The Journeyman is a stylish science-fiction fantasy set in the far future where hackers run rampant and businessman terrorize humanity. A fun romp into the mind of Arturo R. Carrejo.
The story takes place over 200 years from now, the main thread tells the story of Kyla Hunter, a woman torn from her only surviving parent, her father, and thrust into the evil world of assassination, lies, and secrets. As she struggles to free herself of this obligation to the treacherous Syndicate Corporation, bit by bit she discovers the truth (or what she knows as the truth) about th fate of her parents. The Journeyman also tells the story of professional hacker Dean Beckett, whose knowledge of the Internet terrorist known as the Journeyman could get him killed.
Excerpt
A pretty blonde face that cut across the screen interrupted the Chairman's thoughts. "What is it?" He said.
"You have a call on the line."
"Larissa, I told you no disturbances tonight. What part of that didn't you understand?"
"I know, sir, but it's Ms. Lacey Warwick on the line."
The Chairman stiffened up. "Oh then, send her call through."
The heated glare of a brunette now filled his view. That bitch looks more like a mannequin now than a woman, he thought. I doubt she still has any of her original parts left. Lacey looked upon the pale, wrinkled body of the Chairman and gave him a stifled laugh. "We seem to catch each other at odd times these days."
"I have no shame of my body," he said. "You, on the other hand-"
Angered, she cut him off. "Let me get right to it. Your assassin was supposed to slip in undetected."
"He was."
"Then why couldn't your man pass through Processing without being discovered? Now there's a Code Five security breach among the colony. Do you have any idea what that means? that means all airspace around Mars will be restricted, full sweeps of the station, the works. It's beginning to shake my confidence in your assassin."
"He will do his job, I assure you."
"I don't delight in your assurance anymore."
"I will personally deal with that slip up, provided he survives this mission."
Lacey shook her head. "The deal is off. I should have been crazy in trusting my future with you. It's like working at Glisstone all over again."
"Hey, it got you to Mars, didn't it? You ungrateful skank! I made you what you are! Don't you even back away from me now!"
"The governor suspects me! My own personal assistant has told me this. Now he sends his agents to watch my every move. I have Vanguard patrols every time I go to the bathroom, for Heaven's sake! I won't be a prisoner in my own palace!"
"All I can do is give you my word-"
"Your word's not good enough for me anymore!"
He forced the words out slowly, trying to restrain his choler. "I have no control over my agents once they're away. They have the necessary survival training. They can operate on only a few minutes of sleep. They can kill the strongest bodyguard with their bare hands. And above all they're loyal only to me. If I say they'll do the job, then they'll do the job. Do you think I want to waste an assassin that cost me millions in training and conditioning? Not a chance. My man is probably up there plotting his next strategy as we speak. So relax, Lacey. Be patient."
"But my transport is already nearing the last way station!"
"I said not to worry about that. Delays can always be made. Do I still have your support?"
Lacey did not respond, her brown eyes looked downcast at a point off-camera.
The Chairman hated repeating himself. "Do I still have your support?"
Reluctantly, Warwick agreed. "No more screw-ups, Chairman. You got that? Or I'll tell every news net about you and the truth behind your company."
He raised his voice. "Are you threatening me with blackmail?"
"Absolutely. I've been around you and your henchmen for far too long to carelessly dismiss what happens in your world."
The Chairman's face grew darker. "You have no inkling on hos Syndicate handles its affairs, my dear. You're damned lucky you're still on Mars. Had you been back here and said that to me, you'd be dead that moment you finished that sentence."
"Are you threatening ME now?"
He gave her a yellowed-tooth snarl. "Absolutely."
Lacey broke the tension with an uneasy laugh. "Always so serious. I could never joke with you."
"No one jokes with me about that. In my world, that's a major faux pas."
"I have to go," she said. "I pray your assassin will be on top of his game this time around."
"Oh he will. You can count on it." He was about to turn off his screen when he added: "Consider yourself warned, Lacey. Don't ever threaten me again!"
This chair is not your grandmother's rocking chair! In fact, you wouldn't want your grandmother or any loved one near it! So find a well lit room and enjoy an intense read of this Sci-Fi thriller.
