Harshaw did not wait for Jill to dig her trouble-baby out of the water; he ordered his men to administer a tranquilizer to Dorcas, and hurried back to the study, leaving Anne to explain (or not explain) what had happened in the past ten minutes. event.As he walked, he turned his head and shouted: "Shorthand!"
Miriam caught up. "It's up to me." She said out of breath, "but, boss, just now—"
"Don't say a word, girl."
"But, boss—"
"I said, sew your mouth shut. Miriam, we're going to sit down in a week and let Annie tell us what's going on. But right now, everybody's going to call here, everybody, plus Their cousins, aunts, and wives, and reporters popping out of trees. I had to make a few phone calls first. Are you the kind of woman who drops the chain when someone needs you? This reminds me: remember Duo For the time it takes for Cass to have a hysterical attack, the corresponding wages will be deducted." Miriam gasped.
"Boss! How dare you! If you really want to do that, we will all wash our hands and quit!"
"Nonsense."
"Stop picking on Dorcas' thorns. Humph, if she didn't take the lead, I would have been hysterical for a while." She added, "I think I should have a fit now."
Harshaw smiled, "Come on, I'll give you a good spanking. Well, put a bonus on Dorcas, called 'Dangerous Mission Allowance.' Give everyone a bonus. Especially me. I earned."
"Okay. Who's going to pay your bonus?"
"Taxpayers. We'll find a way to get the money—damn it!" While talking, they came to the study, and the phone was already ringing.He slid into his chair and pressed answer. "It's Harshaw. Who the hell are you?"
"Forget it, doctor," replied a face, "you haven't frightened me for years. How's it going?"
Harshaw recognized Thomas Mankenzie, New World Television Network's general manager of production.He softened a little. "That's good enough, Tom. But I'm too busy for a second, so—"
"Are you busy? Look at me, I'm busy forty-eight hours a day. Do you still think you can give us something? I don't mind the equipment, it can be counted in the daily expenses. But I have to pay for three crews day and night Standby, waiting for your signal. I am willing to help you with anything. We have used your manuscript a lot, and plan to use more in the future—but I don’t know how to explain it to the backstage boss.”
Harshaw's eyes widened, "Do you think the live report just now is not enough?"
"What live report?"
It didn't take long for Harshaw to learn that the New World Television Network hadn't seen what happened to his family at all.He dodged Mankenzie's question.If he had told the whole story, he would have thought old Harshaw had gone mad.
In the end, they just agreed that if there is no valuable news in the next 24 hours, New World can withdraw the cameras and equipment.
As soon as the image on the phone screen disappeared, Harshaw ordered, "Get Larry and make him wear that panic button. It's in Annie's hands." He made two more calls.When Larry came in, Harshaw had already asked about the situation, and none of the TV stations had noticed when the Secret Service team raided his house.The "Standby" message that was supposed to be sent to the big shot by the TV station must have never been sent, so there is no need to check it. The "start sending" command also depends on the signal failing to reach the TV station.
Larry handed him the panic button. "You want this, boss?"
"I want to spit on it. Larry, let this be a lesson: Never trust any mechanism more complicated than a knife and fork."
"Okay. Anything else?"
"Is there any way to test this thing? To see if it's faulty without knocking three TV stations out of bed?"
"Of course. They installed a receiver in the workshop down below. There's a switch on it. Turn it on, press the emergency button, and a light will come on. To test it, call them first with the receiver and tell them you want to come. An emergency test, including cameras and radio lines to the TV station."
"What if it turns out that our connection to the TV station is down? Can you see what's wrong?"
"If it's just a loose plug or something," Larry wasn't sure, "maybe. But Duke's the electrical guy. I'm more of the brains type, not as hands-on as him."
"I know, boy. I'm not very good at hands-on stuff. Well, try your best."
"Anything else, Jubal?"
"If you see the man who invented the wheel, let him come to my place. What a mess!" Jubal thought about the possibility of Duke destroying the emergency button, but quickly dismissed the idea.He let his imagination run wild, imagining what had just happened in the garden, and how the kid had done it—from ten feet under the water!He has no doubt that Mike is the instigator behind those unbelievable pranks.
Compared with what I saw in this room the day before, today's events have no different intellectual shocks, but emotional shocks are not the same.From a biological point of view, mice and elephants are equally a miracle; but there is still a difference - the elephant is bigger.
An empty carton, a piece of trash, disappears.This of course means that a police car full of people can also be rendered invisible.Whereas the latter has the effect of kicking you in the face, the former lacks that punch.
Well, he wouldn't waste his tears on robbers.Jubal admitted that the police, being a policeman, is nothing; he has seen honest policemen too... Taking a step back, even a patrolman who collects protection money should not be blown away in one breath.Good cops are supposed to be like the Coast Guard, and there are plenty of them.
But to join the Secret Service, one has to be greedy and sadistic.A group of Gestapo, willing to act as commandos for any politician in power.It's better in the past.In the past, lawyers could invoke the Bill of Rights without being defeated by some overriding federal shenanigans.
never mind.What's next?Heinrich's men must have been in radio contact with headquarters; obviously they would be discovered missing and more special services would be in search.If they were reporting when the second car was wrecked, they should have been on their way.
"Miriam—"
"Here, boss."
"I want Mike, Jill, and Annie to come over at once. Go find Larry again—probably in the workshop below—and you all come back together and check all the doors and windows on the ground floor."
"Trouble again?"
"Action, girl."
If those apes show up—no, wait for those apes—if the leader decides to break into a locked house, well, he'll just let Mike deal with them.But the conflict had to end, which meant Jubal had to find a way to contact the secretary-general.
How to contact?
Call the Secretary-General's residence?Heinrich had said that no matter how many times he tried, the call would go to him—or whichever Secret Service captain was warming that stool with his ass, and that probably wasn't a lie.What will happen after that?They sent a detachment to apprehend a man, only to see him call in graciously—maybe that would really scare them all the way up.What's the name of that guy, the one with the face that looks like the one that's been fed fat ferrets?By the way, Twichell.The supreme commander of the secret service bullies, he should be able to contact his boss.
it's useless.Convincing a guy who believes in guns that you have something better is a waste of time.Twitchell would just keep throwing men and guns into this house until both were exhausted—but he would never admit that he couldn't catch someone even though he already knew where they were. hold him.
Well, slip in the back door when the door doesn't work - Basic Politics.Hell, he needs Ben Caxton.Ben must have known who had the key to the back door.But Ben's disappearance is the reason for this party of asses.Since he couldn't ask Ben, who else did he know who knew the inside story?
Damn imbecile, hasn't he been talking to that person just now!Jubal turned to the phone and called Tom Mankenzie.He encountered triple obstructions, but fortunately these people knew him and let him pass unimpeded.Just then his men and the visitor from Mars entered the study; they sat down, and Miriam wrote on a pad: "The doors and windows are closed."
Jubal nodded, and wrote below, "Larry—panic button?" Turning back to the phone screen, "Sorry to bother you again, Tom."
"Happy to oblige, Jubal."
"Tom, what would you do if you wanted to speak to Secretary Douglas?"
"Huh? I'll call his press secretary, Jim Sanvers. I won't talk to the secretary; Jim will take care of it."
"But suppose you wanted to talk to Douglas himself."
"Well, I'll let Jim arrange that. But it's quicker to tell Jim about it. Look, Jubal, the networks are useful to the government, they know that. But we're not going to abuse that."
"Tom, suppose you have to speak to Douglas. In ten minutes."
Mankenzi raised his eyebrows. "Well...if I had to do this, I'd explain to Jim why I—"
"no."
"You have to be reasonable."
"I can't talk about that. Suppose you find out that Samvers has stolen the spoon, so you can't tell him the emergency, but you have to tell Douglas right away—what?"
Mankenzi sighed. "I'd say to Jim: I've got to get on the phone with my boss - if I don't get connected right away, the government's not going to get a single ounce of support from the TV networks."
"Okay, Tom, do it."
"what?"
"Get another phone and call the Secretary-General's mansion - ready to cut me in at any moment. I must speak to the Secretary-General, now!"
Mankenzi looked pained. "Jubbal, old friend—"
"It means you won't."
"Meaning I can't. You're fantasizing about a hypothetical situation where - excuse me - the key executives of the global television network can talk to the Secretary-General. The thing is, even if I had the power, I can't put the power Turn it over to someone else. Listen, Jubal, I respect you. Even though you won't let us tie you down with a contract, the network would never want to lose you. We know that, but there's nothing we can do about it. Still, I can't do that. You can't call the head of the World Government unless he wants to talk to you."
"What if I'm willing to sign a seven-year exclusive contract?"
Mankenzi looked like he had a toothache. "Still not. I'll lose my job, and you'll still have to honor the contract you signed."
Jubal considers whether to bring Mike over and introduces him to Mankenzi on the phone.But the fake "Guardian from Mars" interview was Mankenzie's own show, so Mankenzie was either involved or, as Jubal expected, ignorant of it so he wouldn't believe he was being fooled up. "Well, Tom. But you know all about the government. Who can call Douglas whenever he wants--and get through? I don't mean Samvers."
"no one."
"Damn it, no one lives in a vacuum! There must be someone who can call him without being blocked by a secretary."
"Some of the cabinet, I guess. Not all of them."
"I don't know any of those people either. I'm not talking about politicians. Who can use a private line to invite him to a game of poker?"
"Well...you're not asking too much, are you? Well, Jack Allenby is one."
"I've seen him. He doesn't like me. I don't like him, and he knows it."
"Douglas doesn't have many close friends. His wife doesn't like him—by the way, Jubal . . . What's your take on astrology?"
"Never touched that stuff. Prefer brandy."
"Well, it's just a matter of preference. But—look, Jubal, if you let it be known that I told you, I'll slit that liar's throat of yours."
"Understood. Agree. Continue."
"Well, Agnes Douglas does touch that thing...and I know where it is. Her astrologer can call Mrs. Douglas any time—and, believe me, Mrs. Douglas has The secretary's ear. You can call her astrologer...the rest is up to you."
"I don't think there's an astrologer's name on my Christmas card list," Jubal said dubiously. "What's the gentleman's name?"
"It's a lady named Alexandra Vicente, Washington Telephone Company. Spelled V, E, S, A, N, T."
"Understood," Jubal said happily, "Tom, you've been a huge help to me."
"Hopefully. Anything for our network?"
"Wait." Jubal glanced at the note Miriam had placed beside his elbow.It read: "Larry says the receiver won't send a signal - he doesn't know why." Jubal continued: "The receiver is down, that's why your live coverage is gone."
"I'll send someone over to you."
"Thank you. Double thanks."
Jubal hung up the phone, told the operator the name of the person he was calling, and instructed to activate the frequency conversion anti-eavesdropping function if the other party's number supported it.The result was as he expected.After a while, the noble image of Mrs. Vicente appeared on his screen.He grinned and said, "Hi, Ruby!"
She seemed taken aback, her eyes widened: "What, you old rascal! God loves you, it's great to see you. Where have you been hiding?"
"That's what you said, Becky - hide and go. I've got some clowns after me."
Becky Vesey replied immediately, "Is there anything I can do for you? Do you need money?"
"I've got a lot of money, Becky. My troubles are much worse than money, and there's no one to help me but the Secretary-General himself. I need to talk to him—now."
There was no expression on her face, "This request is a bit outrageous, doctor."
"Becky, I know. I've been trying to get in touch with him...but can't. But don't you get in this mess...Girl, I'm hotter than a smoking potato right now. I'm just trying to find you, see Can you give me some advice - maybe a phone number where I can find him. But I don't want you to get involved in it yourself. You might get hurt. Then I'll never be able to look the professor in the eye . . . may he rest in peace."
"I know what the professor wants me to do!" she snapped. "Cut the bullshit, doctor. The professor always swears that you're the only one qualified to cut with a scalpel. Elkton, He never forgot."
"Well, Becky, let's not talk about that. You paid for it."
"And you saved his life."
"I didn't. It was his indomitable will that saved his life—and your care."
"Ugh...doctor, we're wasting time. How hot are you?"
"They're serious. . . Nobody around me can run. They signed a warrant—a federal warrant. They know where I am, and I can't run. Someone could be there at any moment. . . . Mr Douglas is the only one who can stop this."
"You will be released. I assure you."
"Becky . . . I'm sure you can do it. But it might take hours. They're sure to send me to that 'dark room,' Becky. I'm too old to be in there."
"But—oh, my God! Doctor, can't you give me some details? Should have calculated a horoscope, and then I'd know what to do. You're Mercury, of course, and you're a doctor. But to know In which direction to look, I will do better."
"Girl, there's no time." Jubal thought quickly.Who to trust? "Becky, the mere knowledge of this could get you into as much trouble as I have."
"Tell me, doctor. I never run away when it comes to trouble."
"Okay. I'm 'Mercury.' But the trouble is with Mars."
She looked at him warily, "What do you say?"
"You read the news. The Man from Mars is supposed to be in the Andes by now. Listen, he's not in the Andes. It was just a trick on the rednecks."
Becky wasn't as surprised as Jubal expected. "What is your role in it, doctor?"
"Becky, there are people all over this miserable planet trying to get this kid. They're trying to use him, put him on a monkey show or something. He's my client, and I'm not going to let him go. But my only chance is with Douglas sir on the phone."
"The visitor from Mars is your client? Can you hand him over?"
"Mr. Douglas only. You know what it is, Becky. Our chief is a good fellow, and kind to children and dogs, but he doesn't quite know what the clowns in town do—if Whoever they catch they put in that dark room, and he never wants to know."
She nodded, "Tiaozi!"
"So I've got to make a deal with Mr. Douglas before they catch me."
"You just wanted to talk to him?"
"Yes. I'll leave you my number, and I'll sit here and wait for the bell to ring...until they come for me. If there's nothing you can do...I thank you too, Becky. I know you tried."
"Don't hang up!"
"what?"
"Stay on the line, doctor. With any luck, they'll be able to cut into this line and save some time. Stay on the line." Mrs. Wesant left the screen and called Agnes Douglas.With confidence and poise, she pointed out that there was now a development of the star prophecy—perfectly timed.The critical moment has arrived, and Agnes must use her feminine tact and wisdom to guide her husband to take wise actions without delay. "Agnes, my dear, there will be nothing like this for a thousand years--Mars, Venus, and Mercury in a trine, at exactly the same angle, and Venus just coming to the meridian and ruling. Therefore look--"
"Alex, what do the stars say I should do? You know, I don't understand the science part."
This is not surprising at all, because the phenomenon just mentioned did not appear at all.Mrs. Vicente had no time to calculate the horoscope and could only improvise.She wasn't disturbed by this; what she said was a "higher reality."She is giving good advice and helping her friends.Becky is even more blessed to be able to help two friends at once. "Of course you understand, my dear, that you were born with gifts. You are Venus, of course; Mars is greatly intensified, for in this crisis it represents both your husband and the young man named Smith; Mercury is Dr. Harshaw. To counteract the imbalance created by Mars intensification, Venus must support Mercury through the crisis. But your time is very short, Venus' influence will turn from profit to loss after it reaches the meridian, only 1 Seven minutes, after which your influence will wear off. You must act quickly."
"You should have forewarned me!"
"Honey, I've sat in front of the phone all day, ready to act. The stars only tell us the nature of each crisis, they never give details. Finally we still have time. I got through to Dr. Harshaw , all that needs to be done now is to bring them face to face - before Venus reaches the meridian."
"Then—well, Alex. I've got to dig Joseph out of some ridiculous meeting. Which line did you use to get this Dr. Rackshaw? Give me the number—or, can you divert the call?"
"I can transfer here. Go to Mr. Douglas. Hurry up, dear."
"I will."
As soon as Agnes Douglas leaves the screen, Becky steps over to another phone.Her profession required adequate telephone service; the biggest expense in the business was the telephone bill.Humming happily, she dialed the number of her stockbroker.
Notes:
Notes: