Sam said, unhappily, "I don't get all this."
Freddy Soligen came to a pause before the boy, sat down again abruptly and patted his son's knee. "You're young, Sam. Too young to understand some of it. Trust your father. Stick to your studies now. You have to get the basic gobbledygook. But you're on your way up the ladder, son. I've got a deal cooking that's going to give us an in. Can't tell you about it now, but it's going to mean an important break for us."
It was then that the door announced, "Major Joseph Mauser, calling on Fredric Soligen."
IV
Joe Mauser shook hands with the Telly reporter in an abrupt, impatient manner.
Freddy said, "Major, I'd like to introduce my son, Samuel. Sam, this is Major Joe Mauser. You don't follow the fracases, but the major's one of the best mercenaries in the field."
Sam scrambled to his feet and shook hands. "Gee, Joe Mauser."
Joe looked at him questioningly. "I thought you didn't follow the fracases."
Sam grinned awkwardly. "Well, gee, you can't miss picking up some stuff about the fighting. All the other guys are buffs."
Joe said to Freddy, "Could I speak to you alone?"