Any interest Bill had in Elle quickly evaporated. Great, I can't even hold the attention of this gruesome cyborg.
He watched the android for a moment, and then leaped off his chair to go and talk to her. Elle watched them leave together. She finished her beer and confiscated his. Once she had drained both, she got up and dragged her butt home to finish her drinking in private.
Chapter 6
Elle came into the office that morning feeling like her head was in a vice. Making her way to her desk, she muttered the usual greeting to coworkers as she passed. She went by the break room, stopped suddenly, then turned back around and slipped inside. She really needed a cup of coffee.
She walked up to the vending machine wondering which country she wanted her coffee from. Bart Miller, a middle-aged, heavyset cop from vice, walked up behind her. Deciding she needed more time for this serious decision, she stepped aside and let him take first crack at the machine.
"You can go ahead,” she said. “I need a few minutes to decide."
He chuckled and stepped around her. He placed his money card in the slot and studied the selection buttons. He squinted, ran his fingers through his thinning hair, and then made a South American selection. “You see the new case come into the evidence room?” he said over his shoulder.
Elle's head started throbbing and she wondered if she had any Relieve-All in her desk. “No."
"Stop by, you're not going to believe this.” He grinned at her, took his selection, and walked out.
Can't wait to see this one. She bought the same selection as Bart and followed him down the hall to the evidence room.
She came through the sliding glass doors not sure what she was going to find. Nothing, however, could have prepared her for what she saw.
Spread out on a long folding table was the remains of a female android. Although she was badly mangled, Elle recognized her right away as the android from the bar last night. The sight was so chilling, her blood cooled in her veins. The last person she'd seen the android with was that cyborg, Bill Cobb. Two detectives punched information into floating inventory units. They were trying to figure out what parts had been stolen, but she was so mangled, it was proving difficult.
"I know who did this,” Elle said in a harsh whisper.
One of the detectives looked up at her, his hand poised over the keypad. “What did you say?” he asked.
"I said,” she repeated in a louder voice, “I know who did this."
Chapter 7
"She's the same model year as you are, isn't she?” Detective Rivers asked. Proteus walked the length of the table, examining the shattered remains of the female sex android.
He looked up and studied Rivers for a moment. The man was tall and thin with blond hair and a rumpled grey suit. “Yes,” Proteus said finally. “Yes, she is."
Rivers leaned against the wall and chewed on a toothpick. “You think you can access her database from what's left of her skull?"
Proteus reached out and picked up the dented, battered head. Most of the flesh was torn off revealing the gleaming metal skull beneath. A dark sadness washed over him. What a terrible waste. Why would anyone what to do this to a pleasure android?
He turned the head in his hands looking for the access port, but whoever had killed her, broke a screwdriver off in the opening.
"No,” Proteus said. “The data port is useless.” He gently placed the skull back onto the table.
Rivers took his toothpick out and tossed it in the trash. “Can you give us an exact listing of which parts are missing?"
Proteus stared down at the table. “Yes, it'll only take me a minute.” Carefully examining each item, he mentally completed a list of missing parts. When he was done, he sent them to the mainframe and had the list printed out. “The list is printing."
"Thanks,” Rivers said.
"Detective Rivers?” Proteus said. The man stopped and turned to look at him.
"When you assign someone to track this criminal down, I'd like to assist."
Rivers nodded grimly. “I'll let the captain know."
Chapter 8
"You can get up now,” Mechanic Stone said. He walked over to a deep sink, with rust stains down the sides, and washed the blood off his hands.
Cobb lay very still, afraid to move. He took slow breaths to calm his anxiety.
Stone turned from the sink wiping his hands dry. “Too bad you didn't have more parts. I could have fixed up that faulty back unit.” He walked to the edge of the table and stared down at his patient. “Don't be afraid,” he said. “Get up."
Cobb gripped the edges of the table and clenched his teeth anticipating pain. He sat up stiffly, but there was little discomfort. This is amazing.
He flexed and relaxed his arm, delighted with his new range of motion. “You're one hell of a mechanic."
Stone smiled. “Like I said, if you can get more parts like those, I can make you a whole new man."
Cobb thought about the android he'd destroyed and felt a little guilty. Then he quickly shook if off. It wasn't like she'd been a real girl, right? “I'll find some more parts for you,” he said, now willing to do anything. “It'll just take me some time."
Chapter 9
Elle leaned forward in her seat and sipped her coffee from a Styrofoam cup. She concentrated on keeping her tone dry and even, no matter how angry she felt. “I don't work with a partner, Frank."
Captain Frank Orr laced his fingers across his protruding belly and exhaled through his nose. “It's not a permanent arrangement, Elle. It's just for the one assignment."
She drained her cup and tossed it in the trash next to his desk. “I told you, I don't work with a partner. And I'm especially not working with an android."
Frank scowled as if he'd tasted something bitter. “And I told you, this order comes from the top. You either work with the android or you'll face an early out. Which one's it going to be?"
"I don't need a robot to help me do my job."
"I know you don't, Elle, but the brass has a point on this one. William Cobb is a dangerous cyborg with plenty of kills under his belt. A little help is not a bad thing.” He rocked his chair from back and forth and grinned. “I can't believe you're whining so much. You begged me for something like this."
"Fine,” she said, annoyed. “I'll take him with me, but he'd better not get in my way."
Frank held his hands up in a display of surrender. “That's between you and him. I have nothing to do with it."
Elle got up and walked to the door. She opened it a crack and hesitated. “Frank?” she said.
He didn't look up from his computer monitor. “Hmmm?"
"Why didn't you just give the case to the android? Why have me involved at all?"
"Can't let him loose on this one,” he said. “He's a hunter-killer and they want Cobb brought in alive for questioning. They think he might have some info on the aphrodisiac black market. Now be a good girl and run along."
* * * *
Elle walked into the Machinex Lab late that evening to collect her new partner. She had delayed this as long as possible, hoping Frank or the powers-that-be might change their mind about saddling her with an android. But alas, no change came.
The frosted glass doors opened when they sensed her coming and she walked into the room without hesitation. The Mechinex Lab was a sterile room, stocked with gleaming metal mainframe computers, long aluminum tables, and bright overhead florescent lights. The creepiest part of the room was the parts center, where plastic bins full of broken android arms, legs and heads were stored. The sight of them made her skin crawl.
Fixing her gaze straight ahead, Elle strolled into the sanctum, where the androids downloaded their latest stored data. The room was long with low lights and reclining chairs lining the walls. Today it was empty, except for one android completing his download in a chair toward the back. He didn't open his eyes as she approached.
It took Elle a moment to recognize her rescuer. He was as brutally handsome
as she remembered, with a strong, striking face and slightly sunken cheeks. His lips were full and sensuous, and she touched her lips remembering his kiss. He wore only his black uniform pants and boots. His bare chest was a masterpiece of masculine form, thickly muscled with only the slightest hint of chest and belly hair. She was strangely aroused by the sight of him, but quickly pushed it down. It was silly to be attracted to a machine. Why not just fall in love with a toaster?
She frowned and folded her arms across her chest. Well, that's just great. Of course it had to be him. I wonder if he'll remember me.
"How are you, Eleanor?” he said, without opening his eyes.
Her heart sped up and she felt a little light headed. “I'm fine, thanks. Please, call me Elle.” She folded her arms. “How did you know I was here?"
He smiled and it softened his features. “I could smell you."
"Great,” she said, not bothering to hide her annoyance. “Are you ready to go?"
He opened his eyes and fixed her with his red, luminous gaze. The look transfixed her, filled her, and sucked away her will. It was all sex, and she was mesmerized by it. It reminded her of a cobra readying himself for a strike. What a perfect killer he was with his disarming smile and hypnotic eyes. She didn't know many people who wouldn't have walked blindly into his arms.
Sitting up, he eased out of the chair and stood facing her. She took a step back to keep a respectable distance and tore her stare from his. She grabbed his uniform tunic off the wall hook and handed it to him. When he didn't take it, she met his gaze.
"Come on,” she said. “Get dressed. We've got a lot of work to do."
He placed his hands behind his head and arched his back like a cat. When his stretch was done, he said, “You put it on me."
Eleanor couldn't believe what she was hearing. Is this machine flirting with me? “Why?” she said. “Are your arms broken?"
He laughed and it was a warm, friendly sound. “No. I just want you to touch me."
She tossed the tunic on the chair and glared at him. “I don't have time for this. Get dressed and let's go.” She turned around and started toward the door. She stopped by the threshold and turned around to face him.
He hadn't moved from his spot by the reclining chair, and he watched her, a glint of amusement in his eyes. They stared at each other for several minutes, neither one saying or doing anything.
Finally, Elle sighed and stormed over to him in frustration. She grabbed the tunic and slid it over the long, graceful muscles of his arms and back. She pulled it closed over his chest and began hurriedly fastening the buttons. When she was halfway done, he stopped her by grabbing her hands. Her heart fluttered in her chest.
He leaned down and kissed her. It was a slow, perverted kiss that promised her everything. His tongue moved against her lips as he tried to draw her into his seduction. All kinds of foreign emotions raced through her mind—lust, joy, fear. Finally collecting herself, she pushed him back and caught her breath.
"Don't ever touch me like that again,” she said breathless. “I don't have those kinds of feelings for you."
He laughed at her and she resisted the urge to slap him. “Maybe not now, Elle,” he said. “But you will."
Walking away from him, Elle raced out of the Mechanix room to find Frank and end this partnership once and for all.
* * * *
Elle intercepted Frank by his transport in the underground parking lot. “Frank,” she said, struggling to catch her breath. “I have to talk to you."
Frank's brow furrowed. He lit a cigarette and placed his briefcase on the hood. Puffing hard, he leaned against the door. “I hope this isn't more about the android."
She was undaunted. “Yes it is. There's something wrong with his programming, he much too—"
"Too what?"
Eleanor hesitated. How was she going to tell him this machine was flirting with her? He'd think she was crazy, but that's exactly what had happened. She folded her arms. “He's too forward."
"What the hell does that mean?"
Elle scowled. “He's flirting with me and it's weird."
Frank tossed down his cigarette and crushed it out with his shoe. “Look, Elle, I know this is rough on you, but you're going to have to handle it. Got it?"
Grabbing his briefcase, he swung the transport door open and climbed in. She watched him, a rock sitting in the middle of her stomach. “Don't make me work with this guy, he's only going to complicate my life."
Avoiding her gaze, Frank backed out of the parking space and piloted out of the lot.
Jerk. She shouldn't have expected anything more from him; he was usually like that. He always said he was there for everyone unless they really needed him. Then he couldn't brush them off fast enough.
She looked up and down the parking structure, trying to collect her thoughts. How the hell was she going to get rid of this robot? Walking slowly, she started back to find a squad transport.
People like Frank annoyed her. They had made it to where they were the old-fashioned way, using connections to move up in rank. She was different, and they all hated her for it. She had been genetically engineered especially for the vocation. You'd think that would have made things easier for her, but it only made things harder. Not only did she have to work twice as hard as any male cop, but she also had to keep proving herself.
She'd done it too, even going so far as to be decorated by the governor for all her dangerous captures. Now, her career was dissolving and she felt helpless to stop it.
That android they were making her work with was going to be a huge problem. She was going to have to prove herself all over again, and she wasn't about to let an android get in her way.
Chapter 10
Elle pulled up at Doctor Steven Monroe's manor house just as the sun was setting. She glanced at Proteus in the passenger seat. “When we get in there,” she said, speaking very quickly, “you let me handle him. Okay?"
He studied her for a moment and said nothing. For some reason, that made her more nervous than she already was.
"Of course,” he said finally. “But I assume you know the doctor is notorious for liking parties. He usually has one every night."
Elle drummed her fingers on the steering wheels. Why did she get the feeling he was toying with her? “So?"
Proteus smiled. It carried a hint of mockery in it. “I only thought it fair to warn you."
"What are you talking about? Warn me about what?"
He looked out the window, watching a woman and child stroll by the transport holding hands. “He's not going to answer any questions about Cobb unless you agree to attend his party."
Elle took a deep breath and repressed the urge to scream at him. “What's wrong with his parties, Proteus?"
He shifted in his seat, still looking out the window. “Nothing, but they may not be your idea of a good time. They're noisy, and crowded, and..."
"You're really starting to piss me off. And what?"
"And naked.” He gave her an amused leer.
"What? Is it something like an orgy?"
"Not like, Elle. It is an orgy."
Elle threw her head back and thumped it against her headrest. This was just great; she was going to have to attend an orgy with an android. How much more perfect could things get? “Well, I'm just going to have to refuse his kind offer."
"If you refuse, he'll probably not tell you anything."
Elle twisted in her seat so she could face him. “How do you know that?"
"I studied his profile."
Annoyed, Elle clawed around for the door handle and flung it opened. “Come on. Let's go talk to this guy."
Proteus emerged from the car and followed her up the stone walkway. She could feel his stare on her, watching her, studying her. How on earth did he know so much about this guy? He had information he couldn't have gotten from some lousy police profile. He knew this doctor from somewhere.
They reached the front steps and she paused before knocking. The
faint scent of magnolia blossoms filled her senses and calmed her for a moment. She raised her hand to knock and the door opened. A young Hispanic woman in cut-off jean shorts and a halter top looked at them with the darkest eyes Elle had ever seen. She gave Proteus a private smile.
He remained expressionless.
"What can I do for you?” she said, looking at Elle.
Elle tossed a curious look at Proteus, and then said, “We're here to speak to Doctor Monroe. Is he in?"
"Of course. He's always here.” She stepped away from the door. “Come in."
The woman led them down a long hallway decorated with the photos of friends and family. It was painted a dark green and Elle decided she didn't like it; it was much too dark for such a narrow hall.
The woman looked back at Proteus. “How is your boy, Proteus?” she said with a wink.
He laughed. It filled the hall with its deep, seductive sound. “He's fine,” he said. “And seems glad to see you."
Elle glanced from one to the other. She hated feeling like she was on the outside of a private joke. The woman read her thoughts. “Proteus used to be a frequent guest here at the house, but we haven't seen him in a while."
"Business,” he said. “Business always before pleasure."
They finally emerged into an old library that reminded Elle of a Sherlock Holmes movie. Built-in bookcases scaled the walls, reaching all the way to the ceiling. A long, winding staircase led to a second level where the higher books could be reached.
"Impressed?” a male voice said.
Elle looked in its direction and met the pale blue eyes of Doctor Monroe. “Yes,” she said. He was sitting in a red wing chair by an empty fireplace He was a handsome man, with neatly groomed white hair, a trim beard, and he appeared to be wearing only a red robe and slippers. Elle guessed him to be somewhere in his early seventies.
He stared up at Proteus as if he'd found his long-lost son. “Proteus, it's always a pleasure to see you."
The Android's Kiss Page 3
