Program for a Puppet by Roland Perry Page B

guest a very large cognac and an even bigger one for himself and they both sank back into red velvet chairs facing the television.
    Huntsman had taken off his coat to reveal a hefty paunch. Loosening his necktie, he said casually, “I believe you’re writing a book.”
    Graham nodded.
    â€œHow far have you gotten?” Huntsman wheezed. His asthma was playing up.
    â€œI’m well into the research.”
    â€œIt’s about the computer industry?”
    â€œYes. But predominantly about Lasercomp.”
    Huntsman kept his eyes on the debate, which had begun in earnest. This guy, he thought, would pull no punches. He geared himself for some blunt responses.
    â€œHave you a publisher?” he wheezed.
    â€œYes.”
    â€œWho?”
    â€œRyder.”
    â€œWe could help you in the U.S.”
    â€œRyder will handle it okay,” Graham said. He paused to look at the debate, then turned to Huntsman. “You didn’t look me up to foster my publishing interests. What’s on your mind?”
    Huntsman’s expression tightened. “We are concerned that you get the right information,” he said, having to squeeze out the words. His asthma always gave him hell when he was under pressure.
    â€œWhat do you mean?”
    â€œSometimes writers can be misinformed,” Huntsman said,swirling his brandy. He added hesitantly, “We would like to have a look …”
    Graham shook his head. “No way,” he said adamantly, and focused on the debate. Rickard was making a point forcefully.
    The debate almost got out of hand as Ronald MacGregor, his features knit in concentration, thrashed a reply back at the President and the two running mates joined in. Douglas Philpott adroitly called for a commercial break while the verbal punches flew.
    Huntsman stood up and poured himself more brandy. “You’re a good journalist, Mr. Graham,” he said, trying hard not to sound condescending. “You’re obviously interested in Lasercomp’s internal affairs.” He sat down and added pompously, “We understand that. We are damned big and successful.” Taking a sip of his drink, Huntsman added, “I want to put a little proposition to you.”
    â€œFire away,” Graham said casually.
    â€œWe are looking for a top-line writer to put a big story on Lasercomp together.”
    So that was it, Graham thought. They were going to try to buy him off, the same thing attempted with Jane Ryder.
    â€œPR?” he asked.
    â€œNot exactly. Would you be interested?”
    Graham shrugged. “Keep talking.”
    â€œWe’d give you every assistance. And you would be paid well.”
    â€œHow much?”
    â€œTwo hundred and fifty thousand,” Huntsman replied, without batting an eye. “Travel and expenses on top.”
    Graham was amazed at the figure. They must really be worried about his investigation.
    â€œWith all Lasercomp files open to me?” he asked.
    â€œThose that are relevant.”
    â€œNo one would interfere with what I wrote?”
    â€œWe would have to have a look, of course, for the sake of accuracy.”
    Graham appeared to be contemplating the offer. He had to stall for time.
    The debate was a verbal free-for-all once more. Mineva seemed to have lost his cool. So had the Vice-President Adrian Cosgrove.
    After Douglas Philpott had reined them in, Graham looked at his watch.
    â€œI’ll give your offer some thought,” he said. “It’s very tempting. I’ll get back to you soon.” He stood up. “I have an early start tomorrow. Thanks for the evening.”
    Huntsman got up from his chair to shake hands. “Have you an after-hours number I can catch you on?” the PR man said as he opened the door for Graham.
    â€œUnfortunately not,” the Australian replied apologetically. “But you can always leave a message with Ryder Publications.”
    â€œWhen do you think you can