In the meantime, Elaine worried him. He hadn’t been able to raise her, despite making calls all morning, and she had been curiously absent the evening before. He turned, went back to the desk yet again, and tried her number once more. A code on the screen announced that she was unavailable, even on priority. Balmer swore to himself, hoping that she hadn’t broken down and done something stupid at this crucial moment. It had probably been a mistake to include her in the deal at all.
The intercom icon flashed again. “Connect,” he snapped at the machine, and then, “Yes? What now?” as Fay’s face appeared, looking apprehensive.
“You have a visitor, Dr. Balmer.”
“Who?”
“A Dr. Sarda. He’s saying—”
“Sarda?! What’s he doing here? He was supposed . . . I’ll be right out.”
Fay was already escorting Sarda across the outer office when Balmer emerged. There was a confused look on Sarda’s face. Balmer caught him by the shoulder and ushered him toward the doorway into his own office. “What in Hell are you doing?” he muttered. “I told you not to come to this office. What’s happened?”
Sarda looked at him blackly. “Am I supposed to know you? What happened with the experiment? He told me you’d be able to give me some answers.”
“He? Who?” But Sarda was taking no notice, his eyes darting around the office as if for clues. Balmer looked questioningly at Fay, who was hovering uncertainly a few feet back. She glanced toward the waiting area on the far side of the reception desk.
“He was with another man. I guess he didn’t stay—a big black guy. I never saw him before.”
“Jesus!” Balmer pushed Sarda inside his office. “Get me Walworth at the Zodiac Commercial Bank, right away,” he called back at Fay as he closed the door.
Sarda shook his arm away angrily. “What’s this about? Everyone’s talking about banks. I was told you had answers. Now it’s looking to me like you don’t know anything either. I want to know what in Hell’s happening. Who are you? What place is this? And why was I brought here?”
“I’m Balmer, for God’s sake.”
“Is that supposed to mean something?”
“Elaine’s professional partner. Yes?”
“Who is Elaine?”
Balmer shook his head. This couldn’t be happening. “Look, you work for Quantonix, right?”
“I’m aware of that.”
“And the TX Project?”
“What’s your connection with the TX Project?”
“If you want answers, just answer my questions first, please.”
“I went into the process. I don’t remember coming out.”
“You never did.” Balmer groaned. “Are you telling me you know absolutely nothing about our—” The desk comscreen beeped. It was Fay.
“I’ve got a Mr. Morch calling from somewhere called Quantonix Researchers in Lowell. He says it’s in connection with the visitor you have in there: Dr. Sarda. . . .”
“Yes, yes. Put him through.”
The features appeared of a fleshy faced man with thinning hair combed straight back. “Dr. Balmer?”
“Yes.”
“Hello. My name is Herbert Morch. I’m a director of Quantonix Researchers, here in the city. We’re looking at applications of certain quantum physical effects.”
“How come he doesn’t know you if you’re working with them?” Sarda asked Balmer.
Balmer licked his lip. “Just give me a moment,” he muttered. Then, to the screen, louder, “Yes?”
“We’ve just received a call from an Elaine Corley, whom you apparently know. She tells us that a subject of one of our research programs is there with you right now and is experiencing some disorientation problems—a Dr. Leo Sarda. I don’t know where you fit into things, Dr. Balmer, but this could be serious. We’re on our way over right now. I’d appreciate it if you’d do whatever you can to keep Dr. Sarda comfortable, and if you can, please try not to let him leave the premises. We’ll be there soon. Thank you.” The screen blanked before Balmer could reply.
“How long ago was the TX—” Sarda began, but the screen immediately sounded a tone again.
“Mr. Walworth from Zodiac,” Fay’s voice announced over the image.
“Mr. Walworth? Look, I’m an associate of Dr. Sarda, who was due to meet some people there this morning. I’m just calling to say I’m sorry he couldn’t make it. We had a slight hitch.” Balmer forced an oily smile. “But everything’s under control. Please apologize to our clients and ask them to bear with us.”