“I want the phone number of Skyline Tower 1024, Beta City, Mr. Alexander. Yes. I’ll wait. This number is HUV 2-1278 and my name is Kennon, Dr. Jac Kennon 47M 26429. I called you before. No, I’m a transient. I can refer you to Dr. James Brainard, Huntersville Medical Center. Yes, I’ll accept charges. Now will you give me that number? BCA 7-8941—thank you.”
Kennon hung up, dialed the number, and waited.
“Hello,” he said. “Mr. Alexander? This is Dr. Kennon.—Yes—I suppose you do, but I’ve been trying to get back to Kardon for the past month. You are? Well, that’s your privilege, but I’d advise you to go easy until I see you. Naturally—I’m coming as soon as I can get there. We’ll be seeing you tomorrow morning at the latest. We?—I’m bringing Copper, of course. I just wanted you to know.”
Kennon wiped his forehead. Alexander sounded angry and dangerous. Ten years hadn’t served to cool him off. What had happened on Kardon after he had left? Kennon shook his head. There was something here he didn’t understand. The entrepreneur should have been covering his tracks, not threatening jail and disaccreditation. It was obvious that a personal visit was more necessary than he had thought.
Alexander was waiting. His eyebrows rose at the sight of Copper in formal Betan dress—and lifted a trifle more at the sight of the baby.
“What is this, Kennon?” he asked.
“Trouble,” Kennon said. He took off his hat. “I came here to settle things before you took this case to court. You obviously do not understand what has happened. I suppose Douglas has double-crossed you. It would be characteristic of him. But before we go any further I think we should clear the air and let each other know where we stand. I don’t want to make trouble if it’s not necessary. You’ll notice I’m not wearing a thought screen, so you’ll be able to check everything I say, and know I’m telling the truth.”
“It had better be good,” Alexander said grimly. “I’ve been looking for you for ten years. I intend to throw the book at you.”
“I don’t know whether my reason is good or not. Technically I’m guilty of breach of contract and larceny of corporation property, but there are extenuating circumstances.”
Alexander chuckled mirthlessly. “There are a few other charges. And quite probably I can think of more if you beat these. I’m going to make an example of you, Kennon. I’m going to drag you down and stamp on you. You’re going to be a horrible example to all smart operators who think they can break contracts. It’s taken a million credits and ten years’ time to hunt you down, but it’s going to be worth it.”