"Reed, Robert - FirstTuesday" - читать интересную книгу автора (Reed Robert)

a monthly event. Political opponents were upset, complaining that this was like
one enormous commercial for Perez; but this was the President's last term, and
it was an experiment, and even Stefan understood that these tricks were becoming
cheaper and more widespread every day.

In the future, perhaps by the next election, each political party would be able
to send its candidates to the voters' homes.

What could be more fair? thought the boy.

Stefan's stepfather had just stepped from the drab house, carrying a plate full
of raw pink burgers.

In an instant, the air seemed close and thick.

"Mr. Thatcher," said the projection, "thank you for inviting me. I hope you're
having a pleasant evening . . . !"

"Hey, I hope you like meat," Yancy called out. "In this family, we're
carnivores!"

Stefan felt a sudden and precise terror.

But the President didn't hesitate, gesturing at the buffalo-augmented soy
patties. Saying, "I hope you saved one for me."

"Sure, Mr. President. Sure."

For as long as Stefan could remember, his stepfather had never missed a chance
to say something ugly about President Perez. But Morn had made him promise to be
on his best behavior. Not once, but on several occasions. "I don't want to be
embarrassed," she had told him, using the same tone she'd use when trying to
make Stefan behave. "I want him to enjoy himself, at least this once. Will you
please just help me?"

Yancy Thatcher was even paler than his stepson. Blonde hair worn in a short,
manly ponytail; a round face wearing a perpetually sour expression. He wasn't
large, but he acted large. He spoke with a deep, booming voice, and he carried
himself as if endowed with a dangerous strength. Like now. Coming down the
slope, he was walking straight toward their guest. The President was offering
both hands, in his trademark fashion. But no hand was offered to him, and the
projection retreated, saying, "Excuse me," while deftly stepping out of the way.

"You're excused," Yancy replied, laughing in a low, unamused fashion. Never
breaking stride.

Mom wasn't watching; that's why he was acting this way.

Things worsened when Yancy looked over his shoulder, announcing, "I didn't want
you coming tonight, frankly. But the kid's supposed to do an assignment for