Sure, Harrison said.
Good. Great to have you. We need you to come down to Houston for the press announcement, day after tomorrow, but, look, we want to keep things secret til then, so I want you to catch a flight down here tomorrow and get a cab to the Rice Hotel. Have you got that?
Harrison fumbled for a pencil on Ridley’s desk and wrote RICE HOTEL on the back of an envelope.
Uh, yeah, Deke, I got that, he said.
When you get there, say you have a reservation in the name of Max Peck.
Right, Harrison said. Ask for Max Peck.
No, Deke said. Tell them you’re Max Peck.
Oh, right, he said. Deke?
Yeah?
Who’s Max Peck?
You’ll find out.
The line went dead. He replaced the receiver and looked at the phone. A small smile crept across his face. He picked it up again and dialed two digits, then stopped, put it back, and sat and thought until Ridley came in and said, was that Deke Slayton from NASA? And he said, yeah. Wanted to ask about Walker.
What’d you say? Ridley said.
Told him to speak to Walker, Harrison said.
Walker’s thirty-six, Ridley said. He’s too old.
Yeah.
He’d be good, though, ol Joe. Yeah. He’d show them a thing or two.
Yeah, Harrison said.
He headed home late afternoon. Milo leapt up when he got in. The dog was slowing down, getting old, enjoying the warmth of the sun through the window more than chasing jackrabbits between the Joshua trees.
Milo, he said, kneeling on the floor, rubbing the dog’s head and playing with his ears. Milo yelped with excitement and Grace stepped into the room from the kitchen.
Hi, she said. You’re early.
He stood up and kissed her.
Thought I’d slip away while no one was lookin, he said.
How did it go this morning?
It was okay. Listen, hon, I need to be in Seattle again tomorrow—
Again? she said. You spent an entire week there just last month—and another before that.
Honey, I’m sorry, you know how important this is. The Dyna-Soar is the next step up from the X-15 and I’m part of the pilot-consultant group. It’s not my fault Boeing’s shop is in Seattle. Hell, I wish it was round the corner.
Can’t Neil go instead?
Neil’s going with me.
Grace looked at him. Just so you know, she said, Dyna-Soar is a stupid name.
It’s just slang, he said. It’ll be designated the X-20. Look, hon, I know things have been tough recently. And the program’s stepped up and gotten real busy and I haven’t been around as much as you’d like. I’m sorry. Things’ll be better when I get back, I promise.
Grace sighed. I’m sorry too, she said. Just feel like I’m on my own sometimes, that’s all.
You’re not, he said, putting his arms around her. Come on, let’s head over to Pancho’s. It’s been an age since we were there together.
You’re leaving early tomorrow?
He thought about what time Deke wanted him in Houston.
I’ll be fine, he said.
Guess I’d better make the most of you while I can.
That’s my girl. C’mon, let’s grab a bite there too.
Milo ran around the room then disappeared into the kitchen.
Let me just get changed, she said.
Houston was humid. He wanted a cold shower as soon as he arrived. He dropped his bag in front of the reception desk at the Rice Hotel and looked around. Nice place. Can I help you? a girl said.
Sure, he said. I’m Max Peck. I’ve got a room booked for two nights.
I’m sorry? she said.
I’m—uh—Max Peck, he said. I have a reservation?
I don’t think you are, she said.
He didn’t know what to do. What should he do? A man appeared behind the desk. His nametag said GEORGE SWARTZ. Ah, George Swartz said, yes; I’ll take care of this, Paula, thank you. Mr. Peck?
Paula looked as confused as Harrison.
Uh, yes, Harrison said.
Welcome to the Rice Hotel, George Swartz said. We’re very glad you could make it. He reached beneath the counter for a brown envelope. Here’s your key. Please let us know if anything isn’t to your satisfaction.
Thank you, Harrison said, looking around.
The elevators are right through there, George Swartz said, pointing toward a set of glazed double doors. You’re on the fifth floor.
Thanks, Harrison said. He picked up his bag and, envelope in hand, went to find his room. In the elevator he loosened his collar and hit five. There was a sign above the panel that said, WELCOME TO YOUR HOST IN HOUSTON! WE HOPE YOU ENJOY YOUR STAY! MAX PECK, MANAGER.
What the hell? Harrison said.
His room was dark and cool. He sat down on the bed. Was all this really necessary? The phone rang.
Hello? he said. The line was silent. Hello?
Who’s this? a voice said.
You phoned me! Harrison said. Who is this?
I’m Max Peck.
Are you the manager of this hotel? Harrison said.
I’m a guest and I think you have my room.