Johnny followed. There was nothing else he could do. What counted now was Lisa, Lisa and nothing else. No one else. If he had to eat Jed Harbridge’s crud, he could do that too. _And remember it too_--but for now, he followed. He followed the General up to the private parking roof, and accepted the loan of a heli, and took off. For where? Home seemed less unlikely than most other places. _Dollars Dome--Thursday, October 6, 2_ P.M. The woman was positively _glowing_ at him. “You _do_ understand, Lee? I can’t take a chance on letting him come up. Not now. Maybe in a month or so, if things quiet down. But one more mess now--I’m sorry to put it that way, Lisa--” “I _do_ understand, Chris.” She smiled impishly. “Anyhow, you wanted publicity, didn’t you?” “God help me, I did.” He looked at her suspiciously. “You know, I keep feeling as if you’re just sitting there waiting for me to do a reverse switch and tell you I’ve changed my mind and sure he can come.” “Well, it would be nice. Do you think it would help if I _concentrated_?” “Concentrate any harder, and--I don’t know. I know I won’t change my mind. If I _could_, I _would_ have, by now.” “All right, then.” But she still sat, smiling. “You sure you don’t want to go, after all?” She shook her head. “I don’t _want_ to. And even if I did, it wouldn’t be a good idea.” Her laughter poured out. “I can just see myself on that witness stand!” He winced. She stood up. “It’s all right, dear. I’m not _going_ down. Tell them to come get me, if they want me that much.” He tried visualizing that one, and liked it. “I might just do that,” he said, and then reluctantly: “About Johnny, Lee. What do you want me to do?” “Let him come up.” _Damn you, woman! You know what I mean._ “Short of that,” he said gruffly. “Give him my love. Tell him I want him to come.” “You don’t want to--well, send a letter or anything? I could deliver it myself. Privacy--” She hesitated. “No. No, I don’t think that’s the way. Oh, Chris, don’t _worry_ so! If _I’m_ not worried, why should you be? It’s going to be all right. _I know it._” The worst part was: he believed her. You couldn’t _not_ believe, when she was there with you. But-- “Have a good trip,” she said. “Thanks. Take care of yourself, Lee.” She moved to the door with that fantastic grace she seemed to have developed lately. “Oh, Lee--” She turned back, smiling. “If you don’t mind--I’d just as lief you stayed in Dome while I’m gone. I’d hate to think of you out at the Shack--Well, like yesterday. It bothers--” “Oh, stop _worrying_, dear.” She turned, and was gone. _Baja California Spaceport--Sunday, October 9, 5_ P.M. (_P.S.T._) “No, she didn’t come this trip.” “Well, what do you suggest, Dr. Christensen? Will you accept delivery, or should we return to sender?” “Can you tell me the name of the sender?” “I suppose--I don’t see why not. Colonel Wendt.” “I’ll take it,” he said decisively.