"da Cruz, Daniel - Republic of Texas 02 - Texas on the Rocks" - читать интересную книгу автора (Da Cruz Daniel)

"No, it has not, and I have not."

"Perhaps your company's considerable resources will be enough to fund the research, the purchase of the equipment, and the mobilization of the many experts who will be needed to bring the project to fruition," Castle suggested gently.

"My company's resources are considerable, not astronomical."

Secretary Castle regarded his visitor with a puzzled frown.

"Then, Mrs. Red Cloud, on exactly what basis do you propose to bid for the prime contract?"

"Let me ask you a few questions, and I think your answers will provide a basis."

"By all means," assented Castle.

"What's in it for you?"

"I beg your pardon," said Castle, drawing back.

"You can forget the public service routine, Mr. Castle. You want to be President of the United States. It sticks out a mile--has for months. And you believe that the iceberg project will be your springboard into the White House."

Castle smiled wryly. "Some such suggestion has been made."

"If the project succeeds, you will stand a good chance of achieving your ambition. For its success, you need to organize the best scientific brains and the best operational talent available. The organizational framework already exists: Raynes Oceanic Resources. The brains, the brawn, and the hardware can all be bought. Raynes will put up a token sum, the U.S. government the remainder."

"Is that all?"

"That is my offer."

"Then I must regretfully tell you, Mrs. Raynes, that your offer is not irresistible. The gentlemen with whom I have just been in conference, Mr. Ripley Forte--"

"I know, he's just made an offer you can't refuse. And besides, he knows more about icebergs than anybody."

"Exactly."

"But you're losing sight of your objective. Forte is interested in bringing in an iceberg. You are interested in becoming the President of the United States."

"And you?" countered Castle.

"I am interested in getting the contract, and unlike Ripley Forte, I also want to see you President of the United States."

"I'm afraid I don't follow."

"I'll spell it out, Mr. Castle. If Forte brings in the iceberg, you may well become President. If he doesn't, you are nothing. If I, on the other hand, bring in the iceberg--and I can muster as impressive a list of resources as Forte, remember--you stand the same chance of sitting in the Oval Office. But what if I fail? You shall be President of the United States just the same. For I will put the entire weight of Raynes Oceanic Resources behind you. My company is worth $780 million, and every penny necessary will be used to convince the American people that they need a forceful statesman like you to lead them. Money has done it before, and it can do it again."

What she said was true, Castle had to admit. And no question about it, two chances were better than one. Why tie his fortunes to the delivery of an iceberg if he could gain the supreme office in the land whether he delivered it or not? But, to rephrase her own question, what was in it for her?

The answer was devastatingly simple, direct, and convincing, and he wondered why it had not occurred to him before.

"I want," said Jennifer Red Cloud, smiling for the first time, "to be First Lady of the Land. With you, David, as numero uno, I will be."