"Katherine Kurtz - Adept 02 - The Lodge of the Lynx" - читать интересную книгу автора (Kurtz Katherine)

He turned to Peregrine, who was manfully struggling to mask his curiosity.
"Well, what about it?" said Adam. "Have you got any plans for this morning?"
"Actually, I was going to spend a fascinating morning unpacking cartons of books," Peregrine said drily, the
hazel eyes eager behind the gold-rimmed spectacles. ' 'But if this is an invitation, the books can wait!"
Adam chuckled. "He says he thinks he can break away," he told his caller. "We'll meet you at the rectory as
planned."
"Splendid! See you then."
As Adam returned the receiver to its cradle, Peregrine sat forward eagerly.
"So. What have I let myself in for?"
"Oh, nothing very serious," Adam said. "The gentleman on the phone just now was Father Christopher
Houston, an Episcopal priest and a very good friend of mine. A former parishioner of his has been
complaining about her new flat being haunted. He's asked me down to have a look at the place."
At Adam's use of the word haunted, a dubious expression crossed Peregrine's open face.
"Now, there's no need to look like that," Adam said. "I don't for a minute believe that the flat is really haunted,
in the gothic sense of the word. Christopher has already been out once to visit the premises, and he doesn't
think it calls for anything like a formal exorcism. On the other hand, the young woman who lives there has
been having nightmares ever since she moved in. Whether the cause is psychic or psychiatric remains to be
determined."
"Which is where you come in," said Peregrine.
"Which is where I come in," Adam agreed. "We'll approach the situation with open minds. The young lady in
question may simply be undergoing some passing stress. Or there may actually be something unwholesome
in the atmosphere of the place. Either way, we shan't let the matter rest unresolved."
''So, where do I come in?'' Peregrine asked.
"Well, when Christopher and I first discussed the case," Adam continued casually, "I mentioned you as
someone possessed of unusual artistic insight. Christopher was very interested to hear about your gifts, and
expressed a strong desire to see some of your work. It occurred to me that this might provide an opportunity
not only for me to introduce you to someone I value as a friend, but also for you to exercise your talents to
good purpose."
"You want me to draw what's in the flat?"
Adam nodded. "Assuming that there's anything to draw."
Both men knew they were not talking about furniture or decor.
"Fair enough." Peregrine grinned. "Just tell me when you want me ready to go."
"Well, Christopher lives in Kinross," said Adam. "He's expecting us round about ten."
Peregrine glanced first at his watch and then at his clothes.
''Good God, Adam, you keep the tightest schedule of anybody I know! Have I got time to take a shower and
change?"
"If you're quick about it," Adam said with a chuckle, "I intend to."
Peregrine tossed off the last of his tea and began hurriedly bundling his watercolor studies back into his
portfolio.
"I don't know how you do it!" he muttered. "What's the uniform of the day, for meeting vicars and exploring
haunted flats?"
"Oh, casual - but do wear a tie," Adam replied, as the young artist made for the door. "I'll collect you at the
lodge in half an hour," he called laughingly to Peregrine's back. "And don't forget to bring your sketchbox!"

chapter two

THE rhythmic thump of helicopter rotors reverberated across the granite summits of the Cairngorms, little
muffled by the dusting of snow on the peaks. A trio of white-tailed deer started up from their browsing and
took to their heels, bolting off across the frost-burned heather and bracken as a sleek private chopper
swooped over the top of a ridge and skimmed along the floor of the valley below. At the far end of the valley,