by Ward Wagher
“And how about you, Lawrence?” Winkleman asked. “Is your work going well?”
“I have completed my dissertation and sent it to Dr. Pournelle. I hope to hear something from him any time.”
“That is very good news. I assume you had mentioned this in your weekly reports. Unfortunately, I have been delayed in staying up to date on them. If you encounter any problems with MIT, do not hesitate to notify me immediately.”
“Of course,” Larry murmured.
“And you are continuing to work on things in the meantime?” he inquired.
“Yes, Sir. I completed enough of my lab experiments in Cambridge to get the dissertation completed. I am now outlining an approach that will provide enough of an understanding that a competent engineering team could start the commercial applications.”
“That is very good,” Winkleman said. “I assume Dr. Fitcher is here today to discuss your move to Urbana.”
“Yes,” Maggie grinned brightly. “He brought our draft contracts for review.”
Fitcher turned red and looked down at his menu. The waiter chose that moment to return.
“What would you like to drink?” he asked.
“Tea for me,” Winkleman said, “and I think we are ready to order.”
“Very well, Paladin,” the waiter said. “What would you desire?”
“Margaret, what would you like?” Arthur asked Maggie.
“Oh, water to drink. And, I think I will visit the buffet.”
“Very well, Ma’am.”
Winkleman pointed at Larry. “Uh, tea, and the buffet.”
“The buffet for me,” Fitcher said, “and a cup of tea sounds delightful.”
“I thoroughly enjoy the buffet here,” Arthur said, “so that is what I will have.”
“Very well,” the waiter said. “I will bring the drinks. Feel free to visit the buffet any time.”
Maggie immediately backed the wheelchair away from the table and went sailing over to the buffet.
Winkleman looked at Larry. “She is becoming very accomplished with the wheelchair.”
“She is dealing with it better than I am,” Larry said.
“I think there is a lesson there, somewhere,” Arthur chuckled. “She still does not remember what happened?”
“No,” Larry said with a frown. “She remembers waking up here in Indianapolis, but nothing of the fall.”
“Such a tragedy,” Fitcher commented, as he rose from his chair. “She is really plucky.”
Maggie grabbed a plate from the end of the buffet and tried to stretch high enough to reach the warming trays. The kitchen steward, who stood near the buffet, quickly walked over.
“May I assist you, Ma’am?”
Maggie grinned at him. “Yes, I think you may. I was going to try to do this myself, but I guess I need to remember my limitations.”
“Your secret is safe with me,” he said.
She followed him along the buffet line and selected the items she wanted to eat. The steward fixed her plate and carried it over to the table.
She reached out and touched his arm. “Thank you for your help.”
“It was my pleasure, Ms. Bosstic.”
“It’s Maggie.”
He gave something between a nod and a bow. “Very well. It was my pleasure, Maggie.”
She giggled as she rolled up to her place at the table. Fitcher stepped back and allowed Larry to go before him through the buffet line, and Winkleman followed. After they returned to the table, everyone began eating. Arthur took a bite of macaroni and cheese and closed his eyes in bliss.
“My doctors used to tell me that I should not eat too much of this because it was bad for me. At my age, however, I have come to the conclusion that things like this are a bonus. I have paid my dues, so I am going to enjoy life. Besides,” he grinned, “I out-lived that doctor, anyway.”
Fitcher snorted. “I like your attitude, Sir.”
“And this place makes the best macaroni and cheese I know of.”
“The Wabash Club makes a very good macaroni and cheese,” Fitcher offered.
“They are mere amateurs in this game,” Arthur insisted.
“I will, of course, defer to the Paladin.”
“Come on, David, where is your backbone?”
“Sir?” Fitcher looked surprised.
“You have obviously partaken at the Wabash Club. I would not expect you to fold your hand so quickly.”
Fitcher shrugged. “Obviously you have not.”
Winkleman laughed. “Better.” He looked at Larry and winked. “I appreciate people who are willing to defend their opinions, even when they are wrong.”
Fitcher rolled his eyes. “Sometimes it is better to fold one’s hand in the face of such conceit.”
Larry looked at the two men in mild surprise. He wouldn’t have dared to speak to Arthur that way. Apparently, they knew each other well. The meal continued in casual conversation as Winkleman and Fitcher continued to pick at each other. Finally, Arthur pushed his plate away and picked up his teacup for a sip.
“And, now, I think I would like to take a look at the contract you have proposed to these two… that is if it is permissible with them.”
Larry nodded. “That would be fine, Sir.”
Maggie reached behind her into the pocket on the back of the wheelchair and pulled out her computer.
“I just happened to have them here,” she said.
“I am sure that is not really necessary,” Fitcher interjected. “This is the standard employment contracts we use at the college.”
Winkleman shrugged. “I am a board member, so I think it would be interesting to see how you treat the poor faculty.”
“Oh, come on, Arthur,” Fitcher said disgustedly. “Must you poke into everything?”
“Of course. I thought that was why you wanted me on the board; to help with governance.”
The waiter returned and quickly cleared the dishes from the table. Maggie opened her computer and quickly loaded her contract. She slid the machine over so Arthur could look. He scanned the document quickly, and then looked up at Fitcher.
“You have Lawrence lined up to teach a course?”
“Yes, yes, he agreed to do that.”
“That is not what I had in mind,” Arthur said. “I believe I expressed my thoughts on the idea when you suggested it to me.”
“Mr. Berthold has agreed to teach Introductory Physics as a favor to us.”
Larry held up a hand. “I did agree to teach, however Dr. Fitcher and I had some disagreement over the use of a teaching assistant.”
“I think that was generous,” Winkleman said. “However, because I am funding the lab and your salary at the college, I think it would be wise if you declined for this first year.”
Fitcher frowned and looked down at the table. He appeared to notice that he was drumming his fingers on the table, and quickly pulled his hands into his lap. Arthur looked over at Maggie.
“I know you have made a remarkable recovery, young lady, but Dr. Fitcher is throwing a full load on you. We have budgeted for a lab assistant to Lawrence. I would like to give you the opportunity to take that job, or you can teach if you wish.”
She leaned over and placed her hand on Winkleman’s arm. “Thank you, Arthur. I think you’re sweet. I was thrilled to be asked to teach. I would like to give it a try. The seminar might be a bit much, however.”
Winkleman glanced over at Fitcher, who was clearly wringing his hands under the table. “What think ye, David?”
“Oh, all right. I can have Atticus Fletcher teach the seminar. He’s done it before.”
“Fine. I am glad we were able to work out the details,” Winkleman said, rubbing his hands together. “I’m glad I was able to meet with you all for lunch. I feel like this has been a productive day.”
“For some of us, perhaps,” Fitcher said. He held up his wrist. “Hmmm. Look at the time. Perhaps you were right, Paladin. I can make it back to Urbana this afternoon and not
have to stay the night.”
Winkleman stood up. “Of course, David. Always good to see you.”
He reached out to shake hands with the frustrated provost. Fitcher beat a retreat while forgetting to shake hands with Larry and Maggie. Winkleman grinned broadly at the other two.
“Dr. Fitcher is actually a good friend. We have known each other for decades. We have these little games we play periodically. I suspected he would attempt to pull something with your contracts, and that is why I made it a point to arrive for lunch.”
“I worry that we have made an enemy, though,” Larry said.
Winkleman considered that for a few moments. “No, I don’t think that will be the case. He was overjoyed that I was funding a new laboratory for the college. We have worked on any number of projects over the years, and he always tries to slip things like this past me. He has even succeeded on a few occasions.”
“But not very often?” Maggie asked with a smile.
Arthur laughed. “But, not very often, Margaret. No, I think you two will find him very a decent employer. He will return your loyalty with his own.”
“I think we need to make plans to get moved to Urbana,” Larry said.
“There is no cause to rush,” Arthur said. “We have not even broken ground for the lab. That waits for the spring thaw. And, Margaret does not begin teaching until fall. Perhaps you could find a home and move in July or August.”
“I would really like to be involved in the planning for the lab,” Larry said. “Not to be forward or anything.”
“I should have thought of that myself. I am sorry, Lawrence. The lab will ultimately be your responsibility, so it is eminently reasonable you should be involved right now. I have a meeting tomorrow morning with the architect, engineer, and builder. Would you be able to attend?”
“Of course,” Larry said. “Whenever you need me.”
“Fine. I will have a car out front for you at eight o’clock. And, I apologize. My people get upset with me when I attempt to micromanage them. I suppose I ought to know better by now, and I’m doing it with you.”
Larry waved his hand. “No, it’s not a problem, Sir. I’m just honored that you place so much confidence in me.”
“I read through the draft dissertation you sent me, Lawrence. I, of course, was not able to follow much of the math. However, I was very impressed by your work. I believe I am fortunate to be associated with you. And with that….”
Arthur Winkleman turned and marched out of the hotel dining room. On the way, he pointed an index finger at the waiter and called to him.
“Put the lunch on my tab, Oswald.”
“Of course, Sir.”
Larry and Maggie looked at each other with bemused expressions.
“That was interesting,” Maggie said.
“I don’t even know what to say,” Larry responded.
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE
Larry Berthold was cold. He wandered in a dark place and didn’t where he was. Voices were speaking to him, but he couldn’t quite make out what they were saying. He couldn’t quite remember how he got here. The memories were right on the edge of recall but refused to present themselves to his mind. It was confusing.
He opened his eyes and blinked to clear his vision. He stood on the sidewalk in front of the hotel, the welcoming lights shining across the lawns. He looked down and wondered why he was standing here barefoot, and in his underwear.
The bell captain of the hotel walked past the glass doors, glancing out as he did so. He stopped and backed up, staring out at Larry. He turned and walked through the doors and across the lawn to where Larry stood.
“Mr. Berthold, what are you doing out here?”
“I don’t know.”
“We need to get you back to your room,” the bell captain continued.
“If you say so.”
He grabbed Larry’s arm and began leading him back to the hotel lobby. Larry followed, without resisting. When they walked through the doors, the desk clerk trotted around the check-in desk and over to the two.
“How did you get outside, Mr. Berthold?” the desk clerk asked. “You did not come through the lobby.”
“I don’t know.”
“Can you get him up to his room, Ted?” the desk clerk asked. “I think I need to call the doctor.”
“Yeah, sure. Mr. Berthold isn’t tracking well.”
“This is weird.”
“That it is, Will.”
The bell captain led an unresisting Larry to the elevator. It seemed to him as though he was walking in a cavern. Everything echoed. When the elevator began to rise, he swayed, and Ted steadied him.
“Easy, there, Mr. Berthold. Do you remember what happened?”
“I don’t know.”
“Okay, we’ll get you back to your room.”
They left the elevator and moved down the hallway. The world seemed to tilt, and Larry toppled against the right wall. The bell captain struggled to get him upright again. Then he tottered over against the other wall.
“Hang on, Mr. Berthold. We’re almost there.”
At the door to Larry’s suite, the bell captain fished in his pocket for the key card, and Larry started to slump to the floor. Ted quickly swiped the reader on the door, and it clicked open. The door across the hall opened.
“What’s going on?” Maggie asked.
The bell captain looked back to see Maggie, wearing a heavy robe and sitting in her wheelchair.
“I found him outside like this,” Ted said. “I’m trying to get him back in the room. We’ve called the doctor.”
“Let me help.”
She rolled across the hallway and leaned foward to help Larry up. The bell captain, again, marched him forward. Maggie followed them into the room.
“Larry, what’s going on?” she asked.
“I don’t know.”
“How long has he been this way?”
“I don’t know,” the bell captain replied. “I saw him standing out on the sidewalk like this, and brought him in.”
“Well, thanks for your help,” she said. “What was he doing out at four in the morning? I don’t know what is going on.”
“I don’t either. This is really strange.”
Larry’s room seemed undisturbed. The bed looked as though he had simply climbed out to use the bathroom or something. She looked around and saw his computer sitting on the desk in the corner. She wondered if someone had been in the room, or if Larry was simply sleepwalking. Nothing appeared to be missing, though.
They eased him into the bed and pulled the covers over him. He began shivering. He lay on his back and stared at the ceiling as he shook. Maggie furrowed her brow in concern and looked over at the bell captain.
“We had some strange things happen back in Cambridge. I thought we had left all that behind.”
“This is certainly strange,” the bell captain said. “We occasionally have some old people wander off, but I’ve never seen anything like this.”
Ten minutes later the house doctor knocked and walked into the room.
“What do we have here?” he asked.
“I found Mr. Berthold standing out on the sidewalk barefoot and in his underwear,” the bell captain said. “I got him back in here, but he isn’t tracking too well.”
The doctor turned to Maggie. “And you are?”
“I’m Maggie Bosstic. I’m Larry’s friend.”
“Has he ever done anything like this before?”
“Nothing like this, no.”
The doctor opened his case and pulled out something that looked like a small computer. He attached adhesive backed electrodes to Larry’s head and chest. He wrapped a band around his arm and fired up the machine.
“Mr. Berthold, can you hear me?”
“Yes.” The response seemed weak or tentative.
“Do you remember what happened?” the doctor asked.
“I don’t know.”
The doctor studied the display. “He is under the influence o
f some kind drug, but my system cannot identify it.”
“Could it be something new?” Maggie asked.
“It would almost have to be,” the doctor replied. “The database is extensive. I have never seen it fail to identify a drug.”
“Is he in danger?” Maggie asked.
“Yes, I believe he might be. It is mainly because I do not know how to counter the drug. I think we need to get him to the hospital.”
The doctor leaned over the bed. “Young man, we’re going to get you to the hospital.”
“Whatever.”
“Let me call them up and shoot the diagnostic information over. They can get the ambulance on the way.”
The bell captain pulled out his phone. “Will? Ted. There will be an ambulance coming for Mr. Berthold.”
He listened for a moment. “Right. You can’t leave the desk. I’ll come down to the lobby and escort the emergency personnel up here.”
He stuck the phone back into his pocket and turned to Maggie. “If you will excuse me, I need to go down to meet the ambulance.”
Maggie reached out to touch his arm. “Thank you for rescuing my friend.”
“Hey, it’s what we do, here.”
§ § §
“I can have a car take you back to the hotel,” Arthur Winkleman said.
“No,” Maggie retorted fiercely. “I’m not leaving Larry. No one knows if he is following things or not, but I refuse to leave him all by himself, here. Somewhere inside, he is probably terrified. He needs me.”
Winkleman had arrived right after Maggie had finished eating a light breakfast, supplied by the hospital staff. She wanted to feed Larry, who lay in the bed and stared straight ahead. The doctors did not want to give him food until they had some idea of what they were dealing with.
“As you wish,” he said. “I am very concerned. I have placed guards on the floor, and next to the door to this room. You and Lawrence are a part of my team, now, and I consider this an attack on the Palatinate. This is going to halt, and I am going to ensure the malefactors are brought to justice.”
“I wish we knew who it was,” Maggie said. “This has been going on since last fall.”
“I have some ideas, and am following up on them,” Arthur said. “The hotel security vids caught something interesting in the basement last night.”
