"Gordon R. Dickson - Future love" - читать интересную книгу автора (Dickson Gordon R)



"So, don't try to con me, you charlatan," and the elegant accent faltered into a flat
midwestern twang. "My daughter can't carry to term. And you know it!"

"I'll remind you of that in another five months, Mrs. Baxter." I rose to indicate
that the interview was at an end.

"Ach! You women's libbers are all alike! Setting yourselves up above the best
men in the country on every count!"

Although I'm not an ardent feminist, such egregious remarks are likely to change
my mind, particularly when thrown in without relevance and more for spite than
for sense.

"I fail to see what Women's Liberation has to do with your daughter, who is so
obviously anxious to fulfill woman's basic role."

The angry color now suffused Louise Baxter's well-preserved face down to the
collar of her ultrasmart man-tailored pants suit. She rose majestically to her feet.

"I'll have you indicted for malpractice, you quack!" She had control of her voice
again and deliberately packed all the psychotic venom she could into her threats.
"I'll sue you within an inch of your life if Cecily's sanity is threatened by your
callous stupidity."

At that point the door opened to admit Esther, my office nurse, in her most
aggressive attitude.

"If Mrs. Baxter is quite finished, doctor," she said, stressing the title just enough
to irritate the woman further, "your next patient is waiting."

"Of all the-"

"This way, Mrs. Baxter," Esther said firmly as she shepherded the angry woman
toward the door.


file:///C|/2590%20Sci-Fi%20and%20Fantasy%20....%20Dickson%20(ed)%20-%20Future%20love.html (6 of 169) [12/28/2004 3:51:16 PM]
futurelove


Mrs. Baxter stalked out, slamming the street door so hard I winced, waiting for
the glass to come shattering down.

"How did that virago ever produce a sweet girl like Cecily?" I mused.

"I assume that Cecily was conceived in the normal manner," said Esther.

I sat down wearily. I'd been going since four-thirty A.M. and I didn't need a