Too many things can happen."
"This time, venture," I said.
"I need an opinion from somebody who hasn't any ax to grind."
"From every report I've had, it could be a very good gamble."
"Thanks," I said.
"Now do me a favor. Hold off any action on the loan until I talk to you later in the day.
Maybe I’ll come in on the guarantee in place of Norman."
"You'll still need another million after that."
"I know," I answered. "But my writing hand's still good. I can always sign another note."
Moroni laughed pleasantly as we said our good-bys.
He wasn't worried. He knew I could cover the money easily out of the advance I got from the syndicate that leased the patents on my plastic mold.
Bankers always were ready to lend you as much money as you wanted, so long as you could put up collateral.
I looked down at my watch as I put down the phone.
It was almost seven thirty and I felt fuzzy.
I started to pick up the phone, then changed my mind.
The hell with them. Let them wait if they wanted to see me.
I turned and went into the bathroom to take a shower.
The telephone rang three different times while I was under the shower.
I stood there letting the hot water soak into my skin and wash away the weariness.
It was almost eight o'clock when I came out of the bathroom and the telephone began ringing again.
It was Von Elster again.
His voice was low and conspiratorial.
"Nevada, his agent and Rina are on their way up," he whispered.
"They didn't see us."
"Good," I said.
"But how are we going to meet?"
"I guess it's too late now," I said easily.
"I'll just have to take my chances with Nevada's agent, I guess.
Tell your Mr. Norman I appreciate his offer, though.
If there's anything I need, I’ll call him.''
I heard his gasp of shock as I hung up.
I laughed and wondered how he was going to explain that to his boss.
I climbed into my trousers and was reaching for a shirt when a knock came at the door.
"Come in," I yelled from the bedroom.
I heard the door open and finished buttoning up my shirt.
I looked for my shoes but they were over on the other side of the bed.
It wasn't worth walking over to get them so I came out in my bare feet.
Rina was already seated on the big couch. Nevada and another man were standing in the middle of the room.
A slow smile came over Nevada's face. He held out his hand.
"Jonas," he said warmly.
I took his hand awkwardly.
It seemed funny to shake hands with him as one would with a stranger.
"Nevada."
There were faint lines of strain in the corners of his eyes, but for a moment they disappeared as he looked up into my face.
"You're lookin' more like your pappy every day, son."
"You're lookin' pretty good yourself.
Where'd you get them duds?"
A faint tinge of sheepishness came into his face.
"That's part of the act," he said. "I got to wear 'em. The kids expect it." He fished in his pocket with that familiar gesture and came up with a package of makin's. He began to roll a cigarette. "I been readin' a lot about you in the papers. Flyin’ from Paris to Los Angeles, gettin' married an' all.
Your wife with you?"