Origin Read Online Free Page B

else is here for the long haul. Believe it or not, except for the isolation and the fact that you don’t see the great outdoors, this is almost like a resort. We’ve got a sauna, a four lane swimming pool, a full library, even a racquetball court.”
    “Who foots the bill for all of this if only the President knows about it?”
    “Social Security. Now you know why the benefits are so low.”
    Andy used his fist to stifle a yawn. The food was settling well and he suddenly realized how tired he was.
    “I’ll show you to your room,” Race said. “If you haven’t had a chance yet, take the time to make a list of things you need from your apartment; clothes, books, whatever. I know you’ve got some things already en route, toiletries and such, but anything else you might need, just holler. That goes for things you might need for research too. We have a blank check here, no questions asked. Back in the sixties, as a joke, two guys asked for a Zamboni. Came the next day. Sure pissed off President Johnson. That man could curse like no one I’ve ever met.”
    “I’m still not convinced I’m staying.”
    “That’s fine, but it’s a funny thing about Bub. We’ve had people scream, faint dead away, become downright hysterical the first time they see him. But we’ve never had one leave without finishing their job. Curiosity is a powerful motivator.”
    It also killed the cat,
Andy thought.
    They left the Mess Hall and headed down the Blue Arm via the Octopus. As they walked, the door to Blue 5 opened and a woman came out into the hallway. She was petite, and the lab coat she wore was too big for her even though the sleeves had been rolled up. Her hair was blue-black and cut into a bob, perfectly framing a triangular Asian face.
    Andy was immediately entranced. It had been a long time since he’d been in the presence of a beautiful woman. The last was his ex-girlfriend, Susan. Pre-Susan, he’d dated a lot. His looks were okay, but the ability to speak in dozens of languages was something women really liked. Post-Susan, he’d been a desert island. She’d taken more than just his heart. She’d taken his confidence as well.
    “Dr. Jones, this is Andy Dennison, the translator. Andy, this is Dr. Sunshine Jones, our resident veterinarian.”
    “Hi,” Andy said, smiling big. “You know, when I was a kid I had a retriever named Sunshine. I loved that dog.”
    Dr. Jones stared at him, her face made of marble.
    “Not that I’m comparing you to a dog,” Andy said quickly. “But it’s a small world, both you and my dog having the same, uh, name.”
    She didn’t respond. Andy’s smile deflated.
    Race, who watched the exchange with barely concealed amusement, cut in to give Andy a hand.
    “Mr. Dennison was called in at three this morning. He just met Bub an hour ago. You could say he had the typical reaction.”
    “Hey, I’m from Chicago,” Andy said, trying to recover. “I’m not bothered by too much.”
    “Is that so?” Dr. Jones said. Her voice lacked the faintest trace of good nature. “Bub’s next feeding is at noon. Maybe you’d like to lend a hand?”
    “Sure.”
    Dr. Jones nodded, then walked down the Blue Arm to the Octopus.
    Andy waited until she’d gone through the door before commenting.
    “Very intense lady.”
    “She’s been here a week, since Bub woke up, and I haven’t seen her smile once. Does a helluva job though. She’s the one who figured out Bub’s, uh, nutritional requirements.”
    “Which are?”
    “Remember those sheep you smelled?”
    Andy frowned, the banana muffins doing a flip in his stomach.
    “Well,” Race said. “Here’s your room.”
    Race opened the door to Blue 6. Andy gave it a quick glance over. It was set up like a hotel suite; bed, desk, TV, dresser, washroom. The only thing missing was a view.
    “Our water heater is on the fritz, so all we got is lukewarm for the time being. That phone on the nightstand is in-house only. All the rooms in Samhain got ‘em.