Murder in Orbit by Bruce Coville Page B

“I was going to say I didn’t know you had a sense of humor. Then I realized that after that pun, I still don’t have any proof. I think maybe I liked it better when you were hardly speaking to me.”
    She ignored me and kept walking.
    When we reached the restaurant, I went to find a table while Cassie placed our orders and paid for the food. (We have a custom out here that whoever mentions eating first pays; it’s not a bad way to deal with things, except when two stubborn people get in a contest and go hungry for hours at a time.)
    We sat across from each other and spread the list out between us so we could plan our strategy while we ate. I thought about trying to play footsies with her, but decided not to press my luck. I mean, what we had so far was a slight thaw in the cold war, not a declaration of affection. Besides, I wasn’t sure I wanted to get involved with a girl who was willing to make jokes like that “hares in my food” crack—no matter how good-looking she was!
    â€œThere are only two people left to see in this sector,” said Cassie. “Then we’ll have to move on to New Ithaca. Either that, or start figuring out what we’re going to do about the people we have to contact in the substations.”
    Substations!
    â€œWhat time is it?” I yelped.
    Without waiting for her to answer, I leaned over the table and glanced at the small watch she wore around her wrist.
    I groaned.
    I was late again!

Chapter 9
    Back in the BS Factory
    I was still mentally kicking myself in the rear when I started docking maneuvers at the BS Factory. Not only was I late again, but I had also reinforced Cassie’s impression of me as a jerk—both by losing track of time and then by rushing off the way I did.
    I don’t know why I keep doing this to myself. You’d think anyone with an IQ higher than a geranium ought to be able to keep track of time. But I can’t even keep track of a watch for more than a week. I finally decided it was simpler (not to mention cheaper) just to ask other people.
    I want to tell you, it’s not easy being a scatterbrain.
    I took some consolation in the fact that this time I docked the scooter without a glitch.
    Millie applauded as I climbed out. “Definite step in the right direction, Rusty.”
    â€œThanks, Millie.”
    â€œAnd that’s important,” she continued, “since a journey of a thousand miles …”
    â€œâ€¦ begins with a single step,” I finished with a groan. “Have I really got that far to go?”
    â€œNah, I just like to bust your chops. Which I imagine Dr. Twining is also going to do, considering what time it is.”
    â€œDon’t remind me,” I said, rolling my eyes. Suddenly I had an inspiration. Millie wasn’t on my list of people who had used the bulk-drop facility. But if my living/dead man had been here, she might have seen him anyway. “Do you recognize this guy?” I asked, digging the picture out of my pack.
    She studied it for a minute. “Looks kinda like Hank Smollin,” she said finally. “That is, if you make room for a lot of artistic license.”
    I couldn’t believe it. A score!
    â€œWho’s Hank Smollin?” I asked, trying to keep from sounding too excited.
    Millie shrugged. “Just some guy who used to work here. Hasn’t been around for six months or so.”
    â€œWho did he work for?”
    â€œOne of the Mad Scientists, I think. Why so curious?”
    â€œIt’s part of a game some friends and I are playing,” I said, feeling almost truthful.
    I was trying to act calm. But inside I was shouting with delight. If I had dared, I probably would have hugged her. Finally we were getting somewhere.
    â€œI’ll ask around for you, if you want,” said Millie. “I won’t be seeing the whole gang today. But I’ll check with those I do.”
    â€œI’d really appreciate