"Bowes-ShadowAndGunman" - читать интересную книгу автора (Bowes Richard)

"We had a long talk about you, how smart you are," Dr. X chirped, "about your
amazing family. Now, Mrs. Malloy, I'm afraid we're late. We have to hit the
road." He picked up the suitcase and stepped forward to put an arm around my
shoulder.

"First, let me use the bathroom." I ran upstairs. My thought was of the .38. The
door to the closet was ajar. I fumbled with the light cord, heard Dr. X behind
me. Reaching up, I pushed aside the imitation alligator binocular case, the bag
full of Christmas ornaments. I tore through the shelf.

"No, the gun isn't there," said Dr. X. "I remembered your mentioning it, so I
looked. I also tried to find my property which you stole." He stood at the head
of the stairs. "You caused me considerable professional embarrassment, Kevin.
Are you going to summon your imaginary friend? I'm ready." "Get out of this
house!" I stood all alone.

Dr. X advanced slowly, speaking hypnotically. "You bad little boy. First you are
going to return the vitamins and minerals you stole. Then you, and I hope your
Doppelganger, are going to come out to the house for a little therapy."

The back stairs were at the end of the hall. I edged toward them. "Stand still,
Kevin," Dr. X said softly. "If you run, I will do something very regrettable to
Granny." He stepped forward and grabbed my arms.

Below, the front door opened and a voice called, "Mary? Kevin?" It was Aunt Tay.
"Mary, do we have guests?"

"Dr. Axelrod came by to take Kevin on a trip. They're upstairs."

Dr. X didn't hesitate. "Stacey's the one who told me how to find you here. Told
me to bring you back." My body felt weightless as he propelled me down the
stairs.

Before us in overcoat and suit, a hat set on her head, stood Aunt Tay. "Yes ?"
she said in a voice which had quelled generations of graduate students.

"Pardon me, madam," said Dr. X. "But young Kevin is due at an overnight seminar
the school has organized. And I"

"Indeed?" She looked at me. "Kevin?"

I tried to speak. No sound came out.

"Let go of him," she said. "I'm his guardian."

"Ah, his Aunt Tay! He's mentioned you. His grandmother and I have already
discussed this." He started forward. I bobbed with him like a balloon. My
grandmother stood at the living room door. These two women were so frail. I
didn't want anything to happen to them. "If you will excuse me, madam," said Dr.
X, trying to move past her.