Singing the Dogstar Blues Read Online Free Page B

along its length, looking pensive.
    â€˜Joss, I want to ask you something.’
    Aha, here it comes.
    â€˜Do you really want to be partnered with that Chorian? I feel that you’ve been pressured into something for which you are not quite prepared.’
    His voice was deep with sincerity. He probably practised the pitch every night before he went to bed.
    â€˜I don’t think any of us are really prepared for the Chorians,’ I said, just as sincerely. ‘Anyway, Mavkel seems okay. I don’t mind partnering it.’
    â€˜Nevertheless, I wouldn’t hold it against you if you decided to forfeit this partnership and join young Bel Hussar-Rigdon. That was our original plan.’
    â€˜No, thanks. I’m happy with the assignment.’
    He leaned back in his chair and rolled the pen between his fingers. Things were not going the way he wanted.
    Frankly, I was starting to think being partnered with the Chorian was going to be more trouble than it was worth. But I couldn’t go along with one of Camden-Stone’s plans. It was against my religion.
    He stood up and walked around the desk. It was time for psych-out tactic number three: whenever possible physically intimidate your victim. Camden-Stone chose standing over me, his crotch in my face.
    â€˜Aaronson, you could just as easily be out of the twelve. Even out of the university. You must know you’re in this course by default, so don’t rock the boat.’
    Default? What the hell was he talking about?
    â€˜Oh, come on now,’ he said, watching my face. ‘How else would a misfit like you get into the Centre? Your mother paid for it, of course. Just like she’s paid for every other school you’ve been to.’
    I knew my mother had bought me a place in the general university, but my place in the twelve too? I thought I’d done that on my own. I’d worked hard enough for it. Damn her and her money. This once she could have let me do it by myself.
    Camden-Stone leaned down, his face so close it blurred. I wanted to pull away. Create some space. Instead I sat there, staring past that sensuous little mouth.
    â€˜I’m sure you wouldn’t want the Board to know of Mummy’s little business arrangement, would you?’ he asked.
    I didn’t move. His breath was peppermint fresh against my cheek. He moved forward slightly. The last attack.
    â€˜My dear girl, your mother may own an interest in this Centre, but it doesn’t mean she can keep you here. You see, it won’t be long before I have the controlling interest. Take my advice and change partners while you still have the chance.’
    He pulled back, looking down at me.
    I was a throatache away from bawling. It was time to get out of there. I’d rather take a laser in the head than cry in front of Camden-Stone. Why didn’t I just swap partners? Make my life easier. Yeah, sell out and never be able to look myself in the eye again.
    â€˜You can do what you like, sir, but I’m not going to forfeit the partnership.’
    â€˜Why are you being so stubborn?’
    â€˜Why don’t you want me to partner the Chorian?’
    We stared at each other. The old clock on the mantelpiece ticked on, timing the stalemate. Then Camden-Stone finally looked away.
    The console blipped.
    â€˜Yes?’ Camden-Stone snapped.
    â€˜Dr Hartpury has arrived,’ Gazza’s voice said.
    â€˜Have her wait, please.’ The screen blipped off.
    â€˜This is not finished yet, Aaronson. Think carefully about what I’ve said.’ He turned back to the console, the movement strangely awkward. ‘You’re dismissed.’
    In the reception room Gazza was sitting at his desk, staring out Dr Hartpury. She was staring back, but smiled when she saw me come through the door.
    â€˜Hi, Joss. How have you been?’
    â€˜Fine,’ I said, my voice squeezing past the lump in my throat. Hartpury glanced at Camden-Stone’s