The Gorgon Field by Kate Wilhelm Read Free Book Online Page A

things in the lavatory.
    And now Charlie was probably the only person within miles who was relaxed and comfortable, wholly at ease, watching everything with unconcealed, almost childish interest. They were in Don Carlos’s apartment, waiting for the meeting to start. Tony Wyandot was in his mid-forties, trim and athletic, an executive who took his workouts as seriously as his mergers. He was dark, like his father and sister, and very handsome. Constance knew his father must have looked much like that at his age. He had examined her and Charlie very briefly when they were introduced, and, she felt certain, he knew their price, or thought he did. After that, he dismissed them.
    Charlie sat at the far edge of the group, watchful, quiet. Ramón stood near the windows, also silent. Carl Wyandot entered the sitting room slowly, leaning on his cane, nodded to everyone, and took his leather chair, which obviously had been designed for his comfort. And Deborah sat near him, as if to be able to reach him if he needed help. She and Tony ignored Ramón.
    Tony waited until his father was seated, then said, “I asked for a private meeting. I prefer not to talk business or family matters before strangers.”
    Charlie settled more easily into his chair. Tony would do, he thought. Direct, straight to the point, not a trace of fear or subservience; but neither was there the arrogance that his appearance hinted at. Equal speaking to equal.
    “I doubt we have many secrets,” his father said. “You hired detectives and so did your sister.” He inclined his head fractionally toward Charlie. “Go on.”
    Tony accepted this without a flicker. “First, I am relieved that you’ve ordered the reorganization study to commence.
    I’ll go to Denver, naturally, and stay as long as it’s necessary. Three months should be enough time.” He paused. “And I find it very disturbing that you’ve already signed papers about the dispensation of the valley.” His level tone did not change; he kept his gaze on his father, but the room felt as if a current had passed through it.
    His father remained impassive and silent
    “You have sole ownership, and you can dispose of your property as you see fit,” Tony went on, “but a case can be made that this is an unreasonable act”
    Deborah made a sound, cleared her throat perhaps, or gasped. No one looked at her.
    “I did not believe that you could be so influenced by a stranger that you would behave in an irrational way,” Tony said, his gaze unwavering. “That’s why I hired the detectives, to find out exactly why you were doing this. And I found out.” He paused again, in thought, then said, “I think we should speak in private, Father. I did find out.”
    “Just say it.”
    He bowed slightly. “Ramón is your son. The trail is tenuous, not easy to find, but once found, it leads only to that conclusion. He came here and claimed his share of your estate, and that’s why you’re giving him this valley.”
    This time, Deborah cried out. “That’s a lie!”
    Tony shook his head. “I wish it were. I had my agency check and double-check. It’s true. Father, you were trying to keep the past buried, protect us, yourself, and there’s no need. You provided well for him over the years, took care of his mother, saw that he had opportunities. You owe him nothing. A yearly allowance, if you feel you have to, but no more than that.”
    Ramón had not moved. Constance glanced at him; his face was in deep shadow, with the windows behind him.
    She recalled her own words: The brighter the light, the darker the shadow. Deborah was twisting her hands around and around; she looked at Charlie despairingly, and he shrugged and nodded.
    “Father,” Tony said then, his voice suddenly gentle, “I think I can understand. There’s no record of the marriage of your father and mother. You were illegitimate, weren’t you?”
    For the first time, Don Carlos reacted. His face flushed and his mouth tightened.
    “But