Page 37 of The Paradox Club

“The radio,” said Pilgrim 3, whirling around from the fire to face Lidenbrock 2. “You think this signal is the radio?”

“It could be,” said Lidenbrock 2.

“I thought the radio was destroyed.”

“We all thought that, but according to that signal, it may still exist. And someone has activated it.”

“If we could get the radio,” said Pilgrim 3 with a gleam of greed in her eyes, “we could…”

“We could what?” said Lidenbrock 2.

“Get Nemo 7 and Montag 5 over there right away,” said Pilgrim 3. She tried to suppress a smile, without much success. If the radio still existed, and if it still worked, Pilgrim 3 could be free to do what she had wanted to do ten years ago—what Harry Maxwell had tried, and failed, to do in private Pilgrim 3 could accomplish in public and the acclaim would be instant. She would be the most famous person on the planet. She just needed that damn radio.

“Find out everything you can about that address,” said Pilgrim 3. “And tell Nemo 7 and Montag 5 not to go in until they get the signal from me. We may not get another chance like this, and I don’t want to screw it up.”

“Absolutely. Oh, and, Madam Vault Keeper, there is one more thing.”

“What’s that?”

“Valentine 6 waited almost twenty-eight minutes after the light turned red before calling.”

“Twenty-eight minutes?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Why would she do that?”

“She was working a double shift overnight. She claims she dozed off.”

“Do you believe her?”

“No reason not to.”

“Take her off the big board,” said Pilgrim 3. “Make up some excuse—it’s down for maintenance or something.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Can you jam her phone?”

“Absolutely.”

“Do it. And, Lidenbrock 2?”

“Yes, ma’am?”

“Follow her.”

“Absolutely. I’ll find someone right away.”

“No, you follow her.”

“Me?”

“Yes, you, Lidenbrock 2. Did I not make myself clear?”

“Absolutely, ma’am. Perfectly clear. I’ll get right on it.”

THERAPIST 1