Book 3: 3rd World Products, Inc

Book 3: 3rd World Products, Inc Read Online Free PDF Page B

Book: Book 3: 3rd World Products, Inc Read Online Free PDF
Author: Ed Howdershelt
inkpen."
    My implant tingled slightly as the pen in the wooden holder on the desk lifted a few inches and drifted to the papers. Stephanie's image put her hand to the pen and began to fill in the blanks as Krista watched intently, then Krista looked sharply at me.
    "You aren't doing this for her, are you? Which of you disarmed Marlene?"
    "That was me,” I said. “But this is Stephie."
    "And just how might I know that to be the truth?"
    I sighed and said, “I guess you can't know that. Maybe if I left the room?"
    For just a second or so, Krista hesitated, then she said, “Yes, please. I'd like to talk to Miss Montgomery alone, if you wouldn't mind too terribly. Close the door behind you. If you'd like tea, Marlene will find you some."
    I nodded and stood up, but didn't immediately head for the door.
    Stephanie looked up at me and said, “I'll be fine, Ed. Go ahead."
    Through my implant, she asked, “Should I leave this link open?"
    I left the room, pulling the door shut. Pausing outside the door, I whispered, “An open link would be too distracting, if not for you, then for me. You can handle this, Steph."
    "But we've always..."
    "No buts. This woman is already suspicious enough of me. If she thought I was coaching you, she'd turn you down instantly and without further discussion."
    Marlene got to her feet as I approached her desk. At least she was no longer armed as she turned to face me.
    "Would you like a refreshment? A tea or a Coke, perhaps?"
    "I drink coffee,” I said. “And I have some in the flitter. Back in a few."
    "I'm quite sure that under these circumstances Krista would prefer that you remain where you can be seen."
    I stopped halfway to the door and turned to face her.
    "Just in case I'm somehow controlling Stephie, you mean?"
    She didn't back down an inch. “That would seem likely, wouldn't it? Not that we can be sure of anything, anyway, really. You might somehow be controlling her now."
    I came to sit by her desk and said with a grin, “Gee, you Brits used to be such a trusting bunch. What happened?"
    She grinned back at me and said, “Maybe too many Yanks have tried to diddle us. How did you take the gun from my hand earlier? And how did you hold it near the ceiling?"
    "Magic,” I said. “Plain and simple magic."
    "I don't believe in magic."
    "Well, then, how about Amaran technology? It's the same thing to most people."
    Her smile broadened. “Yes, that I can believe. How did you...?"
    A big man burst into the office at that moment and spotted me. He was Andrew, but not the same Andrew I'd carried and dragged through several miles of Angolan scenery. This Andrew was at least fifty pounds heavier, balding, and using a cane to quickly traverse the room.
    He yelled, “ Jesus on a great big stick! It is you! What the hell brings you here? How are you? When did you get in?"—and by that time, he'd reached me.
    I'd stood up as he'd trundled across the room. He wrapped his arms around me and squeezed for some seconds, then backed off a pace and stared at me.
    "Well?” he asked, “Should I believe you came here just to see me?"
    "Nope. I came to see that good looking blonde in the other office."
    He shook his head and grinningly said, “Wrong. That's a great looking blonde and she's my daughter, so behave or I'll use this damned cane on you."
    Krista poked her head out of her office and said, “Oh, good, you're here. Keep him occupied, Daddy. I need a few more words with his lady before I can make a decision."
    Andrew looked at me and his eyebrows went up. “Your lady? So this really is an official visit?"
    "Yup. Sorry I didn't come all this way just to see you, but it's definitely a bonus."
    He laughed and said, “Good of you to say so, anyway. Oh, by the way, have you seen what's parked in front of the building? It's a flitter , by God! With a cat in it! Hovering a foot above the street! I'd never even seen one up close before. Want to go have a look at it?"
    I glanced at the secretary, who
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