1269_UgliesFreeBook

UGLIES 307
“Scared of what?”
“Last night, after I was sure this really was the Smoke,
I activated the pendant. But they have this thing that detects
bugs. They found the one on my board—the one you put
there without telling me.”
Dr. Cable smiled, spreading her hands helplessly.
“That almost blew the whole thing,” Tally continued.
“So after I activated the pendant, I got scared they’d know
a transmission had been sent. I hid it, in case they came
looking.”
“I see. A certain amount of intelligence sometimes
accompanies a strong sense of self-preservation. I’m glad
you decided to help us.”
“Like I had a choice?”
“You always had a choice, Tally. But you made the right
choice. You decided to come here and find your friend, to
save her from a life of being ugly. You should be happy
about that.”
“I’m thrilled.”
“So pugnacious, you uglies. Well, you’ll be growing
up soon.”
A chill went down Tally’s spine at the words. To Dr.
Cable, “growing up” meant having your brain changed.
“There’s just one more thing you have to do for me,
Tally. Do you mind getting the pendant from where you’ve
hidden it? I don’t like to leave loose ends lying around.”
Tally smiled. “I’d be happy to.”