"James P. Hogan - Giants 5 - Mission to Minerva" - читать интересную книгу автора (Hogan James P)

be from seeing Casablanca years ago. You know, Bogart in the white tuxedo with
the carnation in the lapel. Piano bar and all that stuff. . . . You don't see
that kind of style these days. Do you reckon we could bring it back, Jerry?"

Jerry tossed up a hand. "Who knows? Anything's possible. Does that mean you're
in?"

"How much are we talking about?"

"The other guys are coming in for ten grand."

"Um . . . I'd need to think a bit more. How soon do you need to know?"

"The option on the deal closes at the end of next week."

"Okay, I'll let you know one way or another by then."

"You can't lose, Vic. Lot's of people have been waiting for something like
this, who don't take to the bar scene. Some place to go out and meet your
friends, have a meal, see a show. . . . Music that you don't have to be some
kind of spastic epileptic or something to dance to . . ."

"Dr. Hunt?" Hunt looked up. Julie had come over to the booth with her two
friends. She was tallish and slim, with fair hair, a scattering of freckles
around her nose, and just at that moment, a nervously uncertain smile. "I saw
you over here and just wanted to stop by and say hi. I hope you don't mind."

"Not at all. Glad you did." Hunt looked at her quizzically for a moment.
"Julie, from the main admin section, right?"

"That's right!" Julie seemed impressed.

Hunt glanced at the other two girls, who were hovering behind. "So what are we
doingтАФstarting a party?"

"Oh. This is Becky, who's visiting from Virginia . . . and Dana."

Hunt gestured across the booth. "Jerry, my neighbor."

"You live near here?"

"Redfern CanyonsтАФon the west side from here."

"I think I know it. Where they have all the valleys and ridges cut into the
hills so it looks like somewhere in California. With a creek and ponds down
the middle."

"That's it."

Becky, who was looking mildly awed, found her voice finally. "This is really