Frescura wriggled his thick mustache. “I came up to ask Randy something. I’ll go talk to her. If Taft wants to see me he’ll come out to the lab.” “Suit yourself,” said Talbot. Frescura left. He could hear him conversing briefly with Taft in Randy’s office before Taft came in. Andrew Taft was not the lean graying figure so familiar to the newscast public. He was tall, but he was also considerably heavier than he appeared to be on the screen. Distinguished citizens had certain prerogatives, and the networks saw to it that the lighting dealt kindly with them. “Sorry about the party,” Taft said on entering. “I flew up to try to persuade you to change your mind.” Talbot shook hands, using his most cautious Soleri approach. “You know how it is,” he said in half-apology. “I’ve fallen behind since the tragedy. I’ve got to dig my way out.” “I’ve worried about you,” said Taft. “So has Eleanor.” He glanced up quickly. “Your insistence on shunning social engagements doesn’t have anything to do with her, does it?” “It doesn’t,” Talbot assured him. “South Africa may be a nice place to live. But it’s quite a distance. And I really am in a mess here.” “Nonsense. You can fly there in a few hours,” said Taft. “Eight,” Talbot reminded him. “Service isn’t good to that part of the globe.” “You can cut the time in half if you charter a direct flight,” said Taft. “I suppose it would tire you out. But over-work can kill. You ought to call Eleanor. You know she won’t take the initiative.” Talbot decided to risk a decisive move. “I’ll call her now,” he said. “No, wait until I leave,” said Taft hastily. “I don’t want her to know I came to see you.” “Tonight then,” suggested Talbot. “Tonight’s fine,” said Taft. He chatted on inconsequentially for a time. Talbot could see that Soleri’s relationship with Eleanor’s family--though nominally cordial--was actually quite superficial, except possibly with Eleanor herself. He would have to be careful not to trip there. “What’s behind all this?” said Taft finally. “I know you. You work hard, but you can also relax. You’re not the kind to turn down an invitation just because you’re busy.” He’d judged the man correctly. Taft was shrewd, and quick to protect his own interests, daughter or company. “I may as well be frank,” said Talbot heavily. “I’m afraid we’re not going to develop the perfect rocket motor--or anything close to it.” “That’s not what you said in your last report.” “Official optimism.” “It’s not Frescura’s attitude. I talked to him in Randy’s office and he’s brimming over with enthusiasm.” “Frescura will back his own work if it takes the last cent of the stockholders’ money.” “Don’t forget that some of that money belongs to him. He has stock in the company too. In fact, his holdings exceed yours.”