Disordered Minds

contrast, George's known commitment was to Howard Stamp, and Howard's interests were best served by someone who had absolute faith in his innocence-which Jonathan didn't have.

Andrew showed his impatience. 'I explained all this to George before you arrived,' he said, 'and it doesn't pass the so-what test, pal. I'm starting to question whether this book's worth anyone's time ... mine included.' He leveled an accusing finger at Jonathan. 'You are having second thoughts about Howard's innocence and George-' he swiveled the finger toward her-'supects her research is compromised. I'm willing to act for either of you if you offer me somediing solid, but I'm not interested in half measures. Any editor worth his salt will throw it straight back at me if the case for miscarriage isn't proven.'

Jonathan turned a surprised face toward George. 'How is your research compromised?'

She looked at Andrew.

'If you're not interested in the project then it's none of your business,' Andrew answered for her. 'George was hoping to negotiate a fifty-fifty split, but as you're not keen I suggested we approach Jeremy Crossley.'

Jonathan's eyes narrowed immediately. 'Why him?'

'He's an historian, and it's the sort of project he enjoys.' He raised a calming hand. 'I know, I know ... he slated Disordered Minds, but that should work in George's favor, especially when I tell him you've changed your mind about Howard's innocence.' He grinned. 'He'll bust a gut to prove you wrong.'

'You're doing this on purpose,' said Jonathan curtly.

'What?'

'Riling me. You know bloody well what I think of Jeremy Crossley. I wouldn't wish him on my worst enemy, let alone someone like George. He'll take every piece of research she can give him, then cut her out of the equation. That's how he works.'

'Don't be an idiot,' said Andrew dismissively. 'I'm acting for George, so no one will have access to her information until we've agreed a contract. She won't get a fifty-fifty split with Crossley, of course, but she'll get something, as long as her research has demonstrable value.' He tapped the desk with the tip of his forefinger. 'But that's the issue, I'm afraid. The message I'm getting from both of you is that there are major flaws in your analyses ... so the scheme looks dead in the water before we even start.'

'I see you've learned Crossley's review by heart,' said Jonathan sarcastically.

'I can't even remember it,' said Andrew indifferently.

'Like hell you can't. Every other sentence referred to 'flawed analysis' of data. It was a hatchet job by a second-rate academic who thinks he can write.' He turned abruptly to George. 'Don't let Andrew railroad you into this. It's a bad idea. Write it yourself ... you're perfectly capable.'

'You know that's not true,' said Andrew firmly. He nodded to a pile of manuscripts beside his desk. 'That's my slush pile,' he told George. 'If there's one halfway reasonable script in there, I'll be surprised. Writing's a craft-no one can expect to master it the first time they put pen to paper-and Jon knows that as well as I do.'

'There are other authors,' said Jonathan. 'It doesn't have to be Crossley.'

'Agreed. What about that fellow you work with ... published by Hodder? Henry Carr. He might be interested. I was talking to his editor the other day and she said he's green with envy ... wants to find any idea that will outclass Disordered Minds.'

Jonathan bared his teeth. 'Even you wouldn't stoop that low.'

'You'd better believe it,' Andrew warned. 'I'm after the best deal for George, and Evans will agree to a sixty- forty split if it means he can get one over on you.'

'You're being ridiculous. There are plenty of good young authors on your list who'd jump at this chance. Why aren't you offering it to one of them?'

'Because the advance will be higher with an established name, and that's to George's advantage, particularly if she can earn the money before a word's been written.'

Jonathan considered for a moment, then shifted his attention back to George. 'Are you sure this is the route you want to go, because I'd be happy to advise you if you think you can do it yourself.'

She opened her mouth to say something.

'Jon's not the best person to do that,' Andrew warned her. 'You want someone who believes in Howard's innocence.

'Stop putting words in my mouth,' said Jonathan irritably. 'The expression I used was 'absolute faith.' It's important to keep an open mind when looking at issues like this. You can't ignore contrary evidence just because it doesn't suit your theory. You have to examine it even more rigorously.'

'Which is the opposite of what you said earlier. Now you're advocating healthy skepticism in George's coauthor. I wish you'd make up your mind.' He looked at his watch. 'To be honest, I can't see the point of this ... we're just going round in circles. If you're not interested, then you might as well leave so that George can convince me she's got something worth selling. It's a waste of time arguing over coauthors if there isn't enough proof even to get them excited.'

'Is there a link with the Cill Trevelyan story?' Jonathan asked.

George spoke before Andrew could. 'I'm not sure,' she said. 'That's why I wanted to talk to you. You were right about the school friend-her name was Louise Burton. I've managed to locate her brother and he-'

Andrew broke in. 'You're doing this against my advice, George. Jon should only be party to this information if you've agreed a contract with him.'

She gave a guilty sigh. 'I'm sorry, but it's obvious he doesn't want one ... and we are going round in circles. I told you half an hour ago that I'd like to work with Dr. Hughes, but he's not obliged to return the favor if he doesn't want to. I'm no writer-' she smiled apologetically at Jonathan-'and I'm not much of an academic either ... so I quite understand your reluctance. The trouble is, if what William Burton told me is true, then Roy Trent was one of Cill's rapists. I rather hoped...' She petered into an unhappy silence.