Page 105 of Reinventing Cato
“Thanks for coming such a long way. How much did you tell Mum and Dad?”
“Everything you’d told me. They know not to say anything on the other phone. But I didn’t give them your new number. Mum’s waiting to hear from you.”
“Hmm. Was she angry?”
“Upset, not angry. She’s relieved you have Vigge looking out for you. You do still have him?”
Cato sighed. “Yes.”
Devan gave a short laugh. “What’s come over you?”
“Christ knows.”
“You like him, then.”
“Yeah, I do.”
“That’s good, isn’t it?”
“Yes. I’ve got another interview with NASA tomorrow.”Take the change of direction.
“I don’t know whether to wish you luck or not. Are you still wondering if it’s what you want?”
“I think I’m going to tell them I don’t want it.”
Devan sighed. “Why though? Because of the threat? Because you want to do something different with your life? Because of Vigge?”
“Yes.”
Devan chuckled. “Assuming the threat is real, nothing is going to happen until you accept the job. No job’s been offered yet. You’ve not known Vigge long. Don’t rush into anything.”
“I won’t.”
“Oh, and if Jonty asks for Russian phrases, don’t give him any. He’s enough of a liability in English, let alone Russian.”
“I heard that!” Jonty shouted. “Is it Cato? Let me talk to him.”
Cato waited.
“Hi Cato. Don’t listen to Mr Miserable. Send me a list of everything you think I’ll find useful. I’d particularly like to know how to say—My boyfriend’s cock is stuck in his inflatable doll. I don’t want to puncture the doll. Is there another way to free him?”
Cato laughed as he heard Devan growl.
“I wanted to ask you something too,” Jonty said. “When we open the hotel again in the summer, will you come and give a talk about the night sky?”
“Send me the date so I can make sure I’m free.”
“Brilliant, thank you.”
“When are you off to Russia?”
“February. I packed at the end of December but Devan made me unpack.”
“Because you packed everything you have. We’re only going for four days, Jonty. Not four weeks. We could pack the day before.”
“I can’t. It’s my first time on a plane. I’m too excited. I need another case. Can I use yours? Please! Bye, Cato.”
“Bye.” Cato smiled as he ended the call.
