BAD WINE CRAPPY CHOCOLATE

CHAPTER TWELVE-2

"There's always some person or persons claiming that our product is unsafe. I have a database full of studies that will refute it. That's why Ruderman never succeeded in depriving the masses of Vitala."  

"You certainly succeeded in discrediting him. I wanted his children to have the opportunity to do something with their lives. So I told them, and everyone else, that their parents were Tom and Brenda Henderson."

Foster observed his guest for several moments before speaking.

"I can certainly understand your motivation," he finally said. "Jack was a bitter man who would say anything to get a bigger share of the pie. His legacy, and that of his wife, wouldn't serve their children very well. Still, I imagine this revelation has put you in an awkward position. Your children must be furious."

"I feel terrible about Cybil. But as for Brandon, he's done plenty to keep me in an agitated state over the years. I'm not concerned about his feelings at all," Chris declared in an unconvincing tone.

"You can't fool me, senator. We've known each other too long."

"Anyway, I'm here because the Mises Brandon claims to have found at Allisours apparently do exist. And they must really work, because Cori Ruderman died soon after her husband, which was many years ago."

Once again Foster displayed no visible reaction to Chris's revelation.

"You're sure this woman is their mother?" Foster asked in a casual tone.

"No doubt in my mind. She was older in the images I saw of her, of course, but this is the same person."

Foster stood up and walked over to the window. Chris observed his host as he framed his response. For the first time the senator noticed how short this man was.  After what seemed like hours, the chairman returned to his chair.

"If anyone else had told me this story, I would have had them seek psychiatric help.  But you, my friend, are not prone to creating fantasies. And the genius of Neal Bardy cannot be denied.  So forgetting your personal concerns for a moment, do you realize how revolutionary this device will be? There's nothing in the past that can't be changed for the better now, no matter how long ago it may have occurred. And think of what we can learn about the history of this world. There's unlimited potential here, my friend. This is even bigger than cold fusion, which I'm told is only years away from being perfected."

"I hadn't thought about that," Cane replied.  "My only concern is in regard to Brandon's accusations. At first I believed he was just imagining things, or just making them up to embarrass me. But then he produces Cori Ruderman. I ask you again, Dan, is there any truth to Brandon's claim that your company is...trying to undo the results of the election?"

"Well, we can assume that he did find this device at Allisours. Only Neal Bardy could have invented such a thing, and he was our employee."

And of course that means Allisours can lay claim to it, Chris thought, which will make you and the board very happy.

"But as for our having some devious plot to do away with Cybil?" Foster continued. "Well, I think you know me better than that."

"I know that Cybil has been discussing the nationalization of your company with the other senators," Cane pointed out. "That might make some people believe that you have a motive to get her out of the picture."

Daniel Foster examined the expression on his guest's face very carefully. The politician was accusing him of something without actually making an allegation.

"If I knew of her plan, which I didn't, my reaction would have been one of indifference," Foster said. "And that's because it's not feasible. The government can't run a business efficiently. There are billions of people who need our product to extend their lives. The senator-elect hasn't thought this through."