Descent from Xanadu

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Book: Read Descent from Xanadu for Free Online
Authors: Harold Robbins
talking about. All he knows about is the genetic engineering experiments and the DNA project out of the Defense Department. He needs more details from you.”
    “We’ll talk personally in Miami at the end of the week,” Judd said. “Any word from Security about the doctor?”
    “Not yet,” he said. “It should be coming in within a few hours though.”
    Judd got up. “Okay. Let’s check after lunch.” He paused for a moment, then looked at Merlin. “By the way, join me for lunch with the doctor if you have time. I’d like to know how you feel about her.”
    Lunch was simple. A cup of clear consommé, grilled French loin lamb chops medium rare, garnished with shoestring beans and carrots, finished with a small salad with oil and vinegar and a cheese tray. A ’71 Château Margaux was served throughout the meal, and when the table was cleared, coffee was served in demitasse cups.
    Sofia looked at him. “You seem to eat sensibly.”
    “Lightly,” he said. “I found when traveling as I do, jet lag cuts me down. Too much food puts me away.”
    “Do you do the same, Mr. Merlin?” she asked.
    “We all do, Doctor,” he said. “Our meal program was devised by dieticians at the Research Institute for maximum energy development. In the meal program, each of us gets daily a personally prescribed package of vitamins and mineral supplements.”
    “Then Mr. Crane does not necessarily take the same vitamins and minerals, for example, as you do?”
    “Each of us on the plane has his own formula.”
    “How was that decided upon?”
    “We have an annual examination at the Crane Medical Center in Boca Raton, Florida. The complete physical usually takes three days.”
    “Mr. Crane, as well?”
    “Yes.”
    She turned to Judd. “Would it be possible for me to be shown the results of your examination?”
    Judd nodded, smiling. “Of course. It’s all computerized. I’ll have it aboard the plane by morning.”
    “Thank you,” she said. “That should be of great help to me.”
    “You’re the doctor,” he said. “Anything you want, just ask.”
    “This should be a good beginning,” she said, “before we go further.” She put her demitasse down. “Do you mind if I get some rest, Judd? I’m feeling so tired.”
    “Go ahead,” he said. “I think that’s a good idea for me also. I’m scheduled for a banquet at midnight in Pekin.”
    He leaned over to Merlin after she had gone. “What do you think?”
    “I don’t know,” Merlin said. “She seems straightforward. How good a doctor she is, I’m not qualified to say.”
    “The report should give us something on that,” Judd said. “Wake me up the moment it comes in.”
    Merlin looked at him. “I know you. Something bothers you.”
    “Not about her medical experience,” Judd said. “It’s her cool. That’s more than just her being a doctor. She has antennae. She is aware. She is something more.”
    Merlin followed him to the staircase. “I’ll let you know the moment it comes in.”
    Judd’s telephone buzzed him awake less than two hours later. “Can I come up?” Merlin asked into his ear.
    “I’m awake.” Judd got up from the bed and moved to his lounge as Merlin came through the door. Judd took the photofax from him.
    “The medical stuff all checks out,” Merlin said. “It’s only the last few lines that are interesting.”
    Judd read quickly. “Security sources from CIA unverified, repeat, unverified rumor that subject recruited by KGB on order from Andropov. Will continue other sources for information.”
    Merlin looked at him. “If it’s true, what does she want from us?”
    Judd shook his head. “Nothing from us,” he said. “It’s only Zabiski that interests them.”
    “You lost me,” Merlin said.
    “Zabiski is the smartest bitch of all. She’s not going to let on how or what she does. Even the Russians don’t know. That’s why she unloaded Sofia on me. That’s going to screw up everything for a while.”
    “I

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