"Donald Westlake - SH4 - The World's A Stage" - читать интересную книгу автора (Westlake Donald E)

“Dyke.”

"Sorry, got nothing for your type at the moment, We have your photo and resume on file?”

“Girlie,” Hester said, leaning over the desk, “if I had my socket wrench, I’d unscrew your head.”

“Just a minute, just a minute,” said Ensign Benson, interposing himself. “Is the boss here?”

The girl frowned at him, then smiled. “Oh yes. You’re the captain.”

“That’s right, and he’s my best friend. Is the chief in?”

“You mean-the agent?

“The man in charge,” said Councilman Luthguster.

The girl looked dubious. “Who shall I say is calling?”

The councilman drew himself up to his full round. “The Earth,” he said.

The girl looked him up and down. “I won’t argue,” she said.



Framed autographed photos-glossy 8 x 10s-covered every inch of wall space in the small windowless
room. The roll-top desk was picturesquely old and battered, the wastebasket overflowing, the leatherette
sofa sagging, the two client chairs tired and gnawed.

So was the agent. A short and stocky man in a wrinkled jump suit with sleeve garters, he looked harried,
sympathetic and negative. “I’m sorry, group,” he said. I can’t tell you anything more than my girl did.
Space opera just doesn’t move right now. How about a family drama?” Pointing to Billy, he said, “You
could be the secret-faggot younger son.”

“Gee,” said Billy, “I don’t know.”

“Well, you do know the alternative,” the agent said. “If you’re not in rehearsal, you have to sign up with
Temp. When something comes up that suits you, we’ll be in touch. In the meantime, don’t call us, we’ll
call you.”

“Who’s Temp?” Ensign Benson asked. “Is he in charge here?”

The agent offered a brief smile, knowing, condescending and a bit irritated. “Don’t audition with me, pal,”
he said.

Councilman Luthguster said, “I assure you, my friend, continuing play acting is the farthest thing from my
mind. I am here representing the Galactic Council, and I wish to---”
Óh, please,” the agent said, becoming really annoyed. “If you people don’t get out of here at once, I’ll
put your photos and resumes in the inactive file and you’ll be permanently on temp.”

“Go ahead,” Ensign Benson said.