Linkage: The Narrows of Time Read Online Free PDF Page A

to release too much
personal information. “Pretty good. The doc says she can go back to
work in January.”
    “That’s great news. I’ll bet she’s tired of
being cooped up in that house. Be sure to tell her I said hello and
I’m looking forward to more of her delicious fudge bars.”
    Lucas responded with a quick nod, hoping not
to be caught in yet another long-winded conversation with the
guard. They left Bruno behind and headed for their lab.
    Their assigned workspace was located at the
far end of the science lab, through a maze of interconnecting
corridors five hundred feet away. They would have to pass two dozen
lab doors—many without windows—plus a sprinkling of restrooms,
storage rooms, and utility closets.
    Security was tight to protect the sensitive
research being conducted throughout the building. A security
card-reader controlled access to each lab and was installed a few
inches above the project number.
    When they rounded the final corner, they saw
that there were three silver-colored boxes sitting just outside the
double automatic swing doors that led into their lab. The
containers were about the size of a microwave oven and labeled with
blue print that said U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE . Each box
was wrapped with three evenly spaced strips of yellow security
tape.
    Two imposing Marine guards armed with
shoulder-slung rifles and unyielding attitudes stood next to the
boxes. The taller soldier, a first lieutenant by his insignia, was
holding a red briefcase and fussing with the handcuff fastened
around his left wrist.

Chapter
4
    Relegation
     
     
    Lucas wondered how the soldiers had been able
to pass through security with their weapons in hand. Bruno’s
scanning equipment must have lit up like a child’s face on
Christmas morning.
    “Which of you is Dr. Ramsay?” the lieutenant
asked.
    Lucas raised his hand and held up his ID. The
lieutenant nodded once and then removed a written manifest from the
briefcase. He handed it to Lucas.
    “Project AG-356-12. Yes, that’s correct.
Looks like it’s all here. Do I need to sign for it?”
    “Yes, sir. Just sign the form on the line at
the bottom.”
    Lucas pulled a pen out of his shirt pocket
and signed it. The Marine took the document, put it in his
briefcase, and the two marched in unison the opposite way down the
hall toward the newly completed NASA annex. Not a single misstep
the entire way.
    “Drew, did you see where they went?”
    “Yeah. Kleezebee didn’t say this stuff was
from NASA, did he?”
    “Not that I remember. But it doesn’t matter
to me; I’m just glad it’s here.”
    Drew snatched the manifest from his brother
and looked at it. “Me, too. I’m tired of running simulations; we
needed this stuff months ago.”
    Lucas bent over and tested the weight of the
closest box. “It’s heavier than it looks.” He wondered how the two
Marines had carried the containers. They were both taller and
stronger than he was, but still, they must have had help. “Hang on
a minute while I find a dolly. There has to be one around here
somewhere.”
    “I think there’s one in Griffith’s lab. He
usually works all night on Fridays and should still be there.”
    Dr. Griffith Davies, a renowned
astrobiologist, specialized in the origin and evolution of life in
the universe. He held PhDs in chemistry, molecular biology,
physics, and astronomy.
    “Jesus, that guy drives me crazy. He never
shuts up and is always trying to ingratiate himself,” Lucas
said.
    “That’s because he has a little man-crush on
you.”
    Lucas ignored the imagery swirling around his
head. “Thanks, just what I needed.”
    “I think he wants you as his boy-toy.”
    “Knock it off. That’s not even funny. The
guy’s not gay. You’ve seen his wife—she’s a total knockout.”
    “Yes, she is.”
    “It makes you wonder why she’s with such a
troll.”
    Lucas wasn’t sure how Griffith managed to
land such a gorgeous trophy wife, but the man was one lucky fellow.
She