Выбрать главу

“This man, Jordan...?”

“He’s getting along fine.” He could no longer keep the impatience out of his voice. “Everything’s fine.”

Oh, hell, yes. Everything is hunky-dory in this hunky-doriest of all possible worlds.

“Don’t be too hard on Alice,” Mr. Heath said. “She hasn’t had enough affection, I’m afraid, enough love. Dr. Loring wants to take her away from here. And when she’s gone I intend to assume control.”

“Do you? That’s fine.”

“You think it’s a good idea?”

“Oh, yes. Well, good-bye.”

“I didn’t thank you.”

“No, you’d better not,” Sands said.

Thanks. He was going to thank me for standing around watching everything work out like an astronomer watching the stars — just about the same control over them.

Thank you kindly, Mr. Galileo.

Oh, that’s all right, I’m sure you’re welcome to move about in the universe.

The door slammed.