Memories End Read Online Free PDF Page B

of sculpture,” Tech blurted, instantly regretting it when Felix scowled at him.
    Policks sniffed in derision and glanced at the screen of a handheld computer. “This ‘sculpture’ has dropped the temperature in here to fifty-seven degrees, which is in clear violation of the Environmental Regulatory Act as it relates to the conspicuous consumption of energy.”
    “I'll get rid of the thing immediately,” Felix said. “Tech, Marz, show this criminal device to the recycling bin.” He forced himself to smile at the two syscops. “I'm also a big fan of clean air and drinkable water.”
    “Is that so?” Policks said. “Then how is it that you're continually being fined for recycling violations?”
    “It's a conspiracy. Someone keeps mixing plastic bottles in with my regular trash.”
    “Save it, McTurk,” Caster said. “You've got bigger problems than a couple of recycling violations.” He approached Felix in a menacing way. “Earlier this morning, someone made an unauthorized Network run into the EPA's violations division.”
    Felix barely managed to keep from looking at Tech. “You're accusing me? On what grounds?”
    Caster grinned nastily. “On the grounds that the only EPA file tampered with was
yours.”
    “Oh,”
Felix said, blinking.
    “The penetration was traced to the neural-net computer next door,” Policks took over. “But once we took a closer look at the machine, what do you think we found?”
    “That it hadn't been dusted in years?” Tech said.
    Caster's round face flushed with anger. “We found an illegal timeshare patch, McTurk—a patch we have good reason to believe leads right here.”
    Felix feigned outrage. “Of all the—”
    “Our records show that you've got a long history of questionable Network operations,” Policks cut him off.
    “Runs are part of my business,” Felix said.
    “And illegal runs are part of ours,” Caster said.
    “This lastest violation of Network space has put you over the top,” Policks said. “As of immediately, you're shut down.”
    Felix shot to his feet. “You can't do that! How am I supposed to conduct business if I can't use my system? If you can't cut me some slack, do it for the boys.”
    Caster almost laughed. “Your long-term future'snot our concern, data dick. You've got twenty-four hours to settle up with Network Security
and
with the EPA. What's more, we catch you doing another illegal run, you'll be barred permanently from entering the Network.”
    Policks keyed a code into her handheld device, and not a moment later every monitor in the office was displaying a Network Security warning trefoil and a countdown timer.
    While Felix was groaning, Caster let his stern gaze settle on Tech and Marz. “Why aren't you two in school?”
    “Teachers conference,” Marz said quickly.
    “Snow day,” Tech said at the same time.
    The security man nodded dubiously, then he and his partner turned to go. Waiting in the hallway when they opened the door was a spindly woman with pinched features and dull-brown hair that curtained a narrow face. As if in defiance of the weather, she was wearing a turtleneck sweater and a wool skirt that fell nearly to her ankles.
    “And who might you be?” Policks asked.
    “Fidelia Temper,” the woman said firmly, peering around Policks for a glimpse of the office. “I'm a counselor at the Safehaven group home on Fifty-sixth Street.”
    Caster jerked his thumb over his shoulder. “If you're looking for McTurk, he's inside. But I doubt he'll be here for much longer.”
    “That would suit me fine,” Fidelia Temper said.
    Policks showed her a twisted smile. “Your little hot-rodders are in there, too.”
    Fidelia shouldered between Policks and Casterand stepped boldly into the office. Felix was sitting with his head in his hands.
    “Mr. McTurk,” she barked.
    Felix glanced up at her, and his face fell even more. “Please, no flying monkeys,” he muttered.
    Muffled giggles came from the behind the closet