VII In a dim corner of the apartment Talbot fingered a picture of Eleanor. Soleri’s taste in women closely paralleled his own. From a distance Eleanor could be mistaken for Laura. She was a trifle prettier perhaps, more lighthearted and whimsical, and more used to having her own way. He didn’t want to put through a long-distance call to her. He was entangled enough as it was with Randy, the three-cornered struggle between himself, Taft and Frescura and the unknown obstructionist in the plant, not to mention the perfectly efficient rocket motor that was never going to be built. He laid the picture face downwards on his desk, and went to the screen. But he didn’t call Eleanor Taft in her South African home. He called Randy. She answered in a charming state of dishabille. “Is this the way you always come to the screen?” he asked. “I knew it was you,” she replied. “I’m only surprised that you didn’t call sooner.” “Put some clothes on,” he said. “Don’t you like it? Or are you asking me to come over?” “I like it,” he said. “But don’t come over. Not yet. I want some information. Precisely what did you do this afternoon?” She made a face. “It was awful. Candidly I thought I’d stumbled into an old fashioned mental institution. I never would have believed I was eavesdropping on a high-level conference between the three top minds in the biggest corporation in the system.” “We’re human too,” he said gloomily. “At least I think we are. What I meant was: What did you do when Frescura came out of my office and Taft went in?” “Do you want a detailed report?” “Yes--all of it. Exactly as it happened.” “Well, Frescura came out and talked to Taft for a moment. Taft went in to see you, and Frescura wanted some information from another office. He sent me to get it. When I came back he handed me the folder and told me to take it to plant protection. He said to wait there for results and bring it back as soon as I could.” “Is that all?” “That’s all.” “Good,” Talbot said. “Put on your clothes and come over.” “I’m glad you changed your mind.” “So am I. But I won’t be home when you get here. I may not be back until quite late. Whatever you do, don’t leave the apartment until I return. Promise?” “What choice do you give me? I’ll wait.” He cut off the screen and reached for a jacket. With methodical persistence he went through Soleri’s possessions until he found a gun. He had expected to find one. He checked it swiftly to make sure that it was loaded and in working condition. It was. He pocketed it with satisfaction and called a cab. He had to hurry. He saw from the air that the entire plant was dark except for a light in one of the offices. Even from a distance he thought he could tell which office it was. The cab landed, and he got out. There was a guard at the office entrance. He questioned the man quickly, and thoroughly.