"Mack Reynolds - Pacifist" - читать интересную книгу автора (Reynolds Mack)

Professor LaVaux seemed a classical example of stereotyping. Any producer would have hired him for a
scholar’s part on sight. He blinked at the pseudo-journalist through bifocals.


Casey said, "The Star, Professor. Editor sent me to get a few shots.”


The professor was puzzled. “Photographs? But I don’t know of any reason why I should be newsworthy at
this time.”
Casey said, “You know how it is. Your name gets in the news sometimes. We like to have something good
right on hand to drop in. Editor wants a couple of nice shots in your study. You know, like reading a book or
something.”


“I see,” the professor said. “Well, well, of course. Reading a book, eh? What sort of book? Come in, young
man.”


“Any book will do,” Casey said with journalistic cynicism. “It can be Little Red Riding Hood, far as I’m
concerned.”


“Yes, of course,” the professor said. “Silly of me. The readers would hardly be able to see the title.”


The professor’s study was a man’s room. Books upon books, but also a king-size pipe-rack, a small
portable bar, two or three really comfortable chairs and a couch suitable for sprawling upon without removal of
shoes.


LaVaux took one of the chairs, waved the supposed photographer to another. ,”Now,” he said. “What is
procedure?”


Casey looked about the room, considering. “You live here all alone?” he said, as though making conversation
while planning his photography.


“A housekeeper,” the professor said.


“Maybe we could work her in on a shot or two.”


“I’m afraid she’s out now.”


Casey took the chair the other had offered. His voice changed tone. “Then we can come right to business,”
he said.