The Stainless Steel Rat Goes to Hell Read Free Page A

more civilized, though still criminal, person, was far in the past and hopefully forgotten. We never discussed those early years when I-for a rare change!—was on the side of law enforcement. And she was a criminal on the run. A very nasty criminal indeed and I could not understand how one so beautiful could be so devious and cruel. Until she trusted me, perhaps she loved me even then, and had opened the locket with the secret of her past. Her beauty had been the product of the surgeon’s knife. That had changed her from what she had been to how she looked now. Only her criminal existence had enabled her to pay for the operations. Because of this, and our extra-legal standard of living, we might have had a lonely existence in many ways. We had not led a solitary life, but it had certainly been a different kind of life from the normal ones led by the other 99.99 percent of mankind.
    Having the twins had been a novel experience for both of us. One that I had not looked forward to with a great deal of enthusiasm. But I had changed, for the better Angelina always said, and she should know. When the boys were growing up we had seen that they had received the best education. We had discussed it a lot and had finally agreed that they could choose the style of life that most appealed to them. In all fairness, when they were old enough, we had introduced them to some of the more interesting aspects of our lifestyle. I am happy to say that they took to it instantly. All of this kept us busy enough and, since Angelina had never had any close friends, she apparently had never missed the acquaintance of those of the fairer sex. Now she had them in abundance.
    They went out together and did things together. Just what I was never quite sure. But she—and they—did enjoy themselves. She had even mentioned lightly, and oh how I wish I had listened more closely, the Temple of Eternal Truth. She hadn’t seemed terribly interested but had gone there at a friend’s insistence.
    Now this. I sipped long and hard at my drink and resisted a refill.

    â€œDiGriz here,” I called out at the instant the communicator buzzed.
    â€œIt is Captain Collin, Admiral. We have some more—and very puzzling—information about the Temple of Eternal Truth. Do you think you could come to my office …”
    I was out the door even while he was still speaking.

CHAPTER 2
    â€œWHAT HAVE YOU FOUND OUT?” I asked brusquely as I stamped into Captain Collin’s office. He was speaking on the phone and he raised his hand signing me to wait.
    â€œYes. Thank you. I understand.” He hung up. “That was the hospital. It seems that Mrs. Vinicultura is suffering from post-traumatic amnesia—”
    â€œShe’s forgotten everything that happened?”
    â€œPrecisely. There are techniques that could get access to those memories but their application must wait until she has recovered from the shock.”
    â€œThat’s not why you called me here?”
    â€œNo.” He ran his finger around inside his collar and—if it were possible for an overmuscled police captain to look embarrassed—he looked embarrassed.
    â€œHere on Lussuoso we pride ourselves on our security and the thoroughness of our records …”
    â€œWhich means,” I interrupted, “your security has been penetrated and your records are doubtful?”
    He opened his mouth to rebut me. Then closed it and slumped in his chair. “You’re right. But it has never happened before.”

    â€œOnce is once too often. Tell me about it.”
    â€œIt is this Temple of Eternal Truth. It appears to have been duly registered as a qualified religion. They kept accurate records and reported regularly on their financial position, though of course like all religions they pay no taxes. Everything seemed quite aboveboard. The directors are on record and, most discreetly of course, we know about all of its members