Free The Amazon Experiment by Deborah Abela Page A

his forehead. ‘Once I deactivate this.’
    He held out the silencing device and the green glowing curve of the Shush Zone disappeared.
    Agent Suave stood in front of Steinberger, blocking his way to the wardrobe. ‘I think we should follow Harrison’s orders,’ he challenged. ‘If, as he pointed out, you have no on-field experience, it would be much better to …’
    Steinberger inched his way towards Suave, standing as firm as his tall, gangly body would allow.
    Max looked on, unable to tell if Suave’s objection came from a genuine dislike of disobeying orders, or if he had some other reason he didn’t want Steinberger on the mission.
    â€˜I am not only going on this mission,’ Steinberger instructed with a quiet power that was very un-Steinberger-like, ‘I’m heading it. If you have any doubts about my ability as a Spyforce agent, I suggest you take it up with Harrison when he wakes up, because by then we’ll have rescued Frond, found the triatoma bug and saved the lives of Spyforce agents from a potentially fatal illness.’
    Max blinked as she tried to recognise the meek and sometimes bumbling Spyforce Administration Manager. Suave shifted uneasily in his overpressed, immaculate suit. It was obvious he disagreed with Steinberger’s plan, but it was also obvious he had no choice. ‘Sure, Steinberger, it’s just that …’
    â€˜Do you know where Frond is?’ Linden saw something in Steinberger’s eyes that told him he did.
    â€˜I’m almost certain of it.’
    â€˜Where is she?’ Max stepped in front of a silenced Suave.
    â€˜It is widely known that Dr Frond is one of theforemost professors of biology in the world. The powder that caused the sleeping sickness could only have been created by someone with a similar intelligence, but of an evil nature. It is no coincidence that the theft of the manual, Frond’s disappearance and the sickness occurred at the same time. I believe that when we find the triatoma, we will not only find Frond but the manual as well.’
    Steinberger turned and walked into the wardrobe.
    There were so many questions filling Max’s and Linden’s heads that for a second they couldn’t move — until they saw Steinberger’s face.
    â€˜There’s no time to lose!’ he commanded.
    Max, Linden and Suave hurried to the wardrobe, just in time for the door to close and hurl them directly into the beginning of their mission.

‘I’ve been told how you beat Blue without an ounce of Spyforce training.’
    Suave had been trying to make conversation with Max as they waited in the VART beside the Invisible Jet, but with all that had been happening and the way his hair stared perfectly back at her, she wasn’t keen to chat.
    â€˜That would have taken some nerve. I hear the guy’s a real piece of work.’
    Linden sat eating an apple and smiling as Max looked out for Steinberger, hoping he’d come back soon and save her from having to talk to this guy.
    Finally Steinberger appeared at the end of the metal walkway. ‘I’ve got it. Let’s go.’
    Steinberger held a pack he’d put together in Quimby’s lab. He’d had to use Max’s pack as a guide for the mission’s devices since Quimby had been taken away sick. Now he strode towards them with purposeful steps, head high, knowing nothing would stop him.
    Then he stopped. ‘I hope I have enough handkerchiefs. That jungle’s going to play havoc with my allergies.’
    â€˜Steinberger?’ A voice came from behind. It was Alex. ‘I won’t let you head this mission.’ Steinberger held his pack even more tightly.
    â€˜Alex, I have to go.’
    â€˜But it doesn’t comply with Harrison’s orders.’
    â€˜I agree,’ Suave added.
    Steinberger ignored Suave’s comment and looked at Alex intently. ‘I know Harrison wanted you on this