"Marc Stiegler - David's Sling" - читать интересную книгу автора (Stiegler Marc)

quite everybody will sleep more securely. Earl. Those
goddam contractors working on space weapons will have to
find an honest way to make a living." He rubbed his
hands. "We may balance the budget yet. Earl." He breathed
a sigh of exultation. "Wouldn't that make a hit on the
polls!"

The door from the Rose Garden swept open with smooth,
decisive authority. Even without looking, Mayfield knew
who it had to beтАФthough he could not prevent himself
from shooting a frown toward the door.

Only one person other than himself entered this room
as if she owned it; Mayfield's Vice President, Nell Carson,
Mayfield smiled blandly, confident that his irritation re-
mained hidden. Watching her look back at him, Jim saw
that Nell had no intention of concealing her irritation. It
poisoned the joy of his celebration.

Sometimes the elegant power of the Oval Office gave
Tim a sense of claustrophobic choking. As Nell looked at
him, he felt a brief desire to plead that it wasn't his fault,
whatever had happened. His eyes returned involuntarily
to the emblem in the carpet; it reassured him.

Nell stepped to the center of the room to address both
men. She spoke with tight control that did not reveal her
gentle South Carolina accent. "Congratulations, Jim. You
have the record for the most treaties with the Soviet
Union in the history of American presidents. I have one
question."

Jim looked up into her face. searching for the Nell he
had known during the campaignтАФthe Nell with the pa-
tient smiie who had charmed the crowds with her enthusi-
asm and warmth. She had been a terrific asset during the
campaign. When she spoke, the voters believed.

Unfortunately, the charming Nell had faded under the
weight of office. Now he could only see the Nell who
had devastated opponents with her incisive criticisms. Jim's
throat felt dry as he filled the silence. "Yes? What one
question do you have?"

"Now that you have set the presidential record, I was
wondering: Can you stop now?"

DAVID'S SUNG 7

Mayfield's smile turned gray, and his heart missed a