"Hi, Frank!" Mike cried, and grinned as he saw the guy's shocked expression and pale color.
"W-what the hell are you doing here?" Frank gasped. "I thought you were recuperating from a terrible accident...it was so bad the government's going to pay all your expenses!"
Mike was at a loss for an explanation then nervously added, "Yeah, well, you know how some people exaggerate on details! The government IS going to pay for expenses though. After all, I am their trusted employee." Then he couldn't help but laugh at his companion.
"What's so funny? You just scared the-er-hell out of me, for God's sake! The explanation I was given of your reason for absence made it sound as if you were almost dead. When I saw you come in, I-"
"Ever since I met you, Frank, I've always wanted to scare you really bad!" Mike teased, "Now my wish has come true. You'll be seein' me a lot until I come to work in a few days. Got some new friends in the lab and have to see the Doc for check ups. Sorry I had to come in on you like this, but I couldn't resist it! You always seem like nothing phases you. Now I know better!" he chuckled.
Frank looked embarrassed, then brightened. "Well, good luck with your recuperation!" he added, looking up at his friend. "Now you'll have a chance to drive all those ladies wild!"
"Only one," Mike replied over his shoulder as he opened the door to leave, "and her name is Jeanie Hall!"
Frank smiled and nodded. After Mike had gone he said, "Name sounds familiar!" Then went back to his work, busily getting some business forms from his desk drawer.
* * *
It was only a few moments before Mike found the lab and was happy to see Dr. Cooper at a table with Jeanie beside him. Both had their backs to the door and didn't see who had come in.
"No, I don't think we should," Cooper was saying as they looked over diagrams and components. "This has all got to be taken down and rebuilt, remember? If we do as you suggest-"
"It will take too much time, and probably be for nothing!" Mike put in, boldly. Both Cooper and Jeanie turned to see their visitor simultaneously.
"Oh, MIKE!" Jeanie gasped, then gave him a big smile, "Hi!"
"Hello, son," Cooper nodded, and after a minute of studying the boy, "What's wrong? You look, pardon the expression, like you might have seen a ghost!"
"Oh!" Mike shook his head. The end of his friend's sentence finally had penetrated his brain through the wonderful haze Jeanie seemed to arouse as he stared at her. "Just barely escaped being clobbered by one of the big rigs out front, sir.
Page 36