“I’ve been invited to a cocktail party by one of Frank Tomlinson’s people,” Cardwell said as they walked slowly toward the museum’s entrance.

Frowning at the seeming change of subject, Jake asked, “Isn’t he the guy they say might run against Senator Leeds?”

Cardwell nodded, his smile turning almost impish. “If Tomlinson decides to run, he’s going to need somebody on his staff to advise him about science. I think you could do the job very well, Jake.”

“Me?” Jake’s voice squeaked with surprise. “I’m just an associate professor. I don’t even have tenure yet.”

“Aren’t you up for tenure this year?”

Nodding gloomily, Jake answered, “Along with five other people, including a Hispanic woman. Besides, I’m the youngest. They’ll give it to one of the others this time around.”

Nonchalantly waving a hand in the air, Cardwell said, “Maybe not. Maybe they’ll surprise you.”

Jake made an unhappy grunt.

“I think it would be a good idea for you to attend the Tomlinson party,” Cardwell said. “Meet the man. Let him meet you.”

“I don’t think so.”

“You’ve been keeping to yourself too much, Jake. I know Louise’s death was a blow, but that was more than a year ago—”

Jake stopped walking. He could feel his guts twisting. “It doesn’t matter,” he said. “Nothing matters much anymore. It’s just … Lev, nothing’s any fun anymore.”

“You can’t have any fun sitting by yourself watching old movies on television.”

“I don’t just watch television.”

“What else do you do?”

“Prepare my lectures. Do my research. I’m working on a proposal for the imaging team on the next Mars lander.”

“You need a social life, my boy.”

Jake looked down at the man who’d been his mentor for so many years. Mentor? Hell, Lev’s been more of a father to me than my old man ever was, he told himself. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him. I’d still be back in the ’hood, in those narrow streets and row houses, working some dumb-ass job and dodging the wiseguys.

Reluctantly he asked, “I won’t have to wear a tux, will I?”

Cardwell laughed. “Heavens, no. This is just a cocktail party, not a formal occasion.”

Jake capitulated. “Okay, I’ll go, if you think I should.”

“I do indeed, Jacob.”

“When and where? What time should I pick you up?”

“Oh, for goodness’ sake, I’m not going!”

“You’re not?”

“No. This is an opportunity for you, Jake. They’re not interested in an old geezer like me.”

Jake felt stunned. Lev was past sixty, he knew. But that’s not old! he told himself. There must be some other reason why he wants me to go without him.

Tomlinson Residence

TOMLINSON RESIDENCE