This much Talbot knew. Taft was the largest individual holder, owning something less than fifty percent of the total corporate shares. Frescura held a lesser percentage, though fractionally more than Soleri did. Together the three of them constituted an actual working majority. It had been their combined votes which had backed the project from the beginning. “I didn’t mean to eavesdrop,” said Frescura. “Randy touched the wrong button while we were talking and I overheard part of the conversation. It concerned me--so I came in.” “We were discussing policy,” said Taft soothingly. “Nothing was decided. You understand that.” “I understand,” said Frescura in a hard set tone. “I also understand that this man is dangerous. He is _not_ Soleri.” The assurance that Talbot had gradually been acquiring suddenly collapsed. He sat motionless, while a cold constriction tightened about his heart. Taft looked from Talbot to Frescura. “You can’t be serious? I ought to be able to recognize my chief executive and my own daughter’s fiance.” “Ordinally you would. But this man is a clever impostor,” said Frescura. “He wants to abandon the project. Soleri would have recoiled from the thought.” “I see no significance in that. Anyone can change his mind.” “Proof is on the way,” said Frescura. He seemed very sure of himself. “I began to suspect him when he put questions to me Soleri would not have needed to ask.” “It still isn’t proof.” But Taft was wavering. He turned and stared uncertainly at Talbot. “You can’t expect me to defend myself from a charge like this,” said Talbot. He realized at once that it was a weak answer, and tried to strengthen it. “The fire in my office wasn’t trivial. It’s true, I may have suffered a slight memory loss. The bursting of a few tiny blood vessels in my brain would account for it. But that doesn’t mean I’m less capable than before.” There was no possibility of escape. At Frescura’s command plant protection would close every exit in the building. And then he’d be charged with sabotage and murder. He had to sit it out. If he was exposed his only chance would be to claim that for a time he had actually thought himself to be Soleri. They’d investigate him psychologically, but mind tests weren’t exact and he had a good chance of making them believe he was telling the truth. “Nobody’s doubting your mental competence,” said Taft. “But there is some question as to who you are. Are you Evan Soleri?” “What can I say to that?” said Talbot. “Are you Andrew Taft?” “That’s not a defense,” said Frescura with smooth confidence. “It won’t be difficult to establish your identity.” He turned abruptly. “Come in Randy.” The door opened and Randy entered the room. Talbot was sure she had been listening to the entire conversation. He had never doubted her loyalty, but if Frescura had convinced her that he was not worthy of loyalty--