Alien Upstairs Read Online Free PDF Page A

firetrap myself,” Sarah said.
    The statement sailed past the woman. “He's going to learn all he can about our world.” The woman lit a cigarette and blew the smoke in Sarah's face.
    "So you know about that. I guess everyone here does."
    "But he really is from another world.” The woman waved her cigarette and Sarah shrank away, afraid of a live ash falling on her one good dress. “Don't you believe him? He is an alien. His people are tremendously advanced. He's sort of a scout, in a way. He'll find out about us, and then his people will come and everything will be settled. They'll give us all their knowledge and technology, and everything will be fine."
    "Did he tell you that?"
    "Raf? Oh, no, of course not. But that must be why he's here. Things are going from bad to worse, but I always knew something would happen. I always had hope. I just know things are going to clear up now."
    "I sure hope they do.” Sarah moved through a knot of young men in the jeans and khaki shirts of the Guard, and found Gerard near the counter. His cheeks were flushed; his fair hair drooped. He had been drinking. She estimated the calories in scotch and decided to have one. Pouring herself a drink, she moved to his side.
    "You all right?” she asked.
    "Oh, yeah.” He stared straight ahead. “I was looking at the bookshelves, trying to figure out how much they'd fetch from a rare book dealer. Quite a lot. I was making a tally. I never used to look at books that way. That crap in the store, sure, but not real books, not that way."
    "Hey, Gerry."
    "I'm all right. I can't stop thinking about that damn Toyota. It's okay."
    A voice rose above the hum and babble. The room grew quieter until Sarah could hear the voice. “You little bastard. You little prick.” It was a man's voice. She saw Martin rush from the room.
    "Good God,” she muttered. She pushed her way toward the voice. Kathy was holding on to Larry; his face was red and contorted. He pushed Kathy away and shoved past Raf, stumbling into the hall.
    Sarah followed Kathy out. Raf was circling the room, calming the guests. “What happened?"
    The older woman sighed. “Larry and Martin had a spat. Martin was flirting a little with Raf and Larry was getting a bit annoyed. Then Martin dropped it on him. He's been sleeping with Raf while Larry was at work.” Sarah's neck muscles grew tight. “Larry just about died. I'm going downstairs and see if I can calm him."
    Sarah watched her go. An arm touched her and she turned. Gerard said, “I'm not enjoying this party, are you?"
    She shook her head.
    "Let's go. Maybe we can come back later when some of them leave.” They walked toward the stairs. “Look.” Gerard had carried off a bottle of wine. “And that's not all. I've got caviar and sardines in my pockets, and some cheese."
    "Oh, Gerry."
    "Raf won't even miss it.” They went down the stairs slowly. Kathy's heavy tread preceded them. Sarah heard her knock on Larry's door below, then his answering wail. The door slammed.
    "Larry and Martin had a fight."
    "I heard. Jesus."
    They went toward their own door and Gerard fumbled with the locks while she held the wine. They went inside. She put the wine on the coffee table while Gerard deposited the contents of his pockets. “I keep wondering whether to drink it or sell it,” he said, sprawling on the sofa. “Want to watch something?"
    "I don't know.” She sat on the edge of the sofa, clasping her hands together.
    "There might be a good film on. And I think there's a referendum on Shivers and domestic policy."
    "Well, you can punch in my vote right now. They can impeach him.” She smoothed down her dress. Her face burned; she felt tired and soiled.
    "Martin better come back before curfew,” Gerard muttered. “God, I can't get over Larry making a scene like that."
    Sarah looked at him. He was wearing his old corduroy jacket, and his pants were baggy.