Heinlein, Robert A – Expanded Universe

But I shan’t be able to give you two your readings today. I shall need to overhaul

my machine. Can you come back tomorrow?”

“Why, I think so. Say, I’m sorry about your machine. I hope it isn’t

serious.”

“It isn’t, I’m sure. Will you come back into my office, and visit for a

bit?”

“Thank you, Doctor. You are very kind.”

“But Ed, I’ve got to meet Ellen.”

Pinero turned the full force of his personality on her.

“Won’t you grant me a few moments, my dear young lady? I am old and like the

sparkle of young folk’s company. I get very little of it. Please.” He nudged them

gently into his office, and seated them. Then he ordered lemonade and cookies sent

in, offered them cigarettes, and lit a cigar.

Forty minutes later Ed listened entranced, while Betty was quite evidently

acutely nervous and anxious to leave, as the doctor spun out a story concerning his

adventures as a young man in Tierra del Fuego. When the doctor stopped to relight

his cigar, she stood up.

“Doctor, – we really must leave. Couldn’t we hear the rest tomorrow?”

Page 11

“Tomorrow? There will not be time tomorrow.”

“But you haven’t time today either. Your secretary has rung five times.”

“Couldn’t you spare me just a few more minutes?”

“I really can’t today, doctor. I have an appointment. There is someone

waiting for me.”

“There is no way to induce you?”

“I’m afraid not. Come, Ed.”

After they had gone, the doctor stepped to the window and stared out over

the city. Presently he picked out two tiny figures as they left the office building.

He watched them hurry to the corner, wait for the lights to change, then start

across the street. When they were part way across, there came the scream of a siren.

The two little figures hesitated, started back, stopped, and turned. Then the car

was upon them. As the car slammed to a stop, they showed up from beneath it, no

longer two figures, but simply a limp unorganized heap of clothing.

Presently the doctor turned away – from the window. Then he picked up his

phone, and spoke to his secretary.

“Cancel my appointments for the rest of the day…. No… No one… I don’t

care; cancel them.” Then he sat down in his chair. His cigar went out. Long after

dark he held it, still unlighted.

Pinero sat down at his dining table and contemplated the gourmet’s luncheon

spread before him. He had ordered this meal with particular care, and had come home

a little early in order to enjoy it fully.

Somewhat later he let a few drops of fiori d’Alpini roll around his tongue

and trickle down his throat. The heavy fragrant syrup warmed his mouth, and reminded

him of the little mountain flowers for which it was named. He sighed. It – had been

a good meal, an exquisite meal and had justified the exotic liqueur. His musing was

interrupted by a disturbance at the front door. The voice of his elderly maidservant

was raised in remonstrance. A heavy male voice interrupted her. The commotion moved

down the hail and the dining room door was pushed open.

“Madonna! Non si puo entrare! The Master is eating!”

“Never mind, – Angela. I have time to see these gentlemen. You ..may go.”

Pinero faced the surly-faced spokesman of the intruders. “You have business with me;

yes?”

“You bet we have. Decent people have had enough of your damned nonsense.”

“And so?”

The caller did not answer at once. A smaller dapper individual moved out

from behind him and faced Pinero.

“We might as well begin.” The chairman of the committee placed a key in the

lock-box and opened it. “Wenzell, will you help me pick out today’s envelopes?” He

was interrupted by a touch on his arm. – “Dr. Baird, you are wanted on the

telephone.”

“Very well. Bring the instrument here.”

When it was fetched he placed the receiver to his ear. “Hello…. Yes;

speaking…. What? .. No, we have beard nothing… Destroyed the machine, you

say…. Dead! How?…. No! No statement. None at all…. Call me later….”

He slammed the instrument down – and pushed it from him.