wouldn’t help Kumi right now. No, at this very point in time, the first thing they needed to do was warn her of the danger, organize a plan for her safety.

  “I want you to protect her personally, Carmichael.”

  The words surprised him. “With all due respect, Senator, my best men will be made available.”

  “I’m planning to raise this with the regent and the senate leader. I know they would agree that you are the best person to ensure her protection.”

  Carmichael stared at the man opposite him. Doesn’t Tomi realize? Can’t he see? That option wouldn’t work, because I want so much more with the woman whose body I would be guarding. She isn’t for someone like me.

  Before he could even open his mouth to argue the case, the senator shook his head. “I don’t think I could trust anyone else. I know your background and training. Kumi must be protected. Not just because she’s my sister, but because of her role. The work she’s doing...” Tomi turned back to glance out the window.

  “What do you mean?” The seat squeaked as Carmichael moved, leaning in Tomi’s direction.

  “There are irregularities within the Commerce Department. She is trying to stabilize the finances of the planet. It’s no small feat. We haven’t completed our investigations yet, but we are almost...” Tomi shuddered, as if saying the words physically hurt. “We are almost bankrupted. We should have large credit reserves, but they’ve been frittered away. We’re teetering on the edge of disaster.”

  The back of Carmichael’s neck itched. He’d have his men investigate as soon as he had Madam Kumi safely at home. He’d raise his concerns, but first... First, he had to gain her cooperation. She was so bloody independent. He was sure she’d be unwilling to agree without coercion.

  The small craft they traveled in approached an imposing tower, slowing and dropping to the plascrete surface with a slight bump, before rolling to a stop in an empty bay. The doors opened and both men climbed out. The glass slider whooshed open and they moved at a pace somewhere between a stride and jog. The silence was welcome. After years onboard the Emancipation, he was used to the general hubbub of people. This was still and hushed. The peace before the storm.

  A man approached, and he’d guess he was maybe fifty. He’s carefully preserved, thought Carmichael, noting the impeccable gray suit and discreet adornments. He wasn’t tall, but his black hair sprinkled with silver was as immaculate as his clothing. In his uniform, Carmichael felt crumpled before the picture of sartorial elegance. No doubt this was the kind of man Kumi appreciated. He pulled himself up short. He wasn’t here to further his relationship prospects. He had a job to do.

  “Madam Kumi is expecting you, Senator. Your friend, however...” The man frowned slightly as he indicated with his perfectly manicured hands toward the seating area.

  “He is with me.”

  The man nodded, but his eyes narrowed. “She has requested privacy for your meeting.”

  Tomi moved through the doorway and Carmichael shadowed him. “Thank you, Dobry.”

  Carmichael filed the name away. Never know what will be the piece of information that will solve the puzzle.

/>   Once inside, the door closed with an audible snick. Behind a large wooden desk overflowing with files was Kumi. As elegant as ever in a silver-gray suit. Kumi wasn’t a tall or large woman, but with her golden toned skin and tip-tilted brown eyes she drew the eye. Her short, dark hair was worn in a bob that framed her pixie-shaped face.

  She looked soft. Womanly. He also knew she had a spine of pure steel. He’d already seen it in action the night he’d squired her at the commitment ceremony.

  She smiled as she rose. “Well, Tomi. Whatever this is, it had better be good.”

  Carmichael noted her bare feet with a grin.

  Kumi obviously noticed him and his quick glance. She came to a standstill, frowning before stepping in his direction then stopped in front of him. Her gaze dipped to her feet and she blushed the most charming pink tinge along her high cheekbones. “Oh, dear. Do forgive me, Captain.” She wiggled the toes which peeked out from under her long, flowing pants.

  “There is nothing to forgive, Madam Kumi.” He watched her fluid movements and admired her curves. She was sleek and lithe, and his body tightened at the thought of what lay under the light silk jacket.

  With a jerky nod, Kumi made for her seat and slowly lowered herself. In a classic move, she folded her hands across the desk, her features now a serene veil of watchfulness. “So then, brother, what’s so important that I had to see you immediately and not tonight?”

  “It would seem you and your work have been noted by someone with a modicum of power among the Indy rebels. Captain Snow’s men intercepted a communication. Kumi, you’re making enemies.”

  She laughed, but it was a mirthless sound. “That’s not exactly a surprise, is it? After all, I’m trying to deal with a number of issues.” She stopped and looked at him. “Captain Snow, has my brother made you aware of—”

  He nodded quickly, cutting off her words. “Yes, he has.”