Mars Child by C.M. Kornbluth

Author:C.M. Kornbluth
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Start Publishing LLC
Published: 2023-02-01T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

“It doesn’t matter,” Mimi said firmly. “We still have to go through with the search.”

“That’s how I see it, too,” Tony admitted. “We can’t bring any accusations until we know our own slate is clean.”

“If we could only get hold of the Bloodhound. . .”

“Bell refused.”

“And that means no matter how carefully we search, he can still come in afterward and claim it wasn’t done properly.”

“Could we rent one or buy it?” Gracey wanted to know.

“Government property only,” Mimi told him. “O’Donnell checked on that the other day.”

“Okay, so we have to do it without the Bloodhound.” Nick jumped up and paced the length of the room restlessly. “I bet I could build one if we only had a little time . . . Well, we have to go ahead, that’s all. Where does Graham come in?”

Tony realized they were waiting for an answer from him. “I don’t know. He has no use for Bell, but he doesn’t exactly rise to the bait when I throw it at him either. I think we better go slow and feel him out. He didn’t seem to go for the blunt approach when Chabrier and the others tried it.”

“Slow?” Nick stormed. “Man, we’ve got six days! Go slow?”

“As fast as we can,” Gracey put in. “We still have to get the search finished. I think we have to do that before we ask Graham anything. He has to have some facts to work with.”

“Right,” Mimi agreed. “Now let’s get our plans organized. If we start at dawn, maybe we can do the whole unpacking operation tomorrow . . . then we can hit Graham. Means we’ll have to leave crates open and repack them later, but I don’t see any alternative now. How long is Graham staying, Tony?”

“He said maybe three days.”

“Okay, then that’s how we’ve got to do it. Maybe by tomorrow night we’ll know better how to get at the guy.”

They spent a busy ten minutes outlining the plan of operations, and then the three men went out, leaving the details for Mimi to settle.

Tony walked down the settlement street slowly, trying to get his thoughts in order. It had been a long day—three-fifteen in the morning when Tad woke him, and now there was still work to do.

Stopping in at the hospital to collect his bag, he found Graham kibitzing idly with Harve in his living room.

“Just waiting for you, Doc.” Stillman stood up. “I have to get over to the radio shack. Tad’s on the p.m. shift this week, but he fell asleep before supper, so I’ve got to take over tonight.”

Tony surveyed his guest uncomfortably. “Anything you’d like?” he asked. “I have to go out and see a couple of patients. Won’t be too long.”

“Could I go along?” Graham asked. “I’d like to, if it’s all right with you.”

“Sure. I want you to see the baby I was talking about anyhow. My other patient is pretty sick; you may have to wait while I look in on her.

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