"Michael McCollum - Gibraltar earth" - читать интересную книгу автора (McCollum Michael)

Inside, Frees swept his flashlamp around the darkened room. In one corner, a figure lay huddled in a tight
ball. At first, Frees thought it another corpse. Only after a moment did he notice the unblinking yellow
eyes that stared at him and the quick panting breath.

тАЬTell the captain that we have a survivor,тАЭ he told the two spacers still in the vacuum portion of the ship.

Slowly, carefully, he moved toward the shivering mass of flesh. The being jumped and whimpered when
Frees reached out and touched it on a pointed shoulder. Slowly, gently, Frees and Kurtzkov unrolled it.

тАЬDamn, Mr. Frees. ItтАЩs a monkey!тАЭ


CHAPTER 2


Moira Sims was all any man could ask for in a woman. Long of limb and svelte of form, she was beautiful
enough that men sometimes walked into walls as she passed. Her dress of black gossamer set off her
pale skin while emphasizing her full figure. Her jewelry was understated and expensive, her coiffure
perfect, and her voice that low, throaty purr much prized in holo actresses. She was poised, a witty
conversationalist, and had a sparkling sense of humor. Yet, Mark Rykand was becoming bored with her.
тАЬLetтАЩs go back to your place, Markie. I am tired of this party.тАЭ

Mark glanced toward his companion who was sprawled beside him in the lounger on which he was
perched. She had slipped a finger under his cumber bun and was kneading the little roll of fat that he
worked so hard to keep under control. He tried not to frown despite the fact that she had interrupted
Gunter Perlman, his fellow solar racing enthusiast, and the skipper of the yacht on which Mark
occasionally crewed.

He made a conscious effort to swallow his irritation as he turned to her. тАЬIn awhile, Moira. Gunter and I
need to settle this bet before we leave.тАЭ

тАЬBut solar racing is such a bore!тАЭ

тАЬThen why not go get yourself another drink? WeтАЩll be through in a bit.тАЭ

тАЬOh, pooh!тАЭ He was conscious of her warm body as she slid off the lounger and stood up. Gunter
watched as she straightened the dress hiked up by the maneuver. Her answering smile showed that she
was aware of the attention. For some reason, that irritated Mark even further. The two of them watched
her sway her way past the string combo toward the bar.

тАЬWhy do you do that, man?тАЭ Gunter asked.

тАЬDo what?тАЭ

тАЬWhy do you treat her like furniture? She loves you.тАЭ

тАЬMoira loves my money.тАЭ

тАЬEven if true, thatтАЩs no excuse. If you are not careful, she is going to leave you the way Carol did.тАЭ