The Stainless Steel Rat Goes to Hell by Harry Harrison Read Free Book Online

before she emerged from the church. This time we were all staring at the door when it opened and she came in. She looked at us and smiled.
    â€œWould one of you gentlemen mind getting me a drink? Tall, wet and alcoholic if you please.”
    I stepped aside as the twins rushed the bar. She went to the couch, sat, and signaled me to join her.
    â€œI didn’t mean to be brusque earlier, Jim. I was tired and I thought that you would appreciate action before conversation. I’m so sorry about Angelina. I listened to the message that she left for you and I believe, as you do, that she will be found. But not back on Lussuoso. We will find her. I promise.”
    From anyone else these would have been polite words. But Sybil spoke with an authority that rang true. I wanted very much to believe her.
    â€œFor you,” my son said, holding out a glass.
    She took the drink, drank, smiled—and sighed.
    â€œThank you, Bolivar. I needed that.”
    â€œI have another one—if that’s not enough.”
    â€œNot quite yet, James.”
    â€œYou’re sure you’re not mixing them up?” I blurted out.
    â€œImpossible to do, as you well know, Jim. I imagine James has always had that tiny scar on his left earlobe.”
    I blinked. It was almost impossible to see.

    â€œSince I was four years old. Bolivar bit me.”
    â€œBelieve that and you’ll believe anything.”
    She smiled at both of them. Then turned to me and was serious again; playtime over.
    â€œThe service of the Seekers of the Way seems to be a near replica of the one described in the briefing for the Temple of Eternal Truth. Uplifting organ music, a good bit of incense to mask the smell of tylinyne. As you undoubtedly know that is a mild tranquilizing drug. No lasting effects, but it does relax the subjects, makes suggestion much easier. Not that it was much needed since everyone there was very convinced to begin with. The sermon was most inspiring and very strange to hear from a physicist of Slakey’s reputation. Heavily mystical, plenty of guff about the hereafter and the good life and good deeds that pave the road to Heaven. After some more music some of the women spoke with great warmth about their visit to Heaven, after which they donated impressive sums for the furthering of the good works. Sounded very much like the recorded statement of Vivilia VonBrun that Jim made.”
    â€œDifferent church, same scam?” I asked. She nodded.
    â€œIf scam is the right word. These people sound absolutely convinced. I’ll know more after I’ve made the trip myself. Inskipp will scream when he sees how much of his funds I have invested to hurry that day.”
    â€œWhen?” Bolivar asked.
    â€œAs soon as possible without raising Slakey’s suspicions. For the record, he is now called Father Marablis. There is another thing about him that I find particularly interesting. Before leaving I made a point of approaching him to gush over his sermon. He liked that. Nor did he mind when, in the heat of the moment, I seized him by the hand, the right hand, and squeezed it with heartfelt emotion.”
    I leaned forward intently. As did the twins. We did not have to ask the question. She nodded.
    â€œA warm human hand—not a prosthetic.”
    â€œBut—” I stammered. “I saw the severed hand. It was positively identified.”

    â€œI know. Interesting, isn’t it? I look forward to coming events with great anticipation.”
    The boys stared at her, smitten. Their kind, our kind of person. If anyone could find Angelina she could; I was sure of that now.
    Two days—and two very large donations—later she was told to prepare for her visit.
    â€œDo I look all right?” she asked, turning slowly. Women only ask that when they know the answer. She was wearing something black, tight, expensive, with matching hat and even more expensive jewelry. “Are you sure that this