you can't find one, they'll appoint one. The
chances are you won't have any property left when you come of age.
Please don't mention I said anything to you. They wouldn't like it."
40 "Thank you," North replied. "I know the risk you're taking, telling
me even this."
41 The Guard nodded and left. Slowly North returned to his mother.
Falling on his knees before her, he spoke quietly and softly to her.
42 "Mother, listen to me. I know you're hurt....I am, too. But I must
act quickly. I need father's keys, the ones to the office here in the
apartment. Please get them for me. Then, I will leave you alone."
43 His mother lifted her head and looked at him. "Your father's keys?"
she asked. "Yes. You'll want his keys. They're yours now."
She got up and went to the bedroom, coming back
with three magnetic keys. She handed them to her son.
44 "Go lie down, mother," North instructed her," and rest. I'll try to
have someone here in a little while."
45 North put the key in the door and entered his father's office.
Seating himself behind the desk he pressed the index of the video
phone. "Yes?" asked the machine.
46 "I want the number for Grey Star," North answered. The machine
responded instantly, flashing the number and address on the screen.
North was glad his uncle was the only Grey Star in the index, because
at the moment he couldn't remember his address! He pressed the auto
dial and waited.
47 In a few moments, his uncle's face appeared on the screen. When his
uncle saw who it was he smiled. "Well, how's my favorite nephew today?
He sure looks grim!"
48 "Uncle Grey," North began, "father is dead. I need you and Aunt Dawn
as quick as you can come. I can't explain on the phone but it's bad,
real bad! Please come as quick as you can!"
49 For a moment North's uncle closed his eyes and lowered his head, but
he quickly rose it again. "We're on our way, North," he agreed, "hold on.
We'll only be twenty to thirty minutes."