"Syndrome Johnny" - читать интересную книгу автора (Maclean Katherine)

УIt seems a pity we canТt even find out who the gentleman is,Ф the Crimes Department head murmured, looking at the thumbprint wistfully. УNo crime, no records. No records, no evidence. No evidence, no proof of crime. Therefore, we must manufacture a small crime. He was attacked and he must have defended himself. Someone may have been hurt in the process.Ф He pushed a button. УDo you think if I send a man down there, he could persuade one of the mob to swear out a complaint?Ф

УThatТs a rhetorical question,Ф said the psychologist, trying to work out an uncertain correlation in his reports. УWith that sort of mob hysteria, the town would probably give you an affidavit of witchcraft.Ф



УPhone for you, Doctor Alcala.Ф The nurse was crisp but quiet, smiling down at the little girl before vanishing again.

Ricardo Alcala pushed the plunger in gently, then carefully withdrew the hypodermic needle from the little girlТs arm. УThere you are, Cosita,Ф he said, smiling and rising from the chair beside the white bed.

УWill that make me better, Doctor?Ф she piped feebly.

He patted her hand. УBe a good girl and you will be well tomorrow.Ф He walked out into the hospital corridor to where the desk nurse held out a phone.

УAlcala speaking.Ф

The voice was unfamiliar. УMy deepest apologies for interrupting your work, Doctor. At this late hour IТm afraid I assumed you would be at home. The name is Camba, Federation Investigator on a health case. I would like to consult you.Ф

Alcala was tired, but there was nothing to do at home. Nita was at the health resort and Johnny had borrowed all his laboratory space for a special synthesis of some sort, and probably would be too busy even to talk. Interest stirred in him. This was a Federation Investigator calling; the manТs work was probably important. УTonight, if thatТs convenient. IТll be off duty in five minutes.Ф

Thirty minutes later they were ordering in a small cantina down the street from the hospital.

Julio Camba, Federal Investigator, was a slender, dark man with sharp, glinting eyes. He spoke with a happy theatrical flourish.

УOrder what you choose, Senor. WeТre on my expense account. The resources of the Federated States of all The Americas stand behind your menu.Ф

Alcala smiled. УI wouldnТt want to add to the national debt.Ф

УNot at all, Senor. The Federated States are only too happy thus to express a fraction of their gratitude by adding a touch of luxury to the otherwise barren and self-sacrificing life of a scientist.Ф

УYou shame me,Ф Alcala said dryly. It was true that he needed every spare penny for the health of Nita and the child, and for the laboratory. A penny saved from being spent on nourishment was a penny earned. He picked up the menu again and ordered steak.

The investigator lit a cigar, asking casually: УDo you know John Osborne Drake?Ф



Alcala searched his memory. УNo. IТm sorryЕ Ф Then he felt for the first time how closely he was being watched, and knew how carefully his reaction and the tone of his voice had been analysed. The interview was dangerous. For some reason, he was suspected of something.

Camba finished lighting the cigar and dropped the match into an ashtray. УPerhaps you know John Delgados?Ф He leaned back into the shadowy corner of the booth.

Johnny! Out of all the people in the world, how could the government be interested in him? Alcala tried to sound casual. УAn associate of mine. A friend.Ф

УI would like to contact the gentleman.Ф The request was completely unforceful, undemanding. УI called, but he was not at home. Could you tell me where he might be?Ф

УIТm sorry, Senor Camba, but I cannot say. He could be on a business trip.Ф Alcala was feeling increasingly nervous. Actually, Johnny was working at his laboratory. УWhat do you know of his activities?Ф Camba asked.

УA biochemist.Ф Alcala tried to see past the meditative mask of the thin dark face. УHe makes small job-lots of chemical compounds. Special bug spray for sale to experimental plantations, hormone spray for fruits, that sort of thing. Sometimes, when he collects some money ahead, he does research.Ф

Camba waited, and his silence became a question. Alcala spoke reluctantly, anger rising in him. УOh, itТs genuine research. He has some patents and publications to his credit. You can confirm that if you choose.Ф He was unable to keep the hostility out of his voice.