Madeleine & the Mind by Felicia Mires Read Free Book Online

bi-focal lenses. Too much time in the lab, staring at small things.
    He took a sip of his coffee. "I thought you might like to know what we're working on. What Steven figured out."
    "Not really." She kept her gaze straight ahead, remembering the argument of the night before. "I wouldn't know plans for a rocket if they jumped out and bit me, so I don't think I could help you find Dr. Faraday's notes. If there are any."
    "Oh, there are. He told Dr. Geliteau and me that he only needed to transcribe notes from his recorder."
    "Did you listen to his tapes?"
    "Blank. Either he erased them, or he hid the ones he used."
    "Sorry, Mike. I don't see any reason for you to tell me. And frankly, the less I know, the better. No one can make me say what I don't know."
    She stood to walk inside and nearly ran into Steven. The ends of his hair were still damp, and the scent of his cologne teased her nose.
    "I'm sorry, Steven. I didn't know you were there. Would you like to visit the library, your lab, or the gym? Since you've just taken a shower, you probably don't need to get all sweaty in a gym."
    She felt Mike at her back.
    "We'll visit all three. At least, you'll know where they are."
    Madeleine moved past Steven and put her tray outside the door to be recovered later.
    She assumed, with Mike along, she wouldn't have to worry about Steven wandering off, so she didn't take his hand. Mike gave Steven a push toward the elevator, and she followed them. Steven shuffled along as if he hadn't a care in the world…or even a thought.
    Sometimes he walked with purpose and direction. At other times, he wandered aimlessly. Last night, when he'd thought she was in danger, he'd run with decisive agility. Perhaps only another trauma would bring him out of his handicap.
    The elevator stopped on the second floor, an area Madeleine hadn't yet visited. Mike stepped out, pulling Steven behind him. They entered the first room on the right. A library. The walls were lined with bookshelves.
    "Oh, my. What a wonderful room. Do you spend much time in here?" asked Madeleine.
    "I don't think Steven has ever stepped inside this room. When scientists are working, they're rather single-minded. Anything that takes your mind off your project is merely a distraction."
    "I've found that when I have a problem, taking a break makes the solution less illusive."
    "But then, you aren't a scientist. Sometimes, the only way to find the answer is to do more research."
    Sometimes brainy people could be so thick-skulled.
    "Dr. Hanover, the human mind can only tolerate so much stimuli before it shuts down to protect itself...as in the case of Dr. Faraday. He over-worked his mind, and when it was traumatized, it shut down. If he lets it rest, all his faculties will probably return."
    Steven stood in front of a bookcase, staring intently. Now, why was that?
    Madeleine rubbed his shoulder. "What are you so obsessed with, sweetums?"
    "Why do you treat him like a child? He's a scientist."
    "Be quiet, Mike. There's a reason for everything he does, and he's staring at this bookcase."
    Madeleine searched the titles at eye level then turned a doubtful eye on Steven. "Love sonnets? Somehow, I don't think…Although, I did mention a love sonnet to him yesterday. I'm game." She reached up and grabbed several books. "These have never even been read. Does anyone use this library?"
    Mike laughed. "I tried to tell you. Scientists…"
    "Never mind. Where's the gym?"
    In the gym, several people labored at weights, bicycles, treadmills, and stair steppers. It was available to all personnel.
    "What does Dr. Faraday usually do?"
    Steven was already walking to the weights.
    Madeleine grabbed his hand. "Not right now, sweetums."
    Mike had to pull Steven out of the room. He obviously wanted to linger. If it was that important to him, she'd bring him back later.
    The next door could not be entered without a keycard. Mike pulled one out of his pocket and slid it alongside the door. A buzzer sounded, and they