Free Madness by Bill Wetterman Page B

night.”
    “Well, that’s over.” She wanted him to understand he meant nothing to her but a toy. “When do you report to work?”
    “In two hours,” Loomis said and b rought her some coffee. “God, don’t tell Pendleton about our time together.”
    “Humph,” Last night was just sex—a weapon in her arsenal. All Loomis did was allow her to turn her rage into lust. If he hadn’t, he’d be dead. Pendleton left a far greater impact on her when she was with him. He touched her soul and she realized the difference. The device apparently remembered as well, because she didn’t feel pain thinking about Arthur now.
    “You’re not circumcised.”
    “No.”
    “It doesn’t affect your performance, but be sure to clean under the foreskin.” Strange, hearing herself say what she was thinking. Another oddity, she had no social compass. If she thought something, the thought easily spilled out of her mouth.
    “Is your son circumcised?” Loomis asked.
    “I don’t know.” Don’t bring up my son. “Let’s get the planning over with.”
    “There are two scenarios,” Loomis said as he plopped down on the bed. “Monroe speaks to the nation in an hour. If Monroe turns America’s military might over to Pendleton when Pendleton arrives here, Pendleton will bring Monroe into our fold and America as well. If not, I’m to kill him.”
    “I’ll stay here at your place long enough to hear what Monroe decides. I’ll leave Monroe to you. In any case , I’ve got certain business of my own tonight.”
    She finished her coffee.
    Loomis looked longingly at her and for an instant became aroused.
    “You have a job to do .” Peacock grumped, seeing his erection. “If I fly into a rage later, I’ll look you up.”
    “Maybe we can join forces,” Loomis said, as he dressed. “You take care of your business. I’ll take care of mine. We team up again afterward. Where shall we meet?”
    Peacock considered the possibility of outside help. Keep communication with Loomis and see how plans developed. Neither of them might be alive by midnight.
    “I ditched my government cellphone,” she said. “But I know your number. I’ll figure out a way contact you.”
    “Good luck,” Loomis said before he left. “Pendleton loves you. Can I let him know you’re all right?”
    “Tell him not to look for me when he gets to Washington. I’ll find him.”
    When the door closed, Peacock dressed and focused her attention on the television. At precisely nine in the morning, the President addressed the nation.
    “My fellow Americans, pressure by our former allies in Europe has been intense, urging the United States to enter into the present conflict in Iran which has now spread into Iraq and is approaching Syria and Jordan.”
    Monroe looked shaken and frail. Peacock marveled at the change in him over the last few days.
    “They promise to ease our financial burden if we join with them in supporting the Russians as they drive into the Middle East.” He bowed his head and with a grim countenance said, “After long discussions with the leaders in Congress, I have decided to decline their offer of financial support. The United States will remain true to our beliefs and keep our independence, our freedom, and our honor. We are committed to defend the Nation of Israel. If the Russians proceed past the border of Iraq and threaten Israel’s sovereignty, we will respond militarily.”
    Peacock turned off the television. Monroe had set his course. Now she had to determine her own.
    #
    Polaris couldn’t believe his eyes as he studied the data with Doctor Nyugen. The brainwave activity patterns were sharply different from three months ago, even from three days ago.
    “Such a complex creature Man is,” Polaris said.
    “And adaptable beyond even my imagination,” Nyugen echoed. “The inflicting of pain has been rendered ineffective. The device’s programming and her pathway system have worked out their own networking.”
    “Her brain’s