Again, Burrage pushed Ross ahead, then drew his blaster and turned its dial from penetrosion to the impact level. "I'll hit the bolt," he grunted. "The second it shatters, you dive in."
A muffled crash, like that of a gigantic hammer striking. The door burst open. Ross lunged in.
The room was empty.
Now Burrage and Veta joined him. The girl's face was a study in blank disbelief as she stared this way and that. For his part, Burrage walked in ever-widening circles like a caged animal—head thrust forward, long arms dangling.
Ross' lips twisted wryly. He leaned back against the wall.
Abruptly, Burrage halted; turned on Veta. "All right, where is he?" he slashed savagely. "Me, I risk my neck with Cheng an' the FedGov too to come here—an' now your stinkin' brother's not even here—"
He broke off. His brows drew together a fraction, and he sniffed. "This place stinks, even!" he announced vehemently.
Now, Ross, too, was sniffing, straightening. His eyes flicked over the empty room, then fixed on the door of an old-fashioned closet of the pre-sealer period over in one corner.
Crossing to it with quick strides, he jerked the door open.
A stench rolled out into the room. Hastily, Ross shoved the portal almost closed again. "Burrage! Come here!"