"Ludlum, Robert - Matlock Paper" - читать интересную книгу автора (Ludlum Robert)

tion problem without knowing him thoroughly than I would assume the
responsibility for NASA mathematics.'
The chairman of the committee, a career profession4 had answered Loring.
"I understand your reservations; normally, rd agree. However, these areet
normal conditions. We have barely three weeks. The time factor overrides
the usual precautions."
"It's the risk we have to assume," said the former judge advocate
pontifically.
'You're not assuming it,' Loring replied.
'Do you wish to be relieved of the contact?' The chairman made the offer in
complete sincerity.
"No, sir. III make it. Reluctantly. I want that on the record.'
"One thing before we adjourn." The corporation lawyer leaned forward on the
table. "And this comes right from the top. We've all agreed that our
subject is motivated. The profile makes that clear. What must also be made
clear is that any assistance given this comn-Attee by the subject is given
freely and on a voluntary basis. We!re vulnerable here. We cannot, repeat
cannot, be responsible. If ies possible, wed like the record to indicate
that the subject came to us."
Ralph Loring had tamed away from the man in disgust.
If anything, the traffic was heavier now. Loring had about made up his mind
to start walking the twentyodd blocks to his apartment when a white Volvo
pulled up in front of him.
"Get inI You look silly with your hand up like that."
"Oh, it's you. Thanks very much." Loring opened the door and slid into the
small front seat, holding his briefcase on his lap. There was no need to
hide the
 8 Robert Ludium

thin black chain around his wrist Cranston was a field man, too; an overseas
route specialist. Cranston had done most of the background work on the
assignment which was now Loring's responsibility.
"That was a long meeting. Accomplish anything?"
"Ibe green lighe
"Ies about time."
'Two assistant AGs and a concerned message from the White House were
responsible."
"Good. Geo division got the latest reports from Force-Mediterranean this
morning. It's a regular mass conversion of source routes. Ies confinned.
The fields in Ankara and Konya in the north, the projects in Sidi Barrani
and Rashid, even the Algerian contingents are systematically cutting
production. It!s going to make things very difficult"
"What the hell do you want? I thought the objective was to rip them out You
people are never satisfied."
"Neither would you be. We can exert controls over routes we know about;
what in Gods name do we know about places like. . . Porto Belocruz,
Pilcomayo, a half dozen unpronounceable nsmes in Paraguay, Brazil, Guiana?
It's a whole goddamn new ballgame, Ralph.-
"Bring in the SA specialists. CIAs crawling with them."
"No way. W6re not even allowed to ask for maps~'