Read Online Stalking the Dragon by Mike Resnick - Free Book Online Page B

Mallory's pants.
    â€œNo,” said Mallory.
    â€œYou sure?” persisted the goblin. “I've never heard one of them talk before. If you're on friendly enough terms to have a conversation with it, the least you can do is protect it.”
    â€œJust a phone.”
    â€œWe got blueberries, orangeberries, redberries,” said the goblin. “We got phones that play the Star-Spangled Banner when they ring, we got phones that cast a holographic image of Voluptuous Vanessa doing her specialty act (with or without the snake), we got phones that play the fourth quarter of the 1967 Super Bowl, we got—”
    â€œI don't want to buy a phone,” said Mallory, struggling to get a word in edgewise. “I just want to borrow one.”
    The goblin stared at him. “How do I know you'll bring it back?”
    â€œI'm not taking it anywhere. I just need to use it right now.”
    â€œThat's what they all say,” replied the goblin. “Then they call Madam Bolero's House of Spanish Pleasures in Madrid and I'm stuck with the bill.”
    â€œI want to make a local call.”
    â€œMadrid isn't local.”
    â€œI'm not calling Madrid.”
    â€œYou're not?” said the goblin. “Are you sick or something?”
    â€œSomething,” answered Mallory, trying to control his impatience.
    â€œAll right,” said the goblin, placing an old-fashioned dial phone on the counter. “Give me ten dollars and you can make a one-minute call.”
    â€œThat's extortionate,” said Mallory.
    â€œThat's business,” replied the goblin with a smile.
    â€œAre you open to a counteroffer?”
    â€œSure.”
    â€œOne dollar for ten minutes.”
    â€œOut of the question,” said the goblin.
    â€œYou're quite sure?” said Mallory.
    â€œHow dumb do I look?” said the goblin.
    â€œDon't ask.” He turned to the door. “Felina! Come in here.” The cat-girl entered the store. “Would you like a new toy to play with?”
    She grinned and nodded.
    Mallory gestured to the goblin. “Here it is.”
    â€œOn second thought, a dollar for ten minutes is a perfectly reasonable price,” said the goblin quickly.
    Felina took a step toward him.
    â€œWhat the hell,” said the goblin, standing absolutely motionless, “friends don't charge friends. Use it for free.”
    Felina took another step.
    â€œI'll pay you a dollar a minute!” said the goblin desperately.
    â€œI call that damned generous of you,” said Mallory, picking up a phone. “Felina, stay right where you are.” He dialed Brody's number.
    â€œYeah?” said Brody.
    â€œThis is Mallory again. Anything yet?”
    â€œStill no,” said Brody.
    â€œWell, stay by your phone, though I'll be damned surprised if you actually get a ransom demand.”
    â€œWill do,” said Brody.
    Mallory broke the connection and handed the phone back to the goblin, who was trying unsuccessfully to ignore the fact that Felina was standing six inches from him and smiling hungrily.
    â€œAre you sure you don't want it, old friend?” said the goblin. “Just say the word and it's yours—gratis.”
    â€œI'll cut my throat if you say yes,” threatened the cell phone.
    â€œDon't tempt me,” muttered Mallory. He walked to the door. “Come on, Felina.”
    They walked out into the night. There was a cold wind and a few stray snowflakes, and most of the buildings were closed for the night. Jeeves was waiting for them outside the drugstore. “I assume he hasn't been contacted?” said the gremlin.
    The detective shook his head. “I never thought he would be. I just had to make sure.” He paused. “Well, where to next?”
    Jeeves lowered his head in thought. “I'll have to give it some thought. We just eliminated the most likely place for dragons.”
    â€œYou know,” remarked Mallory, “it occurs to