“I never said he wasn’t”
“I don’t love him but I’m fond of him. But when it comes down to it. I’m a Rudbek and he’s not. That’s silly, isn’t it? Because we Rudbeks aren’t anything special; we’re just shrewd peasants. But I’ve got a worry, too. You remember Joel de la Croix?”
“He’s the one that wanted an interview with me?”
“That’s right. Joey doesn’t work here any more.”
“I don’t understand.”
“He was a rising star in the engineering department of Galactic — didn’t you know? The office says he left to accept other employment; Joey says he was fired for going over their heads to speak to you.” She frowned. “I didn’t know what to believe. Now I believe Joey. Well, Thor, are you going to take it lying down? Or prove that you are Rudbek of Rudbek?”
Thorby chewed his lip. “I’d like to go back into the Guard and forget the whole mess. I used to wonder what it was like to be rich. Now I am and it turns out to be mostly headaches.”
“So you’d walk out on it?” Her voice was faintly scornful.
“I didn’t say that. I’m going to stay and find out what goes on. Only I don’t know how to start. You think I should pound Uncle Jack’s desk and demand my shares?”
“Unnh . . . not without a lawyer at your side.”
“There are too many lawyers in this now!”
“That’s why you need one. It will take a sharp one to win a scrap with Judge Bruder.”
“How do I find one?”
“Goodness, I don’t use lawyers. But I can find out. Now let’s stroll and chat — in case anybody is interested.”
Thorby spent a glum morning studying corporation law. Just past lunch Leda called. “Thor, how about taking me siding? The storm is over and the snow is just right” She looked at him eagerly.
“Well –”
“Oh, come on!”
He went. They said nothing until they were far from the house. Then Leda said, “The man you need is James J. Garsch, New Washington.”
“I thought that must be why you called. Do you want to ski? I’d like to go back and call him.”
“Oh, my!” she shook her head sadly. “Thor, I may have to marry you just to mother you. You go back to the house and call a lawyer outside Rudbek — one whose reputation is sky-high. What happens?”
“What?”
“You might wake up in a quiet place with big muscular nurses around you. I’ve had a sleepless night and I’m convinced they mean business. So I had to make up my mind. I was willing for Daddy to run things forever . . . but if he fights dirty. I’m on your side.”
“Thanks, Leda.”
” ‘Thanks’ he says! Thor, this is for Rudbek. Now to business. You can’t grab your hat and go to New Washington to retain a lawyer. If I know Judge Bruder, he has planned what to do if you try. But you can go look at some of your estate . . . starting with your house in New Washington.”
“That’s smart, Leda.”
“I’m so smart I dazzle myself. If you want it to look good, you’ll invite me along — Daddy has told me that I ought to show you around.”
“Why, sure, Leda. If it won’t be too much trouble.”
“I’ll simply force myself. We’ll actually do some sightseeing, in the Department of North America, at least. The only thing that bothers me is how to get away from the guards.”
“Guards?”
“Nobody high up in Rudbek ever travels without bodyguards. Why, you’d be run ragged by reporters and crackpots.”
“I think,” Thorby said slowly, “that you must be mistaken in my case. I went to see my grandparents. There weren’t any guards.”
“They specialize in being unobtrusive. I’ll bet there were always at least two in your grandmother’s house while you were there. See that solitary skier? Long odds he’s not skiing for fun. So we have to find a way to get them off your neck while you look up Counselor Garsch. Don’t worry, I’ll think of something.”
Thorby was immensely interested in the great capital but still more interested in getting on with his purpose. Leda did not let him hurry. “First we sightsee. We naturally would.”