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“I have.”
“Jimmy’s a nice fella, but once he’s seen you, you might as well be on CNN. In fact, Jimmy is who CNN calls if they hear a rumor of news from up here.”
“I’ll miss my ice cream,” Jack said.
“They’ve got Ben & Jerry’s in cartons. Seth will bring your flavor.”
“Good to know.”
“I read your file,” Rawls said.
Jack blinked. “I didn’t know that was possible,” he said.
“It’s not, but I know my way around the supercomputer. So, you see, I know what you look like at every age, since you were twelve, and from every angle, and with every attempt at a beard.”
“I’m glad you’re not a Russian,” Jack said.
“So am I,” Rawls replied. “In fact, I can’t think of anything I’d rather not be. Which one’s after you?”
“Majorov.”
“Which one?”
“Valery.”
“Every time I hear that name I think of the phrase ‘nasty piece of work.’ ”
“That’s the best description of him I’ve heard.”
“Where did you first encounter him?”
“London, quite a while back.”
“When Dick Stone was station chief?”
“Right. I did a couple of years under him. I was hoping he’d end up as director.”
“He should have, and he was in line for it, but that was not to be.”
“Spare me the details,” Jack said. “I’ve already heard them.”
“I’m relieved not to have to spit them out. How do you like your beef?” Rawls held up a hand. “If you’re a vegetarian, you’ll go home hungry tonight.”
“Medium raw, please.”
“That, I’ve got. The grill should be hot by now. Excuse me.” Rawls got up, left the room, and came back three minutes later, looking at his watch. “I’ve got us a porterhouse. Takes half an hour. Anything you want to impress me with while we wait?”
“I don’t think anything about me would impress you for five minutes.”
“You forget, I’ve read your file. It’s impressive, here and there.”
“The gaps are probably more interesting.”
Rawls freshened their drinks. “There oughta be a few gaps in every interesting file. Shows initiative and a fine disregard for authority.”
“I’ll cop to that last one,” Jack said.
“Lance always favors those who did well at the Farm, and you did just fine. I think your continued presence on the planet is testimony to that.”
