Read Online The Amazon Experiment by Deborah Abela - Free Book Online

sickness.’ Frond used her palm computer to contact Finch. ‘I’ll get someone here immediately to take her to the infirmary.’
    Linden stroked Irene’s pale face, desperate for her to wake up. ‘Please be okay, Irene,’ he said in a frightened whisper. He sniffed back a burning tear and stared helplessly at her limp body that looked like all the life had been drained from her forever.

Max and Linden walked down the corridor to Quimby’s lab. They’d just left the infirmary, where Irene lay still and barely breathing, caught in the clutches of the sleeping sickness. Max stared at Linden as his feet thudded dully against the floor. She remembered the time in London when he had told her about his mother dying of cancer. He had the same look on his face now as he had then. She hated every second of that look and tried to think of something that would take it away, that would make him feel better, that would …
    â€˜It’s okay, Max.’
    â€˜Sorry?’ She hadn’t expected him to say anything.
    â€˜I know you want to make me feel better about Irene, but you don’t have to say anything. She’s going to get better. I know it.’
    How could he do that? How could Linden know exactly what she was thinking?
    â€˜Yeah. She is.’ Once again Max had to put up with her mouth saying something dull when she wanted it to come up with something great.
    Max and Linden had received a message from Harrison to get equipped by Quimby for their mission. They were going to the Amazon to find the triatoma bug.
    â€˜Ah, Max and Linden. We don’t have much time. I’ve been given the brief by Harrison and I’ve assembled a range of devices that will be essential for your mission. This is the Hypnotron.’ Quimby held out something that looked like a marble. ‘Simply aim and activate it by squeezing. After thirty seconds your captive will be rendered hypnotised and ready to tell you anything you need to know. The hypnotic state ceases when you deactivate the device, or after a certain programmed amount of time. Now, don’t forget,’ Quimby surveyed the agents with a careful eye, ‘you must not use the Hypnotron after your Spyforce business is complete. Spyforce equipment must only be used in the line of duty, otherwise we are in danger of becoming like the criminals we fight against. And then where’s the difference?’
    â€˜No problemo.’ Max tried to be chirpy for Linden’s sake.
    â€˜Here we have the Mini Transporter Capsule, one for each of you.’ She held out two matchbox-sized cubes. ‘It is based on Francis, Ben and Eleanor’s Matter Transporter and is capable of transporting small, delicate objects through space. Place the triatoma bug in here as soon as you find it, enter the destination into the keypad on the sideand off it will go. We have already lost precious time and any more time lost may have devastating consequences, so I recommend you place them in your pockets for easy access.’
    Max and Linden did as they were told.
    â€˜I have also packed the Abseiler, which comes equipped with a safety harness and the new and improved miniature jet propulsion capsule for climbing over long distances. Where you are going is difficult terrain. You’ll come across mountain peaks, impenetrable jungles, vast rivers and swamps. I’ve also added super-grip gloves. They’re perfect for climbing mountains, scaling buildings or clinging onto fast-moving objects.’
    â€˜What does this do?’ Max held up a can that said ‘Bug Repellent’.
    â€˜Repels bugs.’ Quimby tried not to sound too obvious. ‘A must to ensure you’re not bitten when you find the triatoma. The repellent is completely non-toxic and is made from Frond’s best plants in the Plantorium. As is this.’ She reached for a small cloth bag sitting on the table. ‘This is a bag of Animal Dispellers. It