"Jeffrey Lord - Blade 30 - Dimension Of Horror" - читать интересную книгу автора (Lord Jeffery)

expression in our profession: 'Loony germs rub off.' What were these vices anyway, if I may
ask?"

"If you must know, he was cultivating a taste for nude orgies."

"My word."

"We heard stories: I sent a man down to check, and there was old Colby, capering in the
moonlight out in the woods, naked as the proverbial jaybird, along with a number of likeminded
associates of both sexes. Well, you know how it is in the service. A little eccentricity is regarded
as charming, but anything kinky opens you up to blackmail. The KGB does more than scripture
can to keep us on the straight and narrow path, if you see what I mean. We had to let him go."
"Of course. But tell me, exactly how many associates of both sexes were there?"

"I don't recall. Around a dozen. What difference does it make?"

"Probably none, but if there were twelve of them, six male and six female, that would make up a
witches' coven. Witches are rather fond of-as you put it-capering in the moonlight in the woods,
buns in the breeze. I'm told the Old Religion is still very much alive in Scotland."

J glanced at Ferguson suspiciously, thinking, He must be joking. Ferguson, however, was not
smiling. J muttered, "I dare say. Scotland never has been truly English."

The psychiatrist waved this remark aside, continuing, "I have another question. This Dexter
fellow, was he . . ."

J interrupted, "I've a question myself, Doctor Ferguson. Can I see Blade?"

"Certainly."

"When?"

"Right now, if you wish. In fact, I'd like to see if he shows any sign of recognizing you. If he
does, the prognosis could be much more favorable than it is at present." He heaved himself to his
feet. "Follow me."

As they entered the corridor, the public address system pinged and began announcing, "Dr.
Ferguson wanted in Room Twenty-four. Ferguson to Twenty-four." J noticed an odd note in the
voice, a note of subdued panic.

Ferguson frowned and hastened his pace, saying in a puzzled tone, "That's Blade's room."

As they neared Room 24, a burly white-clad orderly emerged from inside, caught sight of
Ferguson and J, and broke into a run toward them calling, "Dr. Ferguson! Come quick!" The man
was alarmingly pale.

"Calm down, damnit," Ferguson snapped. "Get a grip on yourself." He slapped the frightened
orderly on the back somewhat more roughly than the occasion demanded, then proceeded to the
door of Room 24, J close behind him.