Lady Sativa by Frank Lauria Read Free Book Online

turned and saw him staring at her. Her lovely face never changed its expression of serene indifference.
    “Perhaps we should have our regular meeting after lunch tomorrow. Afterwards, we can hold a séance for Carl tomorrow night.” He looked around at the others. “Do you agree? That way we can leave promptly and not disturb Hannah any more than necessary.”
    “I agree.” Hazer pulled a battered pipe from his pocket. “Hannah’s under a great strain. I could feel it when I first saw her this morning.” He produced a worn pouch from another pocket and began filling the pipe, spilling crumbs of tobacco over his wrinkled suit. She needs a long rest.”
    “What do you mean, Daniel?” Sybelle asked nervously.
    He looked at her over the bowl of his pipe. “She’s completely exhausted.” He struck a match. “Sea air and sun is what she needs. Plenty of liver, figs, and herbs. Maybe Italy.”
    Germaine turned to Neilson. “Professor Hazer has the gift of healing. He’s able to diagnose physical illness even, from photographs sent to him.”
    “Yes,” Neilson said, looking shrewdly at Hazer. “Carl told me a great deal about the members of SEE. I myself have no special gifts in the, er... psychic field, but I’m very interested in your work.” He looked up at Orient and Lily. “Carl even told me a little of the two young people who are candidates for his award.” He smiled. I’m looking forward to seeing your talents.”
    “I heard that Dr. Orient was going to revolutionize the concept of the human brain.” He studied the rings on his hands. “Is that true, Sybelle? Perhaps you can give us a sneak preview.”
    “Oh, Maxwell, darling, do be patient,” she scolded. “Owen is exhausted and so am I. As a matter of fact, I’d like to go to bed if there’s no other business.”
    “Yes, all of us have had a long, hard day,” Germaine stood up. “Will you be staying overnight, Mr. Neilson?”
    “No. I have a place a few kilometers from here.” He got to his feet. “I’ll see you all tomorrow afternoon. At the meeting.”
    Sybelle came over to Orient’s chair as Germaine went with Neilson to the door. “Let’s get our bags and go upstairs,” she whispered. She looked at him knowingly. “I want to talk to you.”
    Orient nodded, his full attention distracted by Lily’s presence. She was still sitting, talking to Maxwell. All that could be seen of Andersen’s face under his bangs and reflecting glasses was his pouting, self-indulgent lips. , Orient didn’t know if it was Maxwell’s personality or his proximity to Lily that brought up a sense of annoyance. He got up and went into the hall.
    “Come doctor,” Germaine waved from the front door. “I’ll help you with your luggage.”
    When Orient went outside, the icy wind immediately permeated the warmth he’d come to take for granted. He picked up the suitcase containing the screener and hoped that exposure to the biting cold hadn’t frozen the mechanism.
    “These must be Sybelle’s,” Germaine said. “They match her beautiful suit. I’ll take care of her luggage. Come with me. I’ll show you your room.” He put two of the suitcases under his arms then picked up the other two and walked ahead of Orient into the house. As he followed him Orient recalled that he’d found Sybelle’s bags to be extremely heavy. Yet Germaine handled them as if they were hollow stage props as he led the way up the long stairway to the second floor.
    Germaine set the bags down in front of a door at the head of the stairs. “This is your room, doctor. I’m sorry that this tragedy has prevented us from making you more comfortable.”
    “Please call on me if there’s anything I can do to help you or Mrs. Bestman.”
    It was difficult to tell if Germaine’s small smile was rueful or mocking. “Thank you, doctor. We shall all try to comfort Hannah in this time of sadness. Sleep well.”
    Orient opened the door and stepped inside a comfortable, wood-paneled