Nothing happened. The sun went down a few more inches. I suppose the
top of the parapet got cooler. Big, square shadows began to ride up the
buildings across the street.
"Paul, come on in! Let's talk. You're in no condition to be doing
what you imagine is thinking--and you know it! Anybody can put a
period after his life, any time. What you need is a vacation. A decent
one--with jack to spend--maybe at the seashore or up at Lake George.
I'll give it to you. I'll persuade Brink you need the time off--"
He laughed--laughed like somebody masticating gravel. "All the dough in
the world couldn't buy me off this perch."
"Nobody's trying to buy you. I'm trying to--"
"Oh, shut up. I want to think."
There was a light knock on my door, at that point. I opened it. A cop
stood out there and a fireman behind him and Mr. Harrison behind them.
The cop had a tough, smart face and he whispered. "Will he jump if we
come in?"
"Search me."
"You okay?"
"More or less."
"Can you keep him talking? We're rigging a net in the apartment below
there. We've got a couple of experts on the way, besides. Leave this
door ajar--so they can get to your bedroom."