"Ed Howdershelt - Field Decision" - читать интересную книгу автора (Howdershelt Ed)

McAlister's hand fluttered briefly above her desk in a vague gesture
and she said, "Oh. Nothing. Well, something, really. I expected someone a
little older..."
"I'm not a trainee," said Cade. "If that's what you're worried about."
She gazed at him for another moment, then said, "You're what..?
Twenty-five?"
"Twenty-three in June," said Cade. He grinned and added in a
confidential tone, "Don't worry, ma'am. If I get in over my head, the grownups
will take over."
The woman had the grace to blush slightly as she nodded and said, "I'm
sorry. I was just expecting ... Well, never mind."
To give her a moment to recover, Cade said, "I smell coffee. Mind if I
get a cup?"
"_I'll_ get it for you," McAlister said quickly. "Would you like cream
or sugar?"
Her abrupt, intense response surprised him. He'd been expecting to
receive directions to the pot, not an offer to bring him a cup. When he looked
up, it became instantly apparent by her expression and manner that she simply
didn't want him wandering around her office.
Cade said, "Black, with a little cold water to make it drinkable right
away, thanks."
She turned her head slightly to regard him oddly in passing. Cade
watched her head for an anteroom in a brisk march. It seemed to him that she
was a good-looking woman trying to hide herself in that severe outfit.
Cade scanned the documents and pictures in the folder, asked a few
questions, and sipped coffee for the next half hour. During that time Debra
McAlister said nothing when she wasn't answering a question, and she answered
questions sparingly at best.
After having to coax a more detailed answer out of her for what was
probably the fifteenth time, Cade regarded her quietly for a moment, wondering
if she was like that with everyone or just him, and whether her mannerisms
were part of the reason her daughter was missing.
In a firm tone, she said, "Mr. Cade, I don't appreciate being stared
at."
"Too bad," said Cade. "I'll bet you get a lot of looks, even in those
clothes. Anyway, I wasn't staring; I was speculating about something. Do you
have anything useful to add that isn't in this folder? Personal comments?
Well-reasoned guesses?"
The blonde woman's gaze narrowed. Her words came in low tones.
"_Speculating?_ Let's get something straight, Mr. Cade. I deeply resent




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having to turn to such sordid sources for assistance. I also resent the fact
that they obviously thought so little of this matter that they sent one of
their newest people to handle it. You'd be well advised not to irritate me
further, and when you address me from now on, you'll include my title."
Cade settled back in his chair, sipped his coffee, and gazed at her.