That would be final. Phil had hoped for the admission of knowledge, worked for it. Now he had it, and realized he had gained nothing. “All right,” he said tiredly. “You’re the tactician.” He was suddenly not so much angry as disgusted. “Jed,” he said, and didn’t even realize till he was halfway through his speech that the General’s first name had come naturally. “I understand your hesitation about contacting Johnny.” _You don’t dare talk to him. It would mess up all your thinking, wouldn’t it?_ “But in the event that you should be in touch with him in the next few days--or have some means of sending him a message--I think you might do him a favor to let him know Lisa is pregnant.” Harbridge had to repress a faint grin. So he had known all along. Phil had counted on shock value in that one. “I had the impression the lady did not want him to know?” “The lady is of several minds in the matter. But I think it would be easier if Johnny felt that she sent him the message before he reads or hears it from some public source.” The General thought that one over. He shook his head. “I can’t see it, Phil. It don’t fit. What you said about Ray McLafferty and this whole new pitch fits fine. But not throwing the girl to the wolves. What would he get out of it?” “Revenge?” Phil said, testing. “Revenge?” Harbridge smiled indulgently. “This is politics, Kutler, not couch games.” He thought a moment more. “And let’s say Ray isn’t the man I think he is--Why take it out on _her_? You or Chris, I could _maybe_ see. Why _her_?” The man was good. Damn good. But from the outside only. Damn fine analysis; no understanding ... no, that was wrong too ... no compassion? ... no _insight_, no intuition. _We’d make a great team--if we could stand each other._ Phil shrugged. “He’s not the only one to think about.” “He’s the important one. He puts out the releases.” Harbridge looked up sharply. “One thing maybe you left out? Ray’s not the guy to take no for an answer. Not very easily. He’ll damn well see to it Trovi’s protected. For now.” “It may not be up to him.” “What the hell are you driving at, Kutler?” “He’s got a mess of subpoenas out. Including for her. People talk. _She’s_ not much of a liar either. Or take me.” _And take special note of the fine set of rattles while you’re at it._ “It may sound quaint, but I have an aversion to perjury. So do some other people--non-political types. Scientists. Like that.” “You don’t think _he’s_ overlooked that? Why in hell do you suppose he sacrificed coverage? He gives the press conferences.” _I’m damned if I’ll spell it out for you. I warned you. That’s enough._ Phil shrugged again and let it drop. _Acapulco--Monday, October 3, 7:30_ A.M. (_C.S.T._)