Read Online Wildfire Run by Dee Garretson - Free Book Online

a closer look. “Why don’t you just stick something spongy to the claws? It could hold on to things better that way.”
    â€œGood idea,” Theo said. “We can fasten some pieces of foam to each of the extensors. What do you think, Luke?”
    â€œI don’t think it will work,” Luke said. “We just need to adjust the rotation of the gear to the claws.”
    â€œCallie’s idea is worth a try, at least,” Theo said. “That way the robot could hold on to things of different sizes.”
    The kitten shifted again and Comet started sniffing at Callie’s boot.
    She tried to use her foot to push him away, but he didn’t back up. The dog moved his nose from her boot to her leg and growled at her. She put her hand in her pocket, holding on to Tocho so he wouldn’t poke his head out.
    â€œWeird,” Luke said. “Comet likes everybody. Maybe you smell funny.”
    â€œThanks a lot.”
    â€œNo, I meant…I meant maybe you smell like your dog or something.”
    Comet came closer, almost sticking his nose in her pocket. The kitten squirmed and hissed, and then gave a loud enough meow for everyone to hear.
    â€œWhat’s that?” Luke asked, just as Comet gave one startled bark.
    â€œIt sounded like a cat,” Theo said.
    For a moment Callie wondered if she couldbluff her way out of it and claim she was just clearing her throat or something, but Tocho stuck his head out of her pocket before she could do anything. Comet barked again, bringing his face close to Callie’s pocket, growling.
    â€œLuke, get your dog away. He’s scaring my kitten.” Callie put her hand on Tocho in case Comet jumped at them.
    â€œYou brought a kitten into Camp David?” Theo asked, as Luke grabbed hold of Comet’s collar. “Is that allowed?”
    Everybody looked at Adam.
    â€œI don’t think it ever occurred to anyone to make a rule,” Adam said. “The people who visit here don’t normally carry their pets around in their pockets. Now that it’s been done, though, someone will have to make a rule against it.”
    â€œYou won’t take him away from me, will you?” Callie asked, worried. She took Tocho out of her pocket and held him close, glancing at Adam. Adam didn’t look like he was angry, but she knew from past experience that it was hard to know what Secret Service agents were thinking. The kitten stopped struggling and snuggled closer.
    â€œWe’ll see,” Adam said.
    â€œHe’s so little, he won’t hurt anything, I promise.His name is Tocho. It means ‘panther’ in Hopi,” she said, not knowing what else to say.
    Luke cracked up laughing. “That little smudge of fur doesn’t look much like a panther.”
    â€œHe will when he’s bigger,” Callie said defensively. “At least he’s going to grow into something. Your dog is already grown and still looks like a stuffed animal.”
    â€œSo what!” Luke yelled. At the sound of Luke’s raised voice, Comet started barking.
    Tocho struggled in Callie’s hands. He was so skinny, he squeezed through her grip and jumped to the ground. Arching his back, Tocho spit at Comet. The dog broke away from Luke and skidded to a stop inches from the kitten. He sniffed at Tocho cautiously and wagged his tail, but then the kitten lost his nerve and took off at a zigzag run over the grass and into the woods. Comet hesitated just for a moment and then dashed after him. Within seconds, the dog caught up. Just as Comet’s jaws were about to close on the kitten, Tocho turned abruptly to one side. Comet lost his balance, tumbling over. The little kitten kept running.
    â€œStop, boy!” Luke yelled. Comet picked himself up and took off again after the kitten.
    â€œHe’ll hurt Tocho if he catches him!” Callie yelled. She ran after Comet, not able to see Tocho anymore. “Get your stupid dog,