Part 5 (1/2)

Gorman scowled and half turned. ”What are you doing?”

”I'm holding a gun against your back. It is a very small gun. No one can see it and it probably wouldn't kill you. Then again, it might. We will walk to the platform and stand together to watch the blast-off.”

”You'd actually--_kill_, to get that s.h.i.+p into the air?”

”If I committed murder, I would certainly regret it the rest of my life, but the rocket must be launched.”

They stood in the gla.s.s enclosure on the platform and no one came near them. Several people veered close and waved. Joshua waved back with his free hand and the people went on their way.

An hour pa.s.sed. There was vast activity on the field. Gorman said, ”I'm tired. I want to sit down.”

”It was thoughtless of me. I should have provided chairs. It won't be long now.”

It wasn't long. Five minutes later there was a roar, an explosion of color, and a silver rocket flash up into the sky almost faster than the eye could follow.

Gorman slammed the heel of his hand against the side of his head in order to restore hearing. ”You can put that gun away.”

”Of course. And you'll want to call the police.”

Gorman growled like an annoyed bull. He jerked open the door and strode away.

Three hours later, Joshua and Myra Lake were seated in the small patio beside their home. They were seated very close together, and Myra was stroking Joshua's hand. ”It's been a long time, dear; a very long time.”

”Yes.”

”Are you happy?”

”I'm--well, satisfied--at least partially. We've pa.s.sed a big milestone.

But it isn't over yet.”

”You're sure this time, though?”

”Very sure.”