“Guilty,” he said.

“I’ve heard of all the wonderful things you’ve done,” Dulcie went on, “but I never thought I’d meet you in person.”

Rob shuffled his feet in embarrassment and decided to get down to business. “The information clerk down the hall told me you’re Dulcie Gerard,” he said, “and I wondered if Clay Gerard is your brother?”

At the mention of the name, her face took on a softened, somewhat tragic expression. “I don’t know whether he’s my brother or son, the way I’ve been looking after him since our folks died a few years ago.” She smiled wryly. “We’re close to the same age, but Clay seems to have a strong feeling for family ties. He’s not home much, but he likes to have a home to come to when he’s tired or just wants to and I’ve tried to provide it for him.”

“I just met your brother today, but somehow he didn’t impress me as being that way,” Rob said. “He gives me the impression of being, well—completely independent.”

“Don’t be so polite, lieutenant. Clay’s attitude is painfully superior, but of course I love him in spite of his faults. He’s such a sweet guy otherwise.” Her eyes then began to glow with a deep fear. “Just the same, I’m scared to death about him. Clay is like a powder keg, and some day somebody’s going to light his fuse. He’s going to blow right up and he’ll be in a lot of trouble.”

Rob couldn’t answer because he feared she spoke the truth. Clay Gerard was heading for a fall. Even in this short time, he had detected it.

“What am I going to do, lieutenant?” she asked helplessly.

Rob wished he had an answer for her, because already he had begun to admire this valiant young person. But once again he had no answer, and he told her so.

“Of course you wouldn’t know,” Dulcie said with a sympathetic smile. “He told me he was on your crew that’s leaving on a special mission today. Maybe since you’ve talked to me you’ll be able to understand him on the trip a little better anyway, lieutenant.”

“I’ll try to do that, Miss Gerard,” Rob promised, “but I’m afraid it’ll be mostly up to Clay himself. I wish you’d talk to him and tell him how important it is that he make himself a part of the team on this voyage and not just a triple-threat star. I can’t tell you how vital it is for him to do this.”

“It must be a terribly important flight,” 

 Prev. P 64/145 next