He smiled. “I would have preferred you to do it, since you appear to be diving into the case with such enthusiasm. But I’m at your disposal in any capacity. Archie isn’t nearly as charming. May I ask where you’re going now in such a hurry?”
“While you’re being expertly bandaged by her creation, I thought I’d have a discussion with Stevie. She and her father seem to be at the center of Korkil’s crooked schemes. I believe I should at least get to know her better so that I can help protect her.”
He was shaking his head. “By all means get to know her. Stevie needs all the friends she can get. But I don’t like the idea of you hanging around with her to act as a guard and ending up a victim yourself. That’s my job. I don’t need two of you to watch over.”
“I’ll remember that.” Then she added with annoyance, “Even though some of this madness was caused by that very attitude toward me. But in the meantime, remember that as far as I’m concerned I’m now a member of the team and I’ll do whatever I please as long as it doesn’t endanger Stevie or her father. I’m sure that’s clear? I hope you and Archie will be very happy together.”
She heard him chuckling as she left the room. She paused amoment outside the room to gather herself before she went in search of Stevie. Those minutes with Lynch had been as volatile as a roller-coaster ride, her emotions alternating from anger to pity and then to searing sexual tension while she’d tried to control them.
“May I be of service?”
She turned to see Archie, the robot, standing watching her across the hall. He was gazing at her quizzically, and she noticed he was carrying a red-and-white first-aid kit.
She quickly shook her head. “No, I’m fine. Though I did want to tell you that I’ve examined our patient and think the first aid will be minimal.”
“I’m very glad to hear that,” he said gravely. “But naturally I will have to make my own decisions based on my knowledge, my experience, and the many books I’ve memorized. You will not be insulted?”
“Perish the thought. But I’m curious to know what experience you’ve acquired?”
“From Stevie. She thought it urgent I learn the knowledge and techniques of a physician with at least a residency experience at a local hospital. So she arranged for me to spend many weeks learning and observing. Humans are so beautifully complicated. And I’m being taught to save them and help them to survive. It is an honorable and wonderful goal.” For an instant his metallic face appeared to have softened and his blue eyes glowed bright behind his sunglasses. “Do you not think so?”
She nodded. “And I can see that you do.”
“Wonderful,” he repeated. “Besides, it was very interesting.”
“I’m sure it was,” she murmured.
He inclined his head slightly. “If I cannot help you, I must go and examine Lynch’s wound.” He started for the bedroom door. “I thought you might be in distress . . .”
“Nothing you can help with. Thank you.”
He nodded. “Ah, something to do with the brain? No, I am not wise enough for that yet.” He opened the door. “Perhaps if I’m permitted, someday soon . . .”
She stared after him as the door closed. It was totally bizarre to see that beautifully glowing metallic body carrying that small first-aid kit. But if what he said was true, his purpose was far from bizarre. He was learning to save human lives. Thatwaswonderful. But it was also bewildering. She had heard of robotic machines in hospitals that helped in surgical operations. But she had an idea he was learning the procedures themselves at that hospital. If that was true, then what Stevie had accomplished was doubly difficult. It must have been against hospital rules, so how had she managed the instructions and supervised practice? Wonderful, indeed.
How?
She had asked herself the question. But now she had to go to the person who had the answer. It was as good a way as any to start to learn a few of Stevie Nolan’s secrets.
CHAPTER
12
Don’t be alarmed,” Kendra said quickly as Stevie stiffened warily on the couch where she was sitting when Kendra entered the sunroom. “I realize that I might have seemed a little antagonistic when I left here with Lynch, but I have no intention of causing you trouble. From what I understand, you’ve had enough of that and have been handling it well. Please believe me when I tell you that I only want to help you.”
“Lynch helps me,” Stevie said quietly. “And you did not treat him well. Why should I trust you?”
“Good question. Lynch and I have certain disagreements that have nothing to do with you or your father. I promise that neither of us will permit them to interfere with bringing your father back home to you.” She made a face. “But you really don’t want to get involved with our personal lives. You have your own worries, and Lynch and I are very talented at solving other people’s problems. I hope you understand the difference.”
Stevie stared at her for a long moment. Then her face lit with a smile. “Of course. My father and I don’t always agree. But I have no trouble with solving much more complicated issues with Archie.”
“I don’t believe it’s quite the same thing,” Kendra said dryly. “But I’d be interested to hear your view on the subject.”
Stevie shook her head. “I recognize the difference but sometimes it strikes me as close to the same thing. Archie is constantly changing with all the improvements I constantly install, and I have to keep up with him.”
“And your father?”
“My father is a brilliant man and a fine scientist. But he usually leaves me alone to work out any of my problems by myself. He feels more . . . comfortable that way.”
