"Happily nothing. It is the money in the hand that counts."
"Agreed. But since we have been running our own business I have dipped my
toe into the golden water of finance and find it most lucrative. But I am a
mere amateur. We will need someone with expert knowledge of the banking
system if we stand any chance at all of finding the perpetrators of this
crime."
"I think that Bolivar is the right man for the job," Sybil said, for she had
been listening to us when Angelina had gone for a fresh bottle of bubbly. My
eyebrows raised.
"But he is out among the stars," I reminded her. "Indulging in his profound
enthusiasm for lunar geology. And giving him all aid in his projects is
Sybill who, I understand, shares his enthusiasm for life on the frontier."
"She does, but a little of it goes a long way. We have stayed in close touch
and I can sense her feelings, since they are the same as mine. She has not
said so in that many words, but living in a space suit for days on end does
not do much for one's hairdo. Not to mention personal hygiene. We have been
talking of alternative possibilities that might necessitate a little break
from the joys of airlessness and free fall. She, as I do, of course, has a
keen interest in art history, archaeology, and, interestingly enough, the
banking profession. Between working spells as an agent for the Special Corps
I have always indulged myself in a fiduciary hobby. Some investing here, a
little bit of takeover bidding and asset stripping there. Just for fun, as
you might imagine. But my bank balance is a pretty solid one. Such a
coincidence, your new interest in the banking profession."
"I have always been interested," I said humbly. She laughed.
"I don't have quite the same interest. I mean, after all, if no one made
deposits how could you make all of those withdrawals that you specialize
in?"
"Point made-I stand corrected."
"Perhaps it is more than a coincidence, and coming events cast their shadow
before them. But the very last time that Sybill and I talked it was about
how much she misses the old give and take of the stock exchange. And-dare I
say it?-a life that at times is more attractive than lunar exploration. If
only for a short while. I am sure that if Bolivar thought about it, that he
would enjoy the joys of banking as well. And I know that Sybill would be
more than happy to help him with her specialized knowledge."
"But are you sure that he will like it?" I asked.
"Of course he will," Sybil and Angelina said at the same time. I am sure
that Sybill was in agreement as well. Yes, of course he would. At three to
one odds he didn't stand a chance otherwise.
