Read Online Hot & Cold by Susannah McFarlane - Free Book Online Page A

approaching from a distance. The noise got louder as it got closer. Dogs barking? Here? EJ turned towards to see a sled racing towards the melting ice hotel. It was pulled by six excited husky dogs, barking madly and wagging their tails. A sign on the side of the sled said ‘Ice Hotel Express’.
    â€˜Well,’ said EJ to no one in particular. ‘Dr Hill can’t be all bad if she likes dogs, but who’s going to look after them now?’ And then she heard a different kind of bark—a little yap—and to her delight, a little snow-white puppy jumped off the sled and half-scampered and half-tumbled up to EJ.
    â€˜Aren’t you beautiful!’ exclaimed EJ, holding out her arms. The little pup jumped all over her, rewarding her with wet puppy licks. Yucky, but kind of nice too.
    â€˜Okay, let’s get going then,’ EJ told the dogs. She climbed on to the sled with the puppy next to her, gave the reins a slight pull and the huskies began a slow trot. Using the reins to steer, EJ turned the sled back along the path of the pipeline crevasse, which was now slowly but surely disappearing as the ice re-froze.
    The dogs were strong and fast and together they sprinted across the ice as one. They seemed to know exactly where to go, how to avoid crevasses and bumps, and where to find the smoothest, fastest path. They ran up a ridge and as they came over the top, EJ could see that her pipe plan had worked. The crevasse that had split the nesting ground in two had covered over and there were penguins everywhere. As she zoomed in with her binoculars, she could see that the birds were all waddling around in threes—two adult birds and a chick in each group. The penguin families were back together again and, by the look of those chubby and not so little chicks, they were all well fed.
    She guided the sled down the hill and onto the plain but was careful to keep her distance from the penguins. As the dogs paced along, EJ continued to scan the breeding ground, and then she found what she was looking for—two adult penguins, waddling around as if they too were searching for something.EJ guided the sled as close as she dared and then stopped. She took the little penguin chick out of her jacket and placed it gently on the ice. It began to squeak and squawk loudly and the two older penguins quickly waddled towards it.
    â€˜Slowly now,’ whispered EJ to the huskies. ‘We don’t want to spoil a family reunion!’ And as the sled slid away, EJ looked back to see the little chick climbing onto the larger penguin’s feet, its mouth wide open. Its mother was more than happy to oblige with food.
    Mission accomplished! thought EJ with a smile. All of them! It was time for SHINE Home Delivery. EJ turned to look at the huskies. I hope there’s enough room for all of us. She took out her phone and pressed 4-6-6-3 on the keypad. A woman’s voice answered immediately.
    â€˜SHINE Home Delivery Service—straight to your door, any time, anywhere.’
    â€˜Agent EJ12 here, requesting home delivery for ... um ... eight!’
    SHINE Home Delivery Service was used to EJ picking up extra passengers on her missions, but eight was a new record.
    â€˜Well, only one human,’ EJ explained. ‘The rest are dogs—and one of them is very small,’ she added, hoping that might help.
    The woman at the other end laughed. ‘No problem, EJ12. We have your co-ordinates. A chopper will be despatched from Shining Light. It will be a tight squeeze but you should all fit. Stay on the line, EJ12. I need to connect you to HQ.’
    There was a beep and then a familiar voice.
    â€˜Well done, EJ12. Another successful mission,’ said A1.
    â€˜Polar ice cap temperatures restored to normal, Emperor penguin colony reunited, ice-water factory shut down, ice hotel melted and Dr Caterina Hill is ... er ... out of action,’ reported EJ.
    â€˜Out of action?’ pondered