“We haven’t been able to get even a release out of him for three days now. It’s censorship, that’s what it is.”
I had to smile. “We’re not the government. Cave is a private citizen and this is a private organization. If we choose not to give interviews you have no right to pester us.”
“Oh, come off it.” The young man was at an age where the needs of ambition were often less strong than the desire for true expression; for a moment he forgot that he needed my forbearance and I liked him better. “This is the biggest news that’s hit town since the war. You guys have got the whole country asking questions and the big one is: who is Cave?”
“There’ll be an announcement today, I think, about the company. As for Cave, I suggest you read a little book called 'An Introduction to....’”
“Of course I’ve read it. That’s why I’m here. Now, please, Mr. Luther, give me an exclusive even if you won’t take the Star’s generous offer. At least tell me something I can use.”
I sat down heavily; a bit of coffee splattered from cup to saucer to the back of my hand: it dried stickily. I felt worn-out already, the day only just begun. “What do you want me to tell you? What would you most like to hear? What do you expect me to say since, being a good journalist, that is what you’ll write no matter what I tell you?”
“Oh, that’s not true. I want to know what Cave’s all about as a person, as a teacher.”
“Well, what do you think he’s up to?”
“Me? Why ... I don’t know. I never heard him on the air until last night. It was strong stuff.”
“Were you convinced?”