Still …
La-La Land’s library overawed.
Margo repressed a delicate shudder and didn’t even try to calculate the number of books contained in this …the word “room” seemed inadequate. And computer terminals, too, with recognizable CD-ROM and video drives, all voice-activated. Judging from the snippets of soft-voiced commands she heard from a dozen busy users, they were programmed for multiple-language recognition. The computers drew Margo’s attention more thoroughly than any of the books.
Mr. Carson-she had trouble thinking of him as “Kit”-spoke briefly with a slim, dark-skinned man in his mid-thirties, then steered her toward the back.
Several private cubicles had been built into the back wall, complete with computer and sound-board hookups.
”What are these for?”
”Language labs,” Carson said quietly. “I take it you haven’t been here yet?”
Margo detected no particular edge to his voice, but the question irritated her. “No. Skeeter has me busy doing important things.” Like earning a living to pay for the equipment I’m going to need.
”Uh-huh. This one’s empty.” He pushed open a door and held it for her.
Margo fluffed inside and took the only chair. Her nemesis closed the door with a quiet click of the latch.
”Now. About this teacher of yours…”
”I suppose you’re going to tell me how he’s charging more than I can afford and what a fool I am and how I’ll starve before I get my first big contract with Time Tours or some other outfit. Well guess again. He’s not charging me anything but an advance on expenses and most of what I need I’m earning with the job he helped me find. He wants a partner.”