Read literal leigh 05.7 - mission impawsible for Free Online

the wall in search of a light switch. When the rows of long fluorescent tubes finally flickered to life, the institute surprised me once again.
     

Chapter Seven
     
    T he inviting, neatly kept exterior was nothing but a façade. Morgan leaned over my shoulder and agreed with my unspoken observation. “Dirty pale-green walls, grimy terrazzo floor, and discarded metal lab carts. Yep, just the look you want for your spooky, abandoned asylum. They really nailed it with this place.”  
    Esmeralda kicked an empty cardboard box out of her path, walking ahead of us. “Charming little place. All we need now are rats. I’m sure there are at least a few descendants of escaped mutant lab rats scurrying around this dump.”
    “We need to find Gabe, fast. I think we should split up so we can quickly cover more territory.”
    “Do you think there’s a chance he might have already shifted and made an escape?” Morgan asked.
    “It depends. From what I know, he can’t change if he’s unconscious, so he won’t change until the drugs wear off. Even then, changing back to human form takes a while. I’m pretty sure he’s still a bear.”
    “Bad idea to split up, Kelly. Don’t forget that magic is involved. This is all just another repercussion from the spell you cast. We have no idea what we could run into. Morgan and I will stay with you.”
    We marched ahead down the corridor, through swinging doors, and into the adjoining building. It was an open space that reminded me of an airplane hangar. A bright overhead light illuminated a huge cage with a giant bear asleep inside. I knew Gabe would be fine as long as he hadn’t shifted. A hastily erected wire fence formed a perimeter around the cage.
    A series of metallic clunks and clanks echoed through the sprawling empty space. It startled me and when I heard the telltale sound of footsteps, I quickly warned Ezzy and Morgan. “Someone’s coming. Go back around the corner.”
    A shadowy figure emerged, making his way toward the cage. “It’s the bear research guy,” Morgan whispered. “What’s that he’s carrying?”
    Even when I squinted my eyes, I couldn’t tell what it was. “Looks like a bowling ball bag to me. No, maybe it looks more like one of those old doctor’s bags.”
    “Witch rule number one, never be a wimp. Always project power. Let me show you how to handle this pinhead.” Esmeralda smoothed down her skin tight, black leather outfit and tossed her long red hair back. Looking both sexy and intimidating came natural to Esmeralda. “Stay here until I call for you.” She strolled out boldly, wand in hand.
    “Good evening. Quite a bear you have there.”
    “Christ!” The man was so startled by Ezzy’s entrance that he dropped his black leather bag. As he came into the light, I got a better look at him. He was a good looking, mature man with a full head of graying hair. His white, unbuttoned lab coat was so predictable it was comical. “What in the hell are you doing in here? Do you realize you’re trespassing? I could have you arrested. Did you think of that?”
    “So many questions for such a smart man. My name is Esmeralda, I’m curious about this bear. Doctor, or should I call you professor?”
    “Professor. Professor Bologna.”
    “Bologna? Does Professor Bologna have a first name?”
    “Oscar.”
    Morgan and I completely lost it. Our whooping and snort filled laughs were amplified by the empty space and sheet metal walls.
    “Remind me to tell you about the spell we cast on Gertie’s hot fireman, Brad.” I giggled even more, remembering the horrible pickup lines Brad was hexed to recite in public. 
    “Who else is here? What the devil is going on?”
    “Just a couple of friends. They’re just amused that my Bologna has a first name. It’s O S C A R.”
    “Like I’ve never heard that before.” The professor shouted into the dark corners of the building, “Okay, you imbeciles have had your laughs. Come out in the open!”
    “You two