Part 54 (1/2)
The older man was on his feet now. He was standing uncomfortably, waiting to be introduced.
”This is Augie Reid,” she said.
”He covers Albany and the idiots in the state legislature for us ' ”I know,” Thomas said.
”I've seen the by-line' The two men extended their hands in a chilly, if nonetheless civil, greeting.
”Don't let me interrupt anything” Thomas said, perfectly pleased that he had interrupted.
”If you're having an intimate chat, newspaper work or otherwise, I could come back' ”Not a chance” Andrea said, leaning over and pulling a chair from a neighboring desk.
”Sit.” A woman with an insatiable appet.i.te for gossip or argument, she wanted to see the two men faced with each other. Thomas knew it.
”I was just leaving, anyway,” offered Reid politely. His pipe went from his left hand back to his mouth. A thin stream of smoke drifted upward.
”Maybe all three of us should talk,” Andrea suggested. Thomas looked at Reid with thinly veiled displeasure. Reid shook his head mildly to Andrea.
Thomas . sat and threw a jaundiced eye upward toward Reid.
”Do we have something to talk about?” he asked.
”Oh, I doubt it'” offered Reid amiably.
”Maybe your father.”
Daniels was quick to frown and pursue the point.
”What?” he asked, a suggestion of anger in his tone. Everywhere, everywhere, William Ward Daniels.
Reid offered a smile.
”Met him once” said Reid, teeth clenched on the pipe. -The man impressed me. Only reason I mention it is my older brother knew him well” Reid perceived that Thomas was annoyed at something.
”No offense intended' he said.
”None taken,” said Thomas slowly.
”[email protected] your brother know him?” The question was cautious, exploring the territory.
”City College,” said Reid. Thomas could see that the reporter was studying him as he spoke. Daniels disliked people who seemed to look through him when conversing. He'd seen too many of them.
”They were cla.s.smates together. Another puff of smoke was launched toward the ceiling.
”Knew each other very well there, in fact. Debating team. Political Science Union. Chess Club. My brother,” added Reid, changing pace just slightly, 'he died about two years ago-' ”I'm sorry.”
Reid shrugged, as if this were the accepted course of things, and continued, 'my brother said that your father possessed the most overpowering intellect he'd ever met” Thomas shrugged in non commitment He'd heard it all before, too many times.
”Only one thing puzzled him. Mind if I tell you?”
Andrea took in the exchange greedily. She loved it. Reid waited for a response and when Thomas acquiesced in silence, Reid continued.