Murder in Orbit by Bruce Coville Read Free Book Online Page B

don’t like the sound of that,” said Helen.
    â€œYou’re safe for the time being,” said Dr. Puckett. “It’s Rusty and Cassie that I’m going to put into action. I want you two to go out and start talking to these people.”
    â€œWhat are we supposed to say to them?” asked Cassie. “Do we just go up and ask them if they killed someone and dumped him in a collection unit yesterday?”
    â€œNo. You show them the picture Rusty worked up and ask if they know the person. Odds are they won’t admit to it, even if they do. But if you’re paying attention, you’ll be able to get a sense of whether or not they’re lying. That’s why I want both of you to go out on this one. One of you will be showing the suspects the picture—the other will be watching their eyes when they first see it.”
    â€œBut what do we tell them?” persisted Cassie.
    â€œWhat do I care?” snapped Dr. Puckett. “Be creative. Tell them it’s a school project. Tell them your sister spotted him eating a McBunny Burger, developed an unrequited passion for the guy, and is pining into an anorexic stupor. Drop a hint that we suspect he’s the forerunner of an alien invasion. All I want you to do right now is get that picture in front of these people’s faces. Now, here’s the list, along with each person’s workplace and home address. See how many of them you can get to before the day is over. Helen, I want you to stay here for a minute. I need to talk to you about our other project.…” He looked up at me and Cassie, as if he were surprised to see us still floating there. “Well, what are you waiting for?” he roared. “Get going!”
    I glanced at Cassie. It was clear she wasn’t too pleased about all this. But it was also clear that she had no intention of arguing with Dr. Puckett. She touched the button on her belt and headed for the door.
    I started after her.
    Fortunately, I had been fitted with a propulsion belt of my own while we were in the lab.
    Unfortunately, it takes a while to learn to use those things properly. I bounced off three walls before I finally made it through the door.
    It wasn’t what you would call a grand exit. I appreciated the fact that Dr. Puckett did nothing more than chuckle.

Chapter 8
    Cassie
    When I finally made it into the hall, the look on Cassie’s face did little to improve my self-confidence. She looked like someone who’s been forced to babysit for her obnoxious little brother.
    â€œYou think I’m crazy, don’t you?” I asked.
    â€œI’ve already answered that question.”
    â€œCassie, I swear to you that everything I’ve said is true. I know it all sounds crazy . It is crazy. But that’s why it’s so important. There’s something weird going on up here, and we’re the ones who have to figure it out.”
    She looked at me, and I could tell that she was surprised. “You really are serious, aren’t you?”
    â€œOf course I’m serious,” I said, surprised by her surprise. “Why else would I be doing all this?”
    â€œI’ve been trying to figure that out. To tell you the truth, once you said all those stupid things about my father, I didn’t really listen to what else you were saying. I was too mad. I figured you were just trying to prove something at his expense.”
    â€œI was sorry about that after I’d done it,” I said, trying to be diplomatic without being dishonest. And I was sorry—at least, sorry that I had gotten her so riled up. Anyone would be. I mean, who in their right mind would want to have someone that good-looking upset with them?
    The apology seemed to smooth things out a little. I don’t mean we suddenly became best friends, or anything like that. But at least I didn’t feel like I was walking beside a human icicle anymore.
    We got in an elevator and headed