Page 50 - The Myth and the Moment

Afternoon

Hasn’t changed; still in that purple outfit. Hair still thick though
silver threads through the fool’s gold. You’re both over fifty, Nate;
or, at least, she’s almost there.
“Nate, I’m glad you’re here, because I don’t feel our conversation
was very satisfactory this morning—for either of us. I didn’t get to
tell you how much Archimedes’ Lever meant to my career. I know the
production was a disappointment to you, but at the time I didn’t
understand your reaction. It seemed like a display of temperament;
you must been terribly frustrated trying to produce good theater on a
shoestring. Phil told me later that it was the last play you worked on.
I’m sorry if I had any part in making things difficult for you.”
What? Is she serious?
“I—I appreciate your saying that, uh, Aestheria. Don’t let it
concern you. I was already turning away from the stage when that
happened; it was the last straw.”
“Well, now that the air’s cleared, Nate, what can I do for you?
Ham said something about trouble. Have you been in a fight?”
“No, no, no. I just had to change a tire. It was messy, and I haven’t
been able to stop and clean up since then. I’m here because Ham
suggested you might be able to help. It’s like this: someone broke
into my apartment while I was out this morning and stole some very
important papers. I think Phil is responsible—no, let me finish—and
I am on the verge of getting the law involved. I happened to bump
into Ham a few minutes ago in the park, and told him the story. At
first he thought I should confront Phil directly rather than get
screwed up with the police; I told Ham I couldn’t do it. Right now I
don’t want to see Phil again except behind bars. So Ham came up
with your name as a, well, not a neutral party, but one who could get
my message and communicate it to Phil. And the message is this: if I
don’t get my papers back, it’s going to be bad for him, one way or
another. I’m sorry to sound so hard, but I’ve got to get my papers
back. That’s the bottom line.”
“That’s a lot to digest. This isn’t something illegal you want me to
do, is it? I won’t threaten Phil in your name, if that’s what you want.”
“No. Just tell him, in your own way, that I am serious. Will you do
it?”
Now look her in the eyes. If Ham’s father was a poker player, her
mother must have been in on the game.

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