"I want to get started on it immediately."
"To be frank, C. J., I wanted a little time to think it over."
"I'll make it twelve thousand if you make up your mind now—tonight," Fader said. "I'm going to expand. I'll make Fader's Fadeless the biggest line of paints in the world, but I've got to have research. You've convinced me you can do the job—"
"Can't I call you back C. J.? I just want to study this thing—" And get rid of Qalith, Homer told himself.
"No! I'm coming over to talk to you." There was a click in the receiver and Homer held a silent phone.
"A funny instrument," said Qalith, "It'll never take the place of telepathy."
Homer put the phone back in its cradle, and picked up the empty liquor glass. He took it to the kitchen. It wasn't the first thing he had to do, but C. J. might not approve so Homer had to get it out of sight. He closed the kitchen cabinet door so the whisky was out of sight. Then he went to the living room and saw that Qalith was unpacking her bag.
Homer could see the spangles of garments like the one she wore. She was setting out small boxes, which looked a great deal like boxes of things that women always carry—perfume, cosmetics, and so on.
"No, no, no!" Homer shouted. "You mustn't unpack your bag! C. J. will be here any minute."