"David Garnett - Still Life" - читать интересную книгу автора (Garnett David)

She shook her head slowly, in disbelief rather than rejection. She could
accept the idea of immortality, that there had been some secret medical
breakthrough; it was entirely possible. But ... but ... .
"Why me?" she asked. She frowned. "Because of that one night twelve
years ago?"
The man laughed, then sighed. "No, Corinne, not because of that." He
drew on his cigar and studied the glowing tip. "Let me explain. When I
first became a Member of Parliament, I heard a story about immortality. I
didn't believe it could be true, but gradually I realized that this treatment
did exist. A process had been found to prevent old age; the secret of
eternal youth тАФ call it what you will. But it was in the hands of those who
held the real power in this country, not their puppet politicians like me. I
decided to change all that."
As he paused, Corinne asked: "How?"
The prime minister shook his head and smiled without humor; he
wasn't going to say. "Things are a little different now. Wealth and
influence are no longer the main qualification тАФ perhaps because
everyone rich or powerful enough has already been treated. But I want to
offer the opportunity to the nation's finest talents, our scientists and
composers and poets . . . and artists. You're too valuable for your skills to
be allowed to die. What do you say, Corinne?"
She said nothing тАФ she was having enough trouble thinking clearly. Her
mind was filled with flashes of brief ideas that set her brain reeling. This
was crazy. Sir Graham was offering immortality as casually as a glass of
brandy.
"The treatment arose out of cancer research back in the 1980's," the
prime minister added. "The original experimental rats are still alive forty
years later. It works equally well with humans, and with no significant side
effects. There is complete cell renewal in all bone and tissue, even brain
cells."
"And . . . and you're offering this to me?"
"Yes."
"But ... uh ... I mean . . . what will it cost me?"
"Nothing." He laughed briefly. "It's the only thing you can still get on
the National Health."
"What about Robert?" she asked suddenly.
Sir Graham knew at once whom she meant. "The man you live with?"
He shook his head. "I'm afraid not, Corinne. We have to restrict it to a few
people, and he's not . . ." He shrugged his shoulder. "Well, he's not one of
them."
"Because he isn't rich? Is that what you mean?" She couldn't accept, not
if the treatment wasn't available to Robert. "What if we were married?"
The prime minister shook his head again. "I realize it's a difficult
decision, but if you тАФ
"What about your wife?" Corinne interrupted. "She's had it done, hasn't
she? Like you. Why should she be any different from Robert?"
Sir Graham held up his hand to stop her tirade. "I don't want to hear
any more about this Robert," he said calmly. "Furthermore, you won't
discuss this with him or anyone else. What I have told you is in the
strictest confidence."