Zendyne | Page 7

like her
out there, no insurance would cover the bill ... but that possibility was too depressing to
think about.
He activated the data terminal and checked the portfolio he’d built up over his years as a
Zendyne employee. The rumors weren’t even confirmed yet, but the stock was already on
a downtrend. Lee felt a twinge of guilt about the sweet old lady who’d probably end up
holding his shares when news broke of the recall, but it wasn’t as if he was really an
insider any more.
He touched the SELL icon and watched his stake in Zendyne dwindling away while his
personal account grew, wondering — without a great deal of optimism — if the
transaction would turn out to be a metaphor for his future life.

***
Eventually, Lee would need to talk to Lilith again, and now, with the resources of
Zendyne lost to him, that meant loading her back into a doll.
He knew there was a surplus Artemis 9300 unit on sale in the employee mall. The 9300
project had been the first opportunity Lee ever had to give serious creative input, instead
of simply implementing the visions of more experienced engineers, and the resulting
design held a place in his affections that wasn’t entirely due to its sculpted features and
lithe curves.
There was an awkward moment as he trailed an acquaintance through the security doors,
muttering something about his swipe card not working properly, and then he was at the
sales counter.
"Uh, I forgot to bring my ID today, and I was wondering if I could still buy the Artemis
9300."
"I’m sorry, sir. We only offer the employee discount to staff members in possession of a
valid Zendyne ID. If you come back with your card tomorrow, we’d be happy to process
your order."
"The thing is, I’m in a bit of a hurry. How much is the employee discount?"
The store assistant raised a supercilious eyebrow and took a long look at the doll before
returning his attention to Lee. "Twenty percent."
"No problem, I’ll pay the difference. Could you have it delivered?"
"We just charge the prices you see."
"So you won’t let me pay the difference?"
"I wish I could oblige, sir, but there’s nothing in our rulebook that would allow me to do
that."
Lee didn’t even try to keep the contempt out of his voice. "Thank God I sold my stock."
And then, to his mortification, Xia Lin was there, smiling as if she was pleased to have
found him. Or at least, as if she was pleased to have found him in an embarrassing
situation. "I see you are shopping for a souvenir, Lee. Or perhaps a substitute for a real
woman?"
Xia Lin’s haughty stare left him in no doubt about which woman she meant. Lee met her
gaze for a moment, then let his eyes drop, taking in her trim figure for one last time. She
looked good enough to set him wondering if things might somehow have been different
between them, but Lee couldn’t afford to go there. He tugged at his collar, wishing they
wouldn’t keep these places so damn hot. "Um, just looking for something to remind me

of happier times. I think the Artemis unit might make an interesting piece of sculpture."
He could tell she wasn’t buying it, but he plunged on regardless. "Unfortunately, your
store no longer wants my business, so I’ll just be on my way."
"Wait." She placed a gloved hand on his elbow, making it impossible for him to leave
without pulling away rudely. "Unlike you, I have not forgotten my card. I shall purchase
it for you."
"There’s really no need," he began, but she was already placing the order.
"Do you offer overnight delivery?" she asked.
"Of course, Madam."
"Good. Because my friend will be making alternative living arrangements tomorrow,
won’t you, Lee?"
"I’m sorry?"
"Your apartment is leased through the Zendyne Accommodation Office," she said. "You
hadn’t forgotten, I hope."
Instead of replying, he fished a credit chip out of his pocket and offered it to her.
Xia Lin ignored it. "There is no need to reimburse me. Think of it as ... whatever you
will." She shot him a final glance that he found completely unfathomable and then turned
away, heading for the clothing section.
2
The new client was right on time. Stranger appreciated that. The day had turned hot and
humid, and he hated hanging around, waiting for the right person to come along for him
to kill.
Stranger pretended to be distracted and looking elsewhere as his target bustled through
the apartment building’s revolving doors. The rentacop came within a couple of meters,
close enough for Stranger to see he was smiling, as if this was the