Chapter 20 Chapter Twenty

Soapy came to the garden one day and found Lyda having dinner being prepared there.There were only the two of them in the garden.He looked up, and saw that the fluttering snowflakes had turned the artificial sky in the entire garden into an upside-down huge milky white porcelain bowl.Surrounded by candlelight, flowers, music, plus Leda himself, formed a pleasing scenery.But although Soapy liked Leda, and thought this garden was the best place for the Rudbecks, he was still not interested in the beautiful scenery in front of him.When the meal was almost finished, Laida asked, "What are you thinking about?"

Soapy said sheepishly, "Oh, nothing." "There must be something on your mind." "um, yes." "Want to tell me?" Thorby blinked, thinking that Wimsby's daughter was the only one who could speak now.But what if he confirmed Rudbeck's ties to slavery?He was worried and frowning. "I don't want to be a businessman anymore." "Hey, Daddy still says you're a math genius?" Soapy snorted. "Then why didn't he..." After speaking halfway, he retracted again. "'why no?" "Ugh..." Damn me, a man deserves someone to talk to, sympathize with, and give him a beating if necessary, like Pop, Fritz, Colonel Brisby.He felt terribly alone, although everyone was turning around him now—only Leda seemed to want to make friends with him a little bit. "Leida, how much did you pass on to your father when I told you?"

He was surprised to see that Leda was flushed with anger. "How could you say such a thing, Thor?" "Oh, you're pretty close to your daddy, aren't you?" She stood up suddenly and said, "If you finish eating, let's go for a walk." Soapy got up, and they walked along the winding garden path, listening to the rustling of snowflakes on the dome while watching the snowfall.She led Soapy to a place some distance from the house, protected by bushes, and sat down on a large rock. "It's a good place to have a whisper." "yes?" "When I bugged the garden, I specially arranged a place where Dad couldn't hear me kissing."

Soapy looked at her puzzled and said, "Is there a bug here?" "Of course, you must also know that there are things watching you almost everywhere except the ski resort." "I didn't think of that before. I don't like being watched." "Who'd like that anyway? But it's a day-to-day security measure connected to the Rudbecks. You mustn't blame Dad. I've just spent some money, and some parts of the garden aren't bugging as much as he expected." So ideal. So, if you have something to say that you don't want Dad to hear, you can say it now, and he'll never know, I can assure you."

Soapy hesitated to speak, and then checked the surrounding situation.He thought, if there is a bug hidden nearby, maybe it will dress up as a flower... It is possible. "Maybe I should save the talk for the ski resort," Thorby joked. "Relax, dear. If you trust me completely, you should trust this place to be safe." "Oh, okay." Just like that, Soapy poured out all the things that didn't go well... Finally, he said that Uncle Jack was deliberately making things difficult for him. Unless he handed over the power he might have gained, Uncle Jack would not give up. .Leda listened carefully.Soapy finished, and added, "That's the way it is. Don't you think I'm too stupid?"

She said, "Sol, you know Daddy always wanted me to be with you?" "what?" "I don't know how you haven't thought of that. Unless you're a total—but you probably are—you'll take my word for it. It's a well-known marriage, save perhaps for two parties, It’s a hot topic right now.” Soapy was so startled that he forgot all his worries. "You mean...well, uh, you—" His voice trailed off. "Oh, my dear! If I really have this intention, will I tell you? Well, before this, I admit that I have agreed to consider this matter, but you don't mean it. My temper is arrogant, and even the Rudbecks The future of this marriage depends entirely on this marriage, and I will not make do with it. Now let’s talk about the power of attorney, Dad doesn’t want you to see the power of attorney given to him by Martha and Creighton, I don’t know why?”

"If they don't give it, I won't sign it." "But if they did, would you sign it?" "Hmm...maybe eventually. But I wonder what the parents say in the power of attorney." "I don't understand why Dad would refuse such a reasonable request, unless..." She frowned. "'Unless' what?" "How many shares do you have? Is it given to you?" "What shares?" "Yo, your shares. You must know how many shares I have. I mean, when I was born, your grandfather, my uncle Rudbeck gave me shares. You may take more Double because you're going to be Rudbeck's successor someday."

"I have no shares." She nodded solemnly, "That's one of the reasons why Dad and the judge don't want you to see those documents. Our personal shares have nothing to do with anyone else, as long as we reach the legal age, we can dispose of them at will. Before your shares were Your parents are in custody, just like my father is now in charge of my shares. But regarding your shares, any power of attorney signed by your parents is not good for my father. You can slap the table to tell them Want shares. They'll give you money or they'll kill you. But, Saul, Dad's basically a good guy."

"I never said he wasn't a good guy." "I don't love him, but I like him. But the thing is, I'm a Rudbeck and he's not, which doesn't make sense, does it? There's nothing special about us Rudbecks. But I A little worried too—do you remember Joël Delacroix?" "Want to meet the man I met?" "That's him. Joel has packed up and left." "I haven't heard of it." "He used to be a star in Galactic Engineering, don't you know? The company said he quit, and Joel himself said he was fired because he talked to you privately over the leadership." She frowned and said , "I didn't know who to listen to before, but now I believe what Joel said. So, Saul, are you going to be submissive and at the mercy of others, or do you want to prove that you are Rudbeck's Rudbeck? "

Soapy bit his lip and said, "I want to go back to the Guards and forget about all this shit. I used to wonder what it's like to be rich? Now that I'm rich, it turns out it's the biggest headache. thing." "In this way, do you want to leave this place of right and wrong?" There was obvious contempt in her voice. "I didn't say that. I'm going to stay a little longer and see how things go, but I just don't know where to start. Do you think I should slap the table and stare at Uncle Jack for a share?" "This...if you don't have a lawyer, don't go."

"There are plenty of lawyers here." "So you've got to get one. You've got to have a good lawyer to outdo Judge Bruder." "Who are you looking for?" "Well, it's a pity I didn't have a lawyer. But I'll find out. Now let's walk and talk without drawing attention." Soapy spent the whole morning "gnawing" on the company law.Just after lunch, Leida called, and then someone arrived. "Sol, will you go skiing with me? The blizzard has stopped and the snow is falling just right." She looked at Thorby eagerly. "Ok……" "Oh, let's go!" He followed.They didn't say anything, and it wasn't until they were far away from home that Lyda said, "The lawyer you're looking for is James J. Gash of New Washington." "I thought about it," Thorby said. "I guess that's why you called. Do you really want to ski? I've got to go back and call the lawyer." "Oh my God!" She shook her head in disappointment. "Maybe I should marry you, Saul, so I can take good care of you. You go home now and call the lawyer outside the family." phone, and a famous barrister, what happens next?" "what happened?" "Maybe when you wake up, you will find yourself in a quiet place, surrounded by a circle of strong male nurses. I didn't fall asleep all night. After thinking about it, I still think those people are not joking. Son. So I gotta make up my mind. I want Daddy to be in charge all his life, but if he messes with anything, I'll be on your side." "Thank you, Leda." "I'm sorry! Saul, I'm doing this for the Rudbeck family. Now let's talk about how to do it. You can't go straight to New Washington for a lawyer. I know Judge Bruder well. He's got a plan for what to do with you if you dare to do that. But you can make an excuse to see your own property, first go to your own property in New Washington." "That's clever, Leda." "I'm so quick-witted that sometimes I feel a little weird to myself. If you want this to go unnoticed, take me with you. Dad told me I should go everywhere with you Go see." "Well, if you don't think it's too much trouble, then it's settled, Leda." "I just need to hurry up and deal with my own affairs. In fact, we are going sightseeing, at least to the North American branch. The only worry is how to get rid of the surveillance of those security guards." "Security guard?" "The upper echelons of Rudbeck travel with security guards. Hey, you'll be exhausted by the reporters otherwise." "I think," said Soapy ramblingly, "that from my own experience you must be mistaken. When I went to visit my grandparents there were no security guards." "He's a stealthy guy. I bet you have at least two people around you all the time when you're at your grandparents' house. See that guy skiing alone over there? Nine times out of ten they're here to escort you. So, when we go to Gash, the legal counsel, we're going to try to get rid of them. But don't worry, I'll find a way." Soapy is very interested in the metropolis, but he is more interested in how to achieve his goal as soon as possible.Lyda told him not to worry. "We're going to have a good look at it first, and then we're going to get things done naturally." Compared with Rudbeck's old home, the New Washington home is modest, with 20 rooms, only two of which are larger.The house was fully furnished and looked as if he had just left here the day before.He knew two of the servants because they had been working at the Rudbecks.An overland vehicle was parked at the door, with its driver and servant in Rudbeck's overalls.The driver seemed to know where to take them.In the winter sun, they drove around.On the way, Leda pointed Soapy to the embassies and consulates of various planets in the city.As they passed the Confederate Guard headquarters building, Soapy told the driver to slow down so he could get a better look.Lyda said, "It's like your alma mater, isn't it?" Then she whispered, "Look, we're going to be in the building right across the gate." They got off the car in front of the Lincoln statue and walked up the stairs.Like millions who behold the august statue of a great man, they are instantly awed.Soapy suddenly felt that the statue seemed to be his father, and it became more and more like it, and tears filled his eyes. Lyda whispered, "This place always fascinates me. It's like a church that people go to. Do you know whose statue it is? He founded America. The ancient history is too great." "He's done other things too." "What's up?" "Free the slaves." "Oh." She raised her head with serious eyes, "For you, that's more special...isn't it?" "It's so special." He considered whether to tell her the biggest reason for going into this fight, because it was just the two of them here, and they couldn't be eavesdropped.But on second thought, he couldn't say.He had promised Colonel Brisby to keep it a secret, though he knew Pop would not object. He couldn't quite understand the inscription on the base of the statue. It was written in the English alphabet and spelling rules before it was converted into Galactic English.At this moment Lyda tugged at his sleeve, and said in a low voice, "Come on, we can't stay here too long, or I'll have to cry." So they went away quietly. Leda must go to the Milky Way, so they got out of the car.She told the driver to pick them up again in 3 hours and 10 minutes.Soapy then bought a box ticket for two at the theater at a high price from a black-hearted ticket-seller. "Just wait and see!" she sighed as they entered the theater. "It's not over yet. As soon as the car turns, the valet will get out. There is no parking lot nearby, so we can get rid of the driver for a while. But the man The servant will be watching all the time. If he wants to keep his job, he must follow us. He is either buying a ticket at this moment, or he has already entered the theater. Don't look around." They went up the escalator. "We've got a few seconds left. He's worried we'll find out, so we won't come up until we turn the corner. Now listen to me, as soon as I show my ticket, the people who take our place will leave, but I'll hold someone who doesn't Let him go, pay him to sit there. Hope it's a guy, because if the babysitter is downstairs and finds out our box number, minutes...maybe seconds later, he'll be looking for that box You just go your way. When he finds our box, he will see me in it with a man. He can't see the man's face in the dark, but he can be sure that I am in it because he knows the clothes I wear. Strange luminous suit. So he will be very proud. So you can go out through the wicket, just don't go into the hall, the driver may wait there. Before I tell them to prepare the car and go back, try to wait in the outer hall for a few minutes. If You can’t get there early and you get a taxi home. I’ll complain on purpose that you didn’t like the scene and you’ve gone home.” It was their loss, Soapy thought, that the X-Force hadn't recruited her. "Wouldn't they report to the top that they didn't keep an eye on me?" "They'll be fired for saying that, so they'll never confide in it. Our seats are here, you move on. Goodbye!" Soapy lost his way when he stepped out of the side door, and thanks to a policeman, he finally found the building opposite the National Guard headquarters.A schematic diagram of the building shows that Gash's office is on the 34th floor.A few minutes later, he found a receptionist, but she pouted and said, "No." She told Soapy coldly that legal counsel would not see unless an appointment had been made.Then she asked if she would like to consult with the legal counsel's assistant? "May I ask your surname?" Soapy looked around. There were many people in the room.The receptionist snapped a switch. "Say it!" she snapped. "I've put up the sound barrier." "Please tell Mr. Gash that Rudbeck of Rudbeck wants to see him." For a moment, she seemed to want to tell him not to talk nonsense, and after a while, she got up and left. When she came back, she said in a gentle tone, "The legal counsel can give you 5 minutes. Sir, this way please." James J. Gash's private office was out of place with the building, and he himself looked scruffy like an unmade bed.He wore long trousers, no tights, a general's belly can't even be restrained by a belt.He hadn't shaved that day, and his gray beard matched the ring of hair around his bald spot.He didn't stand up, just asked, "Are you Rudbeck?" "Yes, sir. Are you Mr. James J. Gash?" "I am. Do you have ID? I think I saw your face on some news show, but I can't remember." Soapy handed him his ID.Gash glanced first at his ordinary papers, then at the extremely rare and difficult-to-forge Rudbeck Associates identification card. He returned the papers. "Sit down, what's the matter?" "I would like to consult sir... and to obtain your legal aid." "That's what I live for. But Judge Bruder's side is full of lawyers. Why are you looking for me?" "Well, can you keep what I said a secret?" "Of course you can. You don't need to ask your lawyer this question at all. An honest lawyer will naturally keep the client secret. If you are dishonest, it doesn't matter what you say. As for me, I'm honest. You can figure it out yourself." "Okay...my story is long." "That's a long story short. Say it, and I'll listen." "Would you like to be my agent?" "Tell me, I'll listen," Gash said again. "Maybe I'll fall asleep listening to it. I'm not feeling well today. I'm never feeling well." "Okay." Soapy said exactly what he said.Gash listened with squinted eyes, fingering the buckle of his belt. "I was anxious to get to the bottom of the matter, so that I could go back to the Guards. There was nothing else," Thorby concluded. Gash became interested for the first time. "Rudbeck, Rudbeck? Into the National Guard? Boy, let's stop talking nonsense, please." "But I'm not really 'Rudbeck's Rudbeck.' I used to be a National Guard soldier, but circumstances forced me to be Rudbeck." "I've heard about your story. It's interesting to journalists who are quick-witted and dynamic. But we all have moments when we can't help ourselves. The point is, a man can't abdicate his responsibilities as long as he's What you have to do, you have to do it to the end.” "It's none of my business," said Soapy stubbornly. "Let's not gossip, let's get down to business. Number one, we're going to have the court declare your parents dead. Number two, we're asking for your parents' will and power of attorney. But if they object, we're going to have a court Even if it is the great Rudbeck family, there is nothing they can do in front of the court summons." He bit his nails and said, "It may take a while to resolve the estate and confirm your inheritance. It may take a while to confirm the death of your parents The court may appoint you to do it yourself, or someone named in your parents' will, or someone else, but as long as you are right, it will definitely not be Judge Bruder or your Uncle Jack. It can't even be a judge who takes orders from Bruder—it's too reckless, and any conclusion we draw will be easily overturned by us. He knows that too." "But what if they don't want to start the legal process of declaring my parents dead?" "Who said you can only wait to hear what they arrange? You are the party, and they are not even qualified to express their opinions in court. If I hear the news is right, they are only employees. Each enjoys a registered share. And you are the first party, so you should initiate this procedure. Do you have any other relatives? For example, cousins ​​who are very close by blood, or someone else?" "No. I don't know if there are any other heirs, only my grandparents, the Bradleys." "I didn't know they were alive. Would they be against you?" Soapy was about to say no, but on second thought, he changed his words again: "I don't know." "If they really want to come out, we will deal with it at that time. Other heirs... Yes, we will only know when we see the will-they will not take it out on their own initiative, only rely on the court to enforce it. You object to using Hypnosis for evidence? Truth medicine, lie detector?" "I have no objection. Why do you ask that?" "You are the best witness to prove the death of your parents. You died shortly after your disappearance." "But what if there's no proof of death, just a long-term disappearance?" "That depends on the situation. Any year or period is just a guiding principle that affects the court's judgment, not a hard and fast rule in the law. In the past, seven years of disappearance could be regarded as death, but now times have changed and the time limit is much more relaxed. .” "How do we do it?" "Do you have money? That is to say, are they stuck with you in terms of spending money? I charge a lot. Under normal circumstances, I even charge for my breath." "Well... I have 100 million yuan... I have a few million more, about eight million." "Well... I haven't said that I will take this case. Have you ever thought that your life will be in danger?" "Ah, I never thought about it." "Children, people will do all kinds of bad things for money, and things done for power are even more dramatic. Anyone who guards billions of dollars is in danger of life, just like keeping a pet rattlesnake by his side. If you When I get sick, I will go to my own doctor. I will be careful when passing through the door or standing by the window." He thought for a while, and then said, "Now Rudbeck is not for you. Good place, don't mess with them. You shouldn't be here, either. Are you a member of the Diplomatic Club?" "No, sir." "Now you're a member. It's surprising you're not people. Around six o'clock, I'm usually there, and there's one of my private rooms, 'No. 2011.'" "'Number 2011'." "I haven't said I'm going to take this case. If I lose this case, have you thought about what I should do?" "Huh? Never thought about it, sir." "What's that place you mentioned? Jubulbo? I'm afraid I'll end up there if something goes wrong." He laughed suddenly, "but I've been gearing up for a fight. De Becker, hey. You said 100 million yuan?" Soapy took out the checkbook and handed it over.Gash rummaged through it and put it in a drawer. "The money can't be cashed just now, and they'll know when it's withdrawn. Anyway, you'll have to spend more money on this case. Good-bye, and see you in a few days." Soapy left in a hurry.He has never seen such an old man who loves money like his life and is greedy.He reminded Thorby of the old free folk who wandered around the new arena. Soapy walked out of the building and saw the National Guard headquarters opposite.He took another look, then dodged through dangerous traffic and up the steps into the headquarters building.