Madeleine & the Mind by Felicia Mires Read Free Book Online Page B

electrical…like a city or an entire country?"
    "I suppose there are those who might take advantage of this technology, but that is not its primary purpose." He set the model down and leaned against the counter, closer to Madeleine. "When do you get a break from the wonder-boy?"
    She smiled up at him. "I think, Dr. Giliteau, that you mean boy wonder."
    "Call me Frank."
    At that moment, Steven stumbled between them and knocked a beaker of fluid all over Dr. Giliteau. He jumped back with a nasty look on his face, clenching his fists.
    Madeleine felt the tension in the small space and took Steven's hand before he could cause any further trouble.
    "I'm not sure about my break, Frank. I really do need to buy a few things. I've lost all my belongings. Unfortunately, it will have to wait until the Institute gives me my first paycheck."
    "I'd be happy to cover anything you require. Perhaps tomorrow, after Dr. Faraday's fiancée arrives."
    Steven pulled at Madeleine's hand.
    "I'll let you know." She let him take her out of the cubicle. "What is it, Steven? Where are you going?"
    He took her to a counter lined with beakers and picked up a flask of fluid. She tried to grab his hand, but Mike stopped her.
    "Let him. You said you wanted him to remember."
    Steven mixed the fluid with another flask and handed it to her. Madeleine almost dropped it. "It's freezing." She sat it on the counter. "That was very impressive."
    "Yes, if you're taking high-school chemistry."
    She glared at Dr. Giliteau's back. "Don't listen to him, Steven. You're very bright. Now, why don't we come back when these other scientists are not so busy?"
    Mike walked them to the door. "So long. Your lunch tray will be delivered to your room around noon. Try not to let the boy wonder push you in the pool."
    That gave Madeleine an idea. She took Steven by the hand and led him down the hall.
    "Why don't we go swimming?"

 

    Chapter 3
     
    Madeleine took Steven and strode for the elevator. He resisted her when they passed the weight room. The room was now empty. The other employees must work out early then go to their jobs.
    "Why don't we come after lunch? You aren't dressed for exercise."
    She turned back to the door, but when she reached the hallway, he wasn't with her.
    She poked her head back in the room. Dr. Faraday had taken off his shirt and was pulling off his shoes. By the time she reached him, he was tugging at the belt to his pants.
    "No, no, no. You can't take off your clothes in here. Someone might see you. For goodness sake, I might see you."
    He dropped his pants, and she ran to the door with a squeal.
    "Stop that!"
    She looked up and down the hall. What was she going to do?
    Lord, why is that man trying my faith? I'm a professional, I can do my job, but he's a grown man with a grown man's body.
    She heard the treadmill start behind her and peeked into the room.
    Dr. Faraday was jogging. And he wore shorts. He must have been wearing them under his slacks. Madeleine banged her fists against the wall and walked back into the room. "You might have told me. I thought you were doing a strip-tease."
    And with a body like that, no doubt, many women would pay. As usual, he ignored her.
    Madeleine stepped on the machine next to him and turned it on low. She hadn't done much jogging lately, but she did need the exercise.
    She ran for about five minutes. Jogging without music or someone to talk to was extremely boring. Steven probably managed it because he was locked in his own world, but she was bored.
    "What's your girlfriend like? Let me guess. You're tall, so she's probably tall. Blond, and extremely gorgeous. She'd have to be to compete with you. You seem to be fairly fastidious. A byproduct of that scientist's mind, no doubt. So, your girlfriend is probably some stuck-up, uptight…I should keep my mouth shut. If you love her, that's all that matters.
    "What about parents? Don't you have any parents? You seem young to be involved in something so…important. Dr.