Machine Man (serial)

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Moments after I stepped out of the elevator, a painfully beautiful girl appeared, smiling brilliantly. “You must be Charlie. And Cassandra! How are you?”

“Fine,” said Cassandra Cautery.

“That’s really wonderful,” said the girl. Next to her, the statue of the Greek goddess looked very plain. “What is that shirt, by the way? I always mean to ask.”

“I don’t remember.”

“Well, I love you in it.” The girl put her hands on her hips. We could have been old friends.

Cassandra Cautery said, “Is he ready?”

The girl’s face turned solemn. “He’ll be two minutes. But if you’ll come with me, I will get you completely set up with whatever you need. Is that okay?” When Cautery nodded, she turned and sashayed down the corridor. The swaying of her skirt was a little hypnotic.

I looked at Cassandra Cautery. She was staring after the girl with loathing. I felt out of my depth, like a deep-sea fish hauled up to the surface. I was not compatible with this environment. I did not possess the parts necessary to survive in it. “I’m leaving,” I said.

“Don’t be an idiot.” She didn’t even look at me. “You won’t make it two floors.” She started after the girl. After a moment, so did I.

84.