"I've explained that," said Fraser patiently. "Ferris is a large stockholder in a number of corporations. His influence can swing a lot of business my way."
"Yes, I know. I didn't grant your wish blindly, you realize. I had Ferris studied; he's unable to harm me." Kennedy regarded Fraser with hard eyes. "And just in case you still have foolish notions, please remember that I gave him the father-conditioning with respect to myself. He'll do a lot for you, but not if it's going to hurt me in any way."
"I know when I'm licked," said Fraser bleakly; "I'm getting out of town as soon as I finish those courses I'm signed up for."
Kennedy snapped his fingers. "All right, Ferris, wake up now."
Ferris blinked. "What's been happening?" he asked.
"Nothing much," said Kennedy, unbuckling the electrodes. "I've taken my readings. Thank you very much for the help, sir. I'll see that you get due credit when my research is published."
"Ah--yes. Yes." Ferris puffed himself out. Then he put an arm around Fraser's shoulder. "If you aren't busy," he said, "maybe we could go have lunch."
"Thanks," said Fraser. "I'd like to talk to you about a few things."
He lingered for a moment after Ferris had left the room. "I imagine this is goodbye for us," he said.
"Well, so long, at least. We'll probably hear from each other again." Kennedy shook Fraser's hand. "No hard feelings? I did go to a lot of trouble for you--wangling your introduction to Ferris when you'd named him, and having one of my men persuade him to come here. And right when I'm so infernally busy, too."
"Sure," said Fraser. "It's all right. I can't pretend to love you for what you've done, but you aren't a bad sort."
"No worse than you," said Kennedy with a short laugh. "You've used the machine for your own ends, now."
Sworsky asked, "Why do you insist on calling me from drugstores? And why at my office? I've got a home phone, you know."
"I'm not sure but that our own lines are tapped," said Fraser. "Kennedy's a smart cookie, and don't you forget it. I think he's about ready to dismiss me as a danger, but you're certainly being watched; you're on his list."
"You're getting a persecution-complex. Honest, Colin, I'm worried."
"Well, bear with me for a while. Now, have you had any information on Kennedy since I called last?"