Close Up the Sky Read Online Free Page A

is done there?"
    Feldon shook his head.
"As I said, I don't know. Neither of us has ever been inside the facility
itself, only the military police building outside the main complex. It's in the
desert, at least twenty miles from anywhere, and very heavily guarded by
Marines. There's a small road leading to it from the main highway, but it
terminates about two miles from the fence. A military checkpoint is set up at
the end of the road, and from there all transportation is by helicopter. They
also maintain a twenty-four hour air patrol within a ten-mile radius. Nothing
larger than a rabbit gets closer than that without security clearance.”
    An image of the
New Mexico desert appeared in Leahy’s mind. He envisioned vast stretches of
white sand and scrub brush, broken by distant mountains. In the middle of the
desert was the secret facility, its outline distorted by waves of heat drifting
in the dry air. Like most people, he knew the military occasionally used the
desert for testing munitions and special weapons, but that was the extent of
his knowledge. Outside a normal concern for the environment, he had never spent
much time thinking about secret military laboratories. His sense of patriotism
had always been strong, and for the most part he trusted the government to do
its job. Besides, there were always special interest groups and anti-nuclear
organizations to ferret out and demonstrate against any project they considered
dangerous. He had always been content to sit back and let them do their thing. He
picked up most of what was going on in the world from TV news reports. Nothing,
as far as he remembered, involved a place called Apache Point.
    “You won’t need to
pack for the trip,” Feldon continued. “Everything you need will be supplied
when you arrive.” He stood up, followed by Summerhour. “One last thing,” he
said. “We’ll have to ask you not to say anything to anyone about this
conversation. The FBI background investigation shows you’re not married, so
that won’t be a problem. Just tell any friends who might ask that you’ll be on
vacation.”
    “How long can I
expect to be away?” Leahy asked, getting to his feet.
    “I don’t know, and
that’s the truth,” Feldon answered, “but your leave of absence is for an
indefinite period. Also, don’t drive your car to the airport or ask anyone to
take you. It'll be better if you take a taxi. We’ve arranged a story to cover
your absence should people in your department begin to question where you are. With
the exception of Chief Webster, everyone will think you’re on an extended
vacation out west touring the Grand Canyon and so forth.” Feldon buttoned his
coat and walked to the door.
    “Good luck,
Lieutenant," said Summerhour. "I’m sorry you can’t be better informed
before you leave, but it’s beyond our control. No doubt everything will be made
known to you after you arrive.” He held out his hand. Leahy took it, surprised
at the firmness of the man’s grip.
    “Yeah, thanks,” he
responded, following him to the door where Feldon waited. A peal of thunder
rolled in the distance, promising more rain. For some reason it made him feel
cold, and he pulled the robe closer around his neck.
    “I know this has
been a strange morning for you,” Feldon said. “I apologize again for not being
more explicit.”
    “I’ve been a cop
for a long time,” Leahy said as he shook hands with Feldon. “I understand the
need for security. Who knows? Next time we meet it might be me who can’t give
you any information.”
    “See you around,”
said Summerhour with a half smile.
    He watched the two
men walk down the hallway and out the door. When they were outside, he walked over
to the exit door. Keeping close to the wall, he peered through the glass window
and was just able to see them get into their car. It was a late model Ford with
black-wall tires. Standard government
issue , he thought. As they drove out of the parking lot he made a