Charlie Robot by Martin Benedict

Author:Martin, Benedict [Martin, Benedict]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Benedict Martin
Published: 2014-09-01T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 7

I don't think I'd ever seen anyone so drunk in my life. Fortunately he was able to get through the night without any trouble. I, however, was the recipient of another restless night. I don't know if it was the couch or that I kept listening to make sure Doug didn't choke on his own vomit, but it seemed like no matter what I did, I couldn't get comfortable.

In the end I watched TV until about 5 a.m., at which time I fell asleep, only to wake to a strange man's voice calling from the direction of the elevator.

"Hello? Is anyone here?"

I sat up and who else should I see but Mr. Philips, shirtsleeves rolled up his beefy forearms, looking back at me? He didn't say anything. Instead he walked toward the sofa tentatively, like maybe he was in the wrong building.

"Is, uh, is Dr. Layton around?"

From the pained expression on his face it was apparent he was uncomfortable talking to me. Thankfully, he only had to travel a few more steps before he saw Doug asleep on the floor, lying in a puddle of his own drool.

It was definitely an awkward situation, and as much as it pleased me to see Doug in such an undignified pose, I thought it best if he was the one to deal with our surprise visitor.

"Doug! Doug! Wake up!"

He might as well have been dead for all the response I got, but eventually he woke, letting forth a mighty groan.

"Where am I?"

"You're at the lab. There's someone here to see you."

Doug closed his eyes. I thought maybe he was going to fall asleep again, but he managed to roll onto his back, covering his face with the crook of his arm.

"Who is it?"

"It's Gary Philips," said Mr. Philips. He sounded annoyed and he stood over Doug like a grumpy old ox. "Is this what you do with my money? Lie around getting drunk?"

Doug forced himself to a sitting position, propping himself up with one hand while he rubbed his face with the other.

"No, sir. I just had a bad night, that's all. What is it you wanted?"

"I wanted to invite you and the robot to my brother's house for lunch."

"Lunch?" Doug croaked. "What time is it?"

"It's ten-thirty."

I watched as Doug rested his forehead on his knee, sweaty and pale. "Sorry, but Charlie's still recovering from yesterday."

"I'm actually feeling pretty good," I said, smiling.

Mr. Philips looked at me with surprise. Doug, though—Doug looked like he aimed to vaporize my face with laser beams from his eyeballs.

"I also have work to do. And I'm certain Charlie wouldn't feel comfortable going on his own."

"I wouldn’t mind. It would be nice to get out."

Mr. Philips looked like he didn't know if he should be happy or scared. "Really? You want to have lunch with me?"

"Yeah. Sure. Why not? It's not going to be busy, is it? Not too many people?"

"Just me, my brother and his wife…"

"Sounds good, then. I'll go brush my hair."

I knew perfectly well

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