"Chalker, Jack L - Hotel Andromeda (SSCol)" - читать интересную книгу автора (Chalker Jack L)

Before Lekvich could say another word, she was gone.

Bzzzt!
"Concierge," he said hopelessly.

"Ranee?"

"I'm sony, she's not here."

"Not back yet?" It was Scadool, her mysterious caller

again. He didn't sound pleased.

"I'm sorry, no," Lekvich said, and thought: You don't

know just how sorry I am.
Scadool hung up.
Lekvich was beginning to get angry. Didn't anyone believe

in basic good manners anymore?

"Hello again."
It was Celeste, the Saurian, leering over the console at him

and waggling her ruby-studded eye ridges.

"Where's Raoul?" Lekvich said.

"Oh, he's still eating. I told him I had to visit the ladies'
room," she said, and winked slyly. "Now arc you certain you
can't take a break?" She rubbed her thumb and forefinger to-
gether in a mercenary way. "I promise you that you'll enjoy
many rewards, and not all of them on the physical plane."

Lekvich Tor felt the growing pressure in his bladder and
began to despair. He was really getting uncomfortable, and
this lustful Saurian was not making matters easier. He mus-
tered his best and iciest manners.

FIRST NIGHTER

17

"I'm sorry, madam. I'm flattered, truly. But as you can see,
there's nobody here but me. I simply can't leave the desk."

"What about a robot? Can't you order one to come and sub
for you?"