Read Online Zelazny, Roger - Novel 07 by Bridge of Ashes - Free Book Online Page A

not my main concern—"
                   "I know, I know. I don't want to damage
the kid's mind either. Listen, I've been thinking. Since Dennis is in such good
contact, couldn't he transmit as well as receive? Try to talk Leishman into
giving himself up?"
                   "No. Dennis would not know how to go
about it."
                   "What about you, then? Could you operate
through Dennis, get a message to Leishman that way? Tell him to stop and wait,
to hand over that gun?"
                   "I do not know," she said. "I
have never tried anything like that."
                   "Will you?"
                   She took a sip of coffee, then leaned back and
closed her eyes.
                   "I will tell you in a few moments whether
it can be done."
                   I placed the empty bottle on the floor,
rearranged the blanket for the dozenth time. Beyond the window, the world swam
pleasantly. Perhaps I would sleep now....
                   A misty, gray, humming thing of indefinite
duration ...
                   Roderick Leishman.
                   I shuddered, I rubbed my eyes and looked about
Nothing had changed.
                   Roderick Leishman.
                   "What?"
                   "I didn't say anything," said the
driver.
                   "I thought someone did."
                   "You were asleep. Must have been
dreaming."
                   "Must have."
                   I sighed and settled back again.
                   No, you were not dreaming, Roderick. I
addressed you.
                   . . . The Earth Mother is aloof, heedless. She
speaks to no man. I felt the bottle against my foot and chuckled. I had never
heard voices before. I did not feel that drunk, but then the participant is
seldom the best judge. When I awoke it would seem a dream. I closed my eyes.
                   . . . Neither drunk nor dreaming, Roderick. I
am with you now.
                   "Who are you?" I whispered.
                   You have named me.
                   "What I did today could not have been
that important."
                   There are other considerations.
                   "What is it that you want?"
                   Your life.
                   "Take it. It is yours."
                   I wish to preserve it, not take it.
                   "What do you mean?"
                   At this moment, you are being pursued by
federal agents. They are aware of your location. They will reach you before too
long.
                   I drew my slung arm tight, feeling the pistol
against my ribs.
                   No. You must surrender, not fight. 50
                   "I might be worth more as a martyr."
                   A trial would be much better. Your motive
would be detailed at great length.
                   "What do you want me to do now?"
                   Park the car and wait. Surrender yourself. Do
not give your pursuers an excuse to harm you.
                   "I see. Will you stay with me—through it
all?"
                   I am always with you.
                   I pushed back the blanket, let it fall. I
leaned forward.
                   "Pull over for a minute, will you?"
I said.
                   "Sure."
                   He braked and turned off the road. When we
were halted, I said, "Do you have a gun?"
                   "Yes. In the glove compartment."
                   "Get it out."
                   "What's the matter?"
                   "Just do it, damn it!"
                   "Okay! Okay!"
                   He leaned over,