As he drove toward Juno Station, Pitcher reported in. He was in constant communication with what he euphemistically called his employer; “owner” would have been more accurate. His technology was tedious and slow. But it was undetectable, and impossible to lose—unless somebody punched out his teeth.

ISHIKAWA NT FND
DRVR KLD

He hoped they would decide on a code for Ishikawa soon. His name was too long; and for vowels he had to open his jaws slightly to tongue his upper teeth, which someone might notice. The reply, in the form of brief flashes of pain in the same teeth, wasn’t long in coming.

WH KLD DRVR

He’d expected that question. If he’d reported that his driver had disappeared or died without explanation, Supra would have eliminated him. Supra didn’t tolerate evasion.

BATES

A longer pause, while his handler asked some suit to make decisions. Pitcher wondered about the killer in the seat next to him. Self-taught, probably. What was his agenda? His teeth hurt.

LK JNO STN SPCPRT
KL BATES