The Forever Dream

  He sat down on the wing chair and stretched his legs before him. "My dear Miss Orlinov, Jared knows everything that goes on in this sickroom; he watches over you like the proverbial hawk." He smiled. "I understand he didn't leave your side until you were entirely out of danger. I had to use all my powers of persuasion to get him to let me take his place even for this short time it will take for me to apologize."

  "I find that a little hard to believe," she said, taking a sip of her hot coffee. "From what I hear, your powers of persuasion are very impressive indeed."

  "I'd be overly modest if I didn't admit that was true. Rhetoric is a very useful tool in my profession, and I use it to the limit of my abilities. But don't sell our friend, Ryker, short. He's a very determined man." He raised an inquiring brow. "But perhaps you've found that out?"

  "You might say so. He's certainly an unusual one."

  "Most geniuses are," Corbett said, and shrugged. "But not all have as strong a will as Jared. However, he probably wouldn't have accomplished what he has without it. A good deal can be forgiven a man who has gifts to give on the scale that Ryker has."

  "I've heard that before," she said impatiently. "It's a wonder the man isn't completely impossible, what with everyone afraid of making one false step and offending him."

  "Yet you're obviously not finding Jared totally outrageous, despite the trials you've had to undergo because of him. He must be making more progress than I've been led to believe."

  She stiffened, and her eyes narrowed intently on his face. "I think my attitude toward Jared Ryker is irrelevant, Senator Corbett. It has nothing whatever to do with the moral issue."

  "You're wrong, Miss Orlinov," he said gently. "Nothing concerning Jared Ryker can be considered irrelevant. Everything is of the utmost importance. That's why we've had to be so unreasonable about your release." His gaze dropped to the cup and saucer in his hands. "And that's why I'm going to violate Jared's wishes in this matter and give you an insight into just why I've become a party to this. I think we owe it to you after all the mental and physical pain we've inflicted on you." He glanced up and darted her a quick warm smile. "I'm surprised you've displayed so little curiosity about it to date. You're a very unusual woman in a number of ways."

  "My attention was otherwise engaged. I was trying to negotiate an escape from this charming hideaway of yours."

  "Oh, yes. And in quite a few refreshingly innovative ways, I hear," he said, his eyes twinkling. He took a sip of his coffee. "I understand that you're studying for your citizenship test, Miss Orlinov. That includes a good deal of American history. How much do you know about Ponce de Leon?"

  What on earth did this off-the-wall question have to do with anything? "An explorer," she replied. "Fifteenth century. Florida, I think."

  "Very good. But not quite the thorough answer I was looking for. Ponce de Leon explored great tracts of land in Florida, but that wasn't the main purpose of his expedition. He failed totally in his prime objective." He paused. "A quite similar objective to one that Jared has had for a number of years. The only difference is that Jared didn't fail. Old Ponce de Leon would be wild with envy."

  "And that objective?" she asked slowly.

  "A fountain of youth, of sorts," he said softly. "Jared has developed a method for intervening in the body's aging process . . . and virtually shutting it off. Can you imagine the implications of such a discovery, Miss Orlinov?"

  She shook her head dazedly, feeling more stunned than when the bullet had struck her. "I thought he was working on some kind of weapon," she said numbly. "I can't quite take it in."

  "We all had the same problem. But I assure you that the breakthrough Jared has made is legitimate; the proof he's given me is quite convincing. His discovery should extend the present life-span to at least four hundred years." He smiled as he saw her eyes widen even more. "And Jared hypothesizes that further refining of his technique in manipulating genetic material may result in extending the life-span even more."

  "Eternal life," she whispered.

  "Perhaps," he answered, and for an instant there was a flicker of excitement in the depths of his eyes. "Certainly a life-span beyond anything we've ever conceived of. Would you like to live forever, Miss Orlinov? Jared may be able to give you immortality. He can certainly give you, me, all of us, hundreds of years of life of high quality."

  "I've never even imagined such a thing," she muttered. Her thoughts were churning wildly. My God, she thought, no wonder security was so tight around Jared! The value of his discovery was beyond price. She stared at the senator. "Jared has done this work under government sponsorship?"

  Corbett's lips tightened. "No. Independently. He's even such a maverick that I can't persuade him to let the government control the project now. He won't agree to relinquish key information to anyone," he said tersely. "He tells us he's even destroyed vital parts of his basic research. It's all in that brain of Ryker's. And until we get his knowledge on paper, he's the single most important man on the face of the earth. Even after he shares the method, his ability to continue the research is absolutely necessary if we're to gain the optimum effect." Corbett's voice was emphatic. "He must be protected at all cost."

  "I can see that," Tania said faintly. "But I still don't understand from whom you're protecting him. He's done the impossible. He's given every human being a gift so precious it's difficult to imagine. Why should anyone want to hurt him?"

  "Why?" His lips curved cynically. "For any number of reasons. It's a gift wrapped in thorns. Think about the

  ramifications of Jared's discovery." He sighed wearily. "Hell, I can even sympathize with a few of the fanatics who'd snuff out Ryker without a second thought. In the past few weeks not a day has gone by that I haven't identified yet another host of changes and problems that such radically increased longevity brings with it. Maybe Ryker's discovery ought to be deep-sixed."

  "You can't mean that," she whispered.

  "No, I don't mean it," he said with a reassuring smile. "The advantages far outweigh the problems involved. I guess I'm just tired of beating my head against the system. Some of those bureaucratic arguments are beginning to sound like gospel to me."

  "For instance?"

  "Where would you like to start?" he asked dryly. "Perhaps you'd like to consider the question of overpopulation. Our civilization depends on the death cycle to maintain life for the rest of us. How will we produce enough food to feed these millions who'll still be around for the next four hundred years? Think of the problems of famine that exist now in the Third World. What kind of reaction do you think leaders in those countries will have when Ryker's discovery becomes known?"

  "Explosive."

  "Right," he said. "Now think about the economic effect. Social security, which is already tottering, life insurance, pensions, employment. Our system of government will almost certainly prove ineffective. Most sociologists say that the only form of government control that could possibly survive would be patriarchy." His words were coming out with the rapidity of machine-gun fire. "Education will have to be completely overhauled and extended, not merely to keep the young out of the job market but to prepare them for a more sophisticated and learned society. Attitudes toward families and intimate relationships such as marriage will certainly

  change. How do we keep the boredom factor from triggering more violence and increasing the crime rate?" He paused, one brow arched inquiringly. "Shall I go on? I haven't even scratched the surface yet."

  She shook her head. "No, you have my head whirling as it is. I think I get the general picture. The ramifications are . . . are overwhelming. One can scarcely think them through."

  "Ryker did. That's why he came to me, Miss Orlinov. He thought I'd have enough clout to cut through red tape and get an international forum established to work on these problems and handle the distribution of his knowledge in an equitable way." His lips twisted. "Unfortunately, Ryker's a very impatient man and has given me only twelve weeks to work out such a plan before he t
akes an alternative course." He ran his hand through his hair. "He has no conception of what a massive can of worms he's opened or perhaps he'd be a little more merciful. I've been working eighteen hours a day since he came to me seven weeks ago, and I haven't made what he'd consider real progress."

  "I haven't found him to be all that impatient," she said slowly. "If he knows how hard you're trying, I think he'd allow you the additional time you need."

  "He doesn't like to have his personal freedom curtailed," Corbett said. "I can't say that I blame him, but he should have realized such restrictions go along with his special territory."

  "Kevin said he had a totally innovative mind," she murmured thoughtfully. "If that's true, he wouldn't be able to tolerate the bureaucratic squabbling you're speaking about."

  "Well, he'd better get used to it," Corbett said grimly. "That's the reality of our social system."

  "As it stands now," she said softly.

  There was a flicker of emotion on his face that was

  curiously enigmatic. "As it stands now," he agreed smoothly, standing and placing his cup and saucer on the bedside table. "That's all we have to work with at the moment. I hope with your help I'll be able to convince him to give me an extension on that time limit. I'm going to need all the support I can get. Jared can be a very determined man."

  "My help?" Tania's eyes widened in surprise. "I have nothing to do with this, and I certainly have no influence over Jared Ryker."

  "I'm not at all sure about that," he answered. "Naturally, I'm aware that you're not on terms of physical intimacy."

  Everyone at the chateau seemed to be aware of that fact, she thought crossly. Were there hidden cameras in the bedrooms, for goodness' sake?

  "Nevertheless," Corbett continued, "Jared has displayed an unusually strong interest and concern in regard to you." His look was openly speculative. "It might be that you already hold a position of influence with him."

  "A position of influence?" she repeated with a distasteful moue. "What an abominable phrase. It reminds me of the courtesans in the royal courts. No, thank you, Senator Corbett, I have no desire to attain that kind of 'position of influence' with any man."

  "Don't be too hasty in rejecting the idea. Being the 'courtesan' of one of the most powerful men in the world could be very rewarding," he said quietly. "There isn't anything you couldn't have, just for the asking. Power radiates a golden aura. Wouldn't you enjoy having kings and heads of state begging you for favors?"

  "No, I wouldn't," she said bluntly. Then her gaze narrowed on his face, which once more held that element of excitement. "Would you, Senator?"

  "What?" The question seemed to have caught him

  off-guard. Then that charming smile was firmly fixed on his face once more. "I'm only too human, I'm afraid," he said ruefully. "A little power can be very heady to us politicians, Miss Orlinov. I'll enjoy the hell out of sharing Ryker's glory." He sighed. "But that's in the future. At the moment, we have-a few thousand problems to solve. I won't ask for any commitment of support from you, Miss Orlinov. I realize that it will take time to absorb the implications of what we've discussed. I just hope that when you've thought about it, you'll come to realize that all of us need one another's help on this project." His hazel gaze sharpened to razor keenness. "I can be a very good friend to have. You might remember that."

  "I'll remember," she said coolly. He made her vaguely uneasy. "But you're quite right—it's far too early for me to comprehend fully all you've said. Perhaps we can have another discussion at a later date."

  "Yes, of course," he said briskly. "Now, I really must go and let you get some rest." He grinned with winning boyishness. "Jared will have my head if I've exhausted you. I'll give orders that you're to be served breakfast in an hour, so that you can nap a little before then." He turned and said over his shoulder as he headed for the door, "That will give me time to talk to Jared before I fly back to Washington. Otherwise he'll be camping in your bedroom like a mother hen." He paused at the door to give her one last flashing grin. "It's been a pleasure meeting you, Miss Orlinov. I hope this will be the beginning of a very promising relationship for both of us." The door closed softly behind him.

  Betz was waiting patiently in the foyer when Sam Corbett reached the bottom of the stairs, a worried frown on his usually impassive face. "You can see the woman is recovering, Senator. You needn't have put yourself to the trouble of flying up here. We took care of everything, just as I assured you we would."

  "You mean you bungled everything." Corbett's usually mellow voice was a whiplash. "You've not only involved me in a criminal act, in kidnapping and shooting Tania Orlinov, but you've succeeded in antagonizing Ryker in the process. I told you he was to be handled with kid gloves, damn it."

  Annoyance flickered for an instant in the depths of Betz's brown eyes before they resumed their doglike passivity. "You told me to protect him," he said steadily. "I did what was necessary."

  "And I may find it necessary' to replace you, if you continue to botch things," Corbett said, his lips tight. "I have enough on my plate without handling your end too."

  "Do you want me to take her back to New York?"

  "Hell, no, I can't afford to have her making waves at the moment. Matters are delicate enough without that." Corbett frowned. "Besides, I may be able to make use of her if things escalate the way I hope. She definitely stays here."

  "Whatever you say. The shooting may have been a mistake, but it still may discourage her from further escape attempts."

  "Perhaps. Where is Ryker now?"

  "He's in the gymnasium, working out with Mr. McCord. Would you like me to tell him you want to see him?"

  Corbett shook his head. "You have all the finesse of a bull in a china shop," he said caustically. "You don't send for a man like Ryker and expect him to come running. I'll go to him." He was already moving across the foyer. "Go tell the helicopter pilot I'll be ready to leave in forty-five minutes."

  When he opened the door of the gymnasium, it was to see both men in the traditional loose pants and tunic top of karate gi engaged in a workout that was both intricate and potentially deadly. He stood quietly watching for a moment until McCord noticed he was there and backed quickly away from Ryker.

  He threw up his arms, a broad grin on his face. "You've come to save me, Senator? You couldn't be more welcome. I think I was about to receive the coup de grace."

  "You seemed to be holding your own very well, Kevin," Corbett said genially. "I had no idea you were so good."

  "He gets better every session," Ryker said as he stooped to pick up his towel from the floor. "He's a remarkable man."

  McCord shrugged. "I learn from experience." His blue eyes twinkled. "And battling Jared is definitely an experience."

  "I'm sorry to interrupt you, but I've got to fly back to Washington at once, Jared. I wonder if I could have a word with you before I leave."

  "I think that's my signal to head for the showers," McCord said, starting to turn away.

  "They're getting the 'copter ready now," Corbett said. "I hoped I could persuade you to walk me out to the pad."

  "Why not?" Ryker asked laconically, his dark face impassive. "I have a few things to discuss with you as well." He strode over to the side of the gym and thrust his feet into a pair of thongs. "You don't mind if I stop in the hall to get a jacket?"

  "Of course not. We wouldn't want you on the sick list, too."

  "No, you certainly wouldn't want that. It's been brought to my attention that my continuing good health is of primary importance around here, even to the point of shooting down a helpless woman." He slung a towel around his neck and strolled over to Corbett, standing by the door.

  The senator allowed Ryker to precede him. "I thought my famous charm had succeeded in pacifying you a bit." He fell into step with him. "It appears I'll have to redouble my efforts in the brief time I have left."

  "Don't bother," Ryker said tersely. "I'm a little short on time myself. I should be getting ba
ck to Tania, if you've finished trying to make excuses for the inexcusable."

  "You needn't run right back. When I left her, Miss Orlinov was just settling down for a nap. And in the short interval I was with her, the lady impressed me as being anything but a helpless female. I think she can survive without your presence for the next thirty minutes or so."

  They had reached the foyer, and Ryker opened the closet door and pulled out his dark blue jacket and slipped into it. "Can she?" he asked bitterly. "She seems to need all the protection I can give her here at the chateau." He paused. "I want her sent back to New York."

  "You know that isn't possible," Corbett said softly.

  "The hell it's not! You can surround her with an army of security men and she's bound to be safer than she's been here."

  "That's possible," Corbett admitted as he opened the front door. "But I'm afraid that's not the point, Jared. We can't allow anyone with knowledge of your work to have access to anyone who isn't involved in the project. It wouldn't be safe for you."

  "What the devil are you talking about?" Ryker's eyes narrowed. "She doesn't know anything about my work. I've made damn sure of it."

  Corbett glanced away, obviously uncomfortable. "She does now. I felt it only fair to fill her in, after all she's been through. How was I to know you'd want to send her away?"

  A gust of chilly wind lifted the dark lock of hair on Ryker's forehead, but it was no colder than the glance he shot at the other man. "I think you knew that might well be my reaction. You're an extremely perceptive man, Corbett," he said slowly. "I find it very interesting that you immediately took the only action that would make sending Tania away completely unfeasible."

  Corbett's brisk pace across the courtyard slowed, and his forehead knotted with a frown. "Nonsense. What possible purpose could I have in keeping her here?"

  "You tell me," Ryker asked. "I do know that you never do anything without a purpose. I studied you a long time before I selected you, Corbett."

  "You make me sound like a choice cut of sirloin. I think I deserve more than that from you, Jared. If you don't trust me, how do you expect me to protect you?"