Homeport Read Online Free PDF

years. I’ve done so myself.” Idly, she scraped a bit at the blue-green patina with her thumbnail. The surface corrosion was visibly thick, but she needed more, much more.
    â€œI’ll start right away.”
    Â 
    Vivaldi played lightly in the air of the lab. The walls were a pale hospital green, the floor a spotlessly white linoleum. Each station was militarily neat, fitted with microscopes, computer terminals, vials or tubes or sample bags. Therewere no personal items, no pretty framed family pictures, no mascots or souvenirs.
    The men wore ties, the women skirts, and over all were the crisp white lab coats with the Standjo logo stitched in black on the breast pocket.
    Conversation was muted and minimal, and equipment hummed like well-oiled clocks.
    Elizabeth expected a tight ship, and her former daughter-in-law knew how to run one.
    The house in Maine where Miranda had grown up had presented precisely the same atmosphere. It made for a cold home, Miranda thought as she scanned the area, but an efficient workplace.
    â€œIt’s been some time since you were here,” Elizabeth began. “But Elise will refresh your memory as to the setup. You’ll have free access to all areas, of course. I have your security card and your codes.”
    â€œFine.” Miranda fixed a polite smile on her face as Elise turned from a microscope and started toward them.
    â€œMiranda, welcome to Florence.” Elise’s voice was quiet, not quite breathy, but with the promise it could be if she were properly aroused.
    â€œIt’s nice to be back. How are you?”
    â€œFine. Busy.” She flashed a hundred-watt smile and took Miranda’s hand. “How’s Drew?”
    â€œNot quite so fine—but busy.” She lifted a brow when Elise squeezed her hand.
    â€œI’m sorry.”
    â€œIt’s none of my business.”
    â€œI’m still sorry.” She released Miranda’s hand and turned to Elizabeth. “Will you head the tour, or shall I?”
    â€œI don’t need a tour,” Miranda said before her mother could speak. “I need a lab coat, a microscope, a computer. I’ll want to take photos, and X rays, of course.”
    â€œThere you are.” John Carter loped his way over. Miranda’s lab manager looked endearingly rumpled in the midst of ruthless efficiency and style. His tie with silly grinning cows grazing was already askew. He’d snagged the pocket of his lab coat on something so that it flapped fromloose threads. There was a nick on his chin where he’d cut himself shaving, a thumb-sized stub of a pencil behind his ear, and smudges on the lenses of his glasses.
    He made Miranda feel cozily at home.
    â€œYou okay?” He patted her arm in three bouncing strokes, then: “How’s the knee? Andrew told me the guy who mugged you tossed you around.”
    â€œTossed you around?” Elise looked over quickly. “We didn’t know you were hurt.”
    â€œJust shaken up. It’s all right. I’m fine.”
    â€œHe held a knife to her throat,” Carter announced.
    â€œA knife.” Elise put a hand to her own throat. “That’s horrible. It’s—”
    â€œIt’s all right,” Miranda said again. “He just wanted money.” She turned, meeting her mother’s eyes. “And I think he’s cost us enough valuable time.”
    For a moment Elizabeth said nothing. There was challenge in Miranda’s gaze, and she decided the time for sympathy had passed.
    â€œThen I’ll let Elise set you up. Your ID and security cards are in here.” Elizabeth handed Miranda an envelope. “Elise should be able to handle any of your questions or needs. Or you can contact me.” She glanced at the slim watch on her wrist. “I have another meeting shortly, so I’ll let you get started. I hope to have a preliminary report by end of day.”
    â€œYou will,”