Alternating Current: A Tesla Novel Read Online Free Page B

system. An early design of the Defibrillator,
elaborate circuitry led to a washboard-like device strapped around a patient’s
chest. “The undergarment of Kings and Queens, denied the masses,”
    “Electrostatic
Deuterium Oxide,” hundreds of tiny molecules on page after page with numbers
and symbols, it resembled a child’s color by number book, but it was “The end
of tyranny.”
    Phillip tiptoed
past his grandmother’s room to use the bathroom.
    “Phillip, are you
awake? Sweetie, it’s seven-o-clock, why are you up so early.” Phillip was still
dressed. “Phillip Washington, have you been out all night dressed like that?”
    “No, Grandma. I
haven’t left the house.”
    “Why are you still
dressed? Did you sleep in your clothes?”
    “I haven’t slept
yet.”
    “Phillip
Washington, you didn’t bring a girl into that pig-sty bedroom, did you?”
    “Relax, Grandma,
there’s nobody here.” Phillip explained that he’d been up all night going
through the Charles Chips canisters.
    “Get some sleep
right now young man. Those papers belonged to a loon, I want you to throw that
stuff away as soon as you wake up, and clean your room while you’re at it.”
    “Yes, Ma’am,
goodnight.”
    “Don’t tell me
goodnight. It’s morning.”
    All those notes
and diagrams the work of a loon, Phillip had doubts. Although, many would lead
you toward that conclusion. Phillip recognized the later writings, the ones on
the eggshell paper were much more far-fetched than the older, nicotine yellow
pages. The scientist’s faculties had probably reduced, diminished, but his
imagination appeared still vibrant, judging from his concepts. Phillip wondered
about this “mad scientist.” Why hadn’t he read any books about him?
    Many of the
documents, although written in English, had a foreign caption or signature.
Phillip thought it was Russian, which made some of the concepts frightful. Did
the Russians have a “Death Ray?” His imagination ran wild. Maybe he was the
loon.
    Sleep would be
best, but hundreds of documents covered his bed and much of the floor. He
changed into his pajamas, grabbed a pillow, blanket, and the notes for
Electrostatic Deuterium Oxide and went downstairs to the sofa. His grandmother
had already gone to church. Phillip stared at the clusters of molecules and
realized he perhaps should have chosen an easier concept to read at bedtime,
still, he wondered how those tiny molecules could end tyranny. Exhausted, he tucked
the pages under his pillow and fell hard to sleep.

CHAPTER
6
    Turbo had eaten
his fifth frozen dinner in as many nights. Tired, he welcomed bedtime, even
though hours would pass before he’d fall asleep. He’d learned to cope with this
pre-sleep time when his mind raced. No more self-pity, no more over analyzing
his failed marriage. Instead, he used this time to plan, to strategize new
marketing ideas and practical business solutions for the repair shop. On some
nights, he dreamed up new inventions or improved ones already in existence. He
longed to be brilliant like his uncle. Occasionally, he plotted revenge against
Con-Edison. Turbo excelled during pre-sleep. It’s when he felt most important,
empowered to accomplish great things.
    Turbo’s father had
told him stories about his uncle. One, in particular, came to mind that night.
Tesla had claimed many times that he’d contacted life on Mars. Of course, no
one believed him. His peers bantered and ridiculed him. Even Turbo had doubted
him, until the other day. What about Alex Gaye? Did he really contact Mars?
Turbo could kick himself for not getting the young man’s phone number.
    ***
    Maria entered the
repair shop in a much calmer manner than on her previous visit. Cosmo high-tailed-it
into the backroom. Turbo stood ready behind the counter.
    “William, we need
to talk.”
    He knew right away
that it wouldn’t be good. “William? Who’s William? All these years I’m Turbo,
now I’m William. Did your hot-shot lawyer tell