Orpheus - Haunting the Dead.pdf - Dice

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DIA DE LOS MUERTOSAUNTING THE DEAD
looks of people who knew more than they really should
about how the universe worked.
“I don’t want you to worry, though,” Cardinale
continued. “We’ve been trained in all operational
procedures. I’ve had a temporary secure area outfitted
for your use. A med staff is also available.” The man’s
relentlessly chirpy voice sounded shrill and tiny in the
vast foyer.
“The home office faxed down the way I like my
nursery stocked?” Eileen asked.
Cardinale nodded, and they stepped into the woodpaneled
elevator. He pressed “14” and the doors slid
closed. There was a brief pause, and the floor lurched
when the car began to rise.
“Then, can you please tell us what’s going on?” she
asked. “The email you sent just said ‘Need experienced,
Spanish speaking agents in Guadalajara ASAP.’ You
sent it with an A1A classification. That’s a disaster
call.”
The thin man nodded. “I’m afraid that this client
requires special consideration. She’d prefer that no
details of her situation get out. As director-general, I’m
honor bound to respect her wishes. After you finish the
job I will, of course, make a full report.”
Bullshit, you pompous windbag, she thought. Get out
to who? Corporate? They’re so tight-lipped, they need
authorization in triplicate before they’ll tell you your ass is
on fire. Using that code was a mistake. Something’s got you
spooked, something you don’t want anyone—especially
not Corporate—to know about.
The elevator door opened, and Eileen and Teo
followed the bureaucrat down a long hall filled with
blank doorways. Finally, he reached one indistinguishable
from all the others and pushed it open. Inside a
plain but comfortable waiting area, a middle-aged
woman was placing a tea tray on a low table. Two other
women sat on a plush leather couch. The older of the
two was heavy, but bore the remnants of what was once
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