Pavlov's Dogs Read Online Free Page B

head.
    “Is this everyone?” Donovan asked.
    “No, Doctor,” the black man replied. “We eat in shifts, and I only gathered the people you see here because they’re the ones you’re most likely to interact with on a daily basis.” He reached out a hand. “My name is Luke Jaden, head of security.”
    Donovan shook the man’s hand and was immediately aware of the rough skin and strong grip.
    “And my name is Holly Randall,” said the redhead who had kicked him. “Maintenance is my department.”
    “Maintenance of what?”
    She extended her arms to encompass the entire world. “Everything. I have an electrician, an electronics tech, a mechanic, and a welder. I’m the engineer. I dream it up, and they make it work.” She smiled. “You’re going to want to get to know me.”
    Gary Sims, Donovan’s fanboy and cyberstalker, stood up and said, “Dr. Donovan—speech!” He started chanting it and looked around, hoping others would join in. His cheeks turned bright red when no one did.
    Donovan started to stand up anyway, because he actually had prepared something. But Dr. Crispin put a hand on his shoulder and gestured for him to take his seat. Donovan remained standing. So Dr. Crispin threw his arm around the neurotechnician’s shoulders, hoping to hide his inability to make this man do anything.
    “I would just like to say a few words,” the project director said, and Donovan caught Holly sinking in her chair.
    “First, I would like to welcome Doctor Donovan to the compound. I know that with his credentials, he will very much be an asset to my team. With some guidance, he will become a great part of this well-oiled machine I have assembled, and together, we all will see the project through to fruition.
    “Times have been tough, and we have suffered many setbacks, but please have no doubt that I will lead us into the annals of scientific and military history.” His eyes widened a touch and he squeezed the neurotechnician heartily. “And Doctor Donovan’s expertise will be the tip of the spear.”
    He let go of Donovan and struck up a light golf clap, which the rest of the room joined enthusiastically. Looking around, Donovan smiled and bowed, then took his seat.
    “Don’t let it go to your head,” he heard Holly whisper. “We’re all just happy he’s shut up already.”
    “Long winded?” Donovan asked, not turning to look at her.
    “Very,” she said.
    Luke Jaden, head of security, had already stopped his applause and was hungrily tearing into the chicken parmesan on his plate. Donovan looked down at his own meal; there was a dark-orange sauce between the cheese and the chicken.
    He poked at it with his fork.
    “It’s good,” Holly said around a mouthful of food. “Try to ignore the color.”
    Donovan’s reply was interrupted by a newcomer in a blue jacket, walking briskly to the table and leaning down between Dr. Crispin and Luke Jaden. Donovan was barely able to make out the man’s words.
    “It’s all over the airwaves, on every frequency. I’m not sure what to make of the reports, but... it’s very odd. I need someone to check it out and make a decision.”
    Crispin’s face wrinkled. When he answered, his voice was higher than Donovan had ever heard it.
    “Why does it have to be me? It’s like you people can’t get anything done without approvals signed in triplicate. If I wanted that, I would have stayed with the government.”
    “Ah,” the man said, shifting inside his blue jacket. “I meant I need Mr. Jaden, Doctor. This is definitely a security issue. Or at least, it could be.”
    Dr. Crispin threw his napkin to his plate. “I was done eating anyway. Mr. Jaden, if you please?”
    As the lean, dark man stood, he nodded to Holly and Donovan. “Perhaps you should come also, Miss Randall.”
    Dr. Crispin shot the head of security an annoyed look, which went pointedly ignored.
    “And you, Dr. Donovan,” Jaden said. “If you’re a part of the Command team, there’s no