Awares by Piers Anthony Read Free Book Online Page B

that you maintain your relationship with him.”
    “Even after this tour is over?”
    “Yes. The Lamb indicates that the salvation of Earth may depend on that association.”
    “So it's safe for me to like him.”
    “It is essential that you like him, and that you let him know it.”
    Elasa did not inquire further. She knew that her role as a secret agent for Earth had to be performed flawlessly. But it helped that this aspect was not onerous.
    She almost lost it with one client. The man had enthusiastic sex with her, then looked at her with dawning recognition. “Fembot!”
    Elasa froze.
    Then Bunky was there with Adela. “No, impossible,” the man concluded. “It was just that the only experience I have had before that matches yours was with one of those robots.”
    “Thank you,” Elasa said, relieved that the Lamb, in concert with the Aware, had been able to project the necessary thought. Bunky was telepathic, but projection was not easy for him. It was the vampire plants that had real powers of projection. “I understand they are very good at what they do.”
    “Oh, yes. But ultimately there is no substitute for a real live girl.”
    “That is reassuring to know.”
    She did not mention the incident to Pauling.
    The tour concluded. Pauling's regular secretary had recovered and would return to her position, which included bed as well as board. Adela reported that the woman was jealous as hell of his time with Elasa, for good reason; he preferred Elasa. It was time for Elasa to go home.
    “Oh Silver,” Pauling lamented. “I'm ashamed to admit it, but I don't want to lose you. You have been the best secretary and companion I have ever had, and--” He took a breath. “I think I have fallen in love with you.”
    There was the crux. She had to maintain the relationship, but it was better that it be at his behest rather than hers. Elasa made a pretense of surprise. “I assumed it was just business and sex. You know I am married.”
    “It was supposed to be. I do know you are married. I do know better. There can never be anything formal between us. But you are the perfect woman, the very image of my desire. Is there not at least some hint of return feeling on your part?”
    “All I can legitimately say is that I do like you, Pauling, and have enjoyed our sessions together, of whatever nature. I will be sorry to see them end. But I will always love my husband best. I would not have taken this job were it not for the money.” That was a necessary lie, and perhaps not a complete one.
    He grasped at that straw. “There are occasional projects you could facilitate. They can be well paid. If you could handle one every week or so--”
    “I believe I could do that,” Elasa agreed. “If your secretary is amenable.”
    For a moment grim lines formed about his mouth. He was a man of power. “She will be amenable.” Or else.
    “Then perhaps this is not farewell,” Elasa said, kissing him. Not farewell until the Maggots took him over. She wished that were not part of the equation.

Chapter 5:
    Alien
    Banning and Bela were glad to have her back, and Elasa was glad to be back. She made love to Banning six times in two days, catching up. She also hugged Vulture and Python. They were Mona and Elen's creatures rather than hers, but she had come to care for them. She had been seeing Bunky all along, of course.
    “The key players are on our registry,” Adela reported.
    “So you will know when they are taken over by alien minds?”
    “Yes. Actually that process is already occurring.”
    “Already!” Elasa was unpleasantly surprised. “Pauling seemed entirely normal to me.”
    “He is. He doesn't know that an alien is in his mind, observing everything.”
    “Everything?”
    “Your entire association with Pauling was observed by the alien.”
    “And you did not tell me!”
    “We thought it best that you not know, any more than he did.”
    “Bunky was in on this?”
    “Bunky's sense was that it could be either