"You'll what?" Tanner moved toward the desk and stood in front of Berendt. He was shorter by three inches, but his body was stockier. "Beat some sense into my thick skull? Teach me the facts of life? Maybe I've got a few ideas like that right now. Maybe I know all I have to know. Like talking me into giving you carte blanche in handling the Lines business affairs. Like—"
"We discussed that pretty thoroughly, Bert. You decided you wanted to stick close to the research and shop end. And—"
"—like stealing my girl."
Miles Berendt stiffened. The concern that had been on his features changed to shocked surprise. And then sudden anger.
"Now listen here, Bert. If you've got any crazy ideas about Carol and me—"
"You're going to deny that you are in love with her?"
Berendt shoved his hands back in his pockets. "That, Bert, is none of your business. And if you've got some paranoic idea that I'm doing something behind your back then I suggest you see Doctor Lenning. Aside from that, aren't you presuming a bit about Carol's feelings?"
"When she was working with me she used to be pretty close to me. You changed that. Maybe I ought to change a few things too. Like your face for instance."
The two men stared at each other tensely, silently. Tanner's eyes were glowing now with repressed hatred. Miles Berendt showed disbelief, as if he were seeing Bert Tanner for the first time.