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Mo, swarthy et dropped off durin' the day" He gripped the door and started to slam it shut

Ian shoved the door open so hard, the guard staggered backward In concerted motion, he and Johann slipped inside

The stench of unwashed bodies hit hiered at the force of it For a terrifyingto be sick He sed hard, squeezing his eyes shut Voices echoed in the shadowy hallway A droning,buzz

The guard surged forward "Noait a damn minute?"

Johann stuck out a booted foot and tripped the man, who fell flat on his face "Oh Did I do that?" Johann plastered a hand to his throat and clicked his tongue "So sorry"

The guard claer, but you will be"

Johann held out a hand "I should introduce myemployer This is Dr Ian Carrick"

The guard froze in his tracks Slowly he turned to Ian His face tightened into a squinty frown "You're Dr Carrick?"

Ian had seen that look a thousand ti realization that the object of so many rumors had appeared in the flesh A curiosity, then a slow-building fear

The guard took a step backward?also a standard response "Dr Wellsby said you was comin' I din't believe it"

"No doubt it was intellect that secured you this job," Johann drawled,his arms "Now, take us to your superintendent"

The guard rushed past them and slammed the door shut, then almost fell over himself in his haste to leave

97

He spun around "Third door on the right You can follow me I'll hurry ahead and tell Dr Wellsby you're here" He was gone before the echo of his words had faded The rapid thudding of his footsteps disappeared in the shadowy corridor

"Do people always treat you like that?" Johann asked