Descent from Xanadu Read Online Free Page A

“Judd?”
    “Yes, Father,” Judd called from the door.
    “Come here,” he said, still not turning to him.
    Judd came to the window and stood next to his father. They hadn’t faced each other yet.
    “It’s very clear. You can see the Battery, Staten Island beyond, and northeast to Long Island Sound and Connecticut.”
    “Yes,” Judd said quietly. “It’s very clear.”
    His father paused a moment, then turned to him. He held out his hand. “You’re looking well, Judd,” he said.
    Judd took his father’s hand and, still holding it, tried to keep a lightness in his voice. “Have I grown too old to kiss my father hello?”
    Suddenly his father embraced him and kissed his cheek. “Never too old, I hope,” he said.
    Judd returned his father’s kiss. “That’s better,” he smiled. “I was beginning to think you didn’t like me anymore.”
    “That’s silly,” his father said. “I love you, my son.”
    “I love you, Father.”
    His father stepped back. “At first I thought we’d have lunch at ‘21’, but then I thought it might be better if we had lunch at the office. We haven’t talked for a long time and we’ll be more private here.”
    “The office sounds good to me.”
    “Hungry?”
    Judd smiled. “I’m always hungry.”
    His father pressed a button on the desk. A set of sliding doors opened and a small dining room with a round table appeared, large enough for eight but at this time only set for two. He turned to the switch at the interphone. “We’re ready for lunch,” he spoke into it.
    He turned to Judd. “I’m having a Scotch and water. How about you?”
    “Make it two,” Judd said, following his father into the dining room.
    A small black man in black tie came through another door into the dining room. “Mr. Crane?”
    “Two usuals, Fast Eddie,” Judd’s father said.
    The thin little man lived up to his name. The two drinks were brought from the small bar almost before they had been requested. “Fast Eddie, this is my son, Judd,” his father said, taking his drink.
    Fast Eddie handed Judd his drink. “My pleasure, Mr. Crane.”
    “Thank you,” Judd said. He watched Fast Eddie disappear through the dining room door. “Cheers.”
    “Cheers,” his father said.
    They sipped their drinks. “How long has Fast Eddie been working for you, Father?” Judd asked.
    “About three months. He’s old Roscoe’s grandson. Roscoe has been training him for two years. The kid’s very good. It’s hard to believe that he just turned eighteen.”
    “He seems nice.”
    “He’s like his grandfather,” his father said. “He’s always there.” His father sat down at the table. He looked at Judd opposite him. “Surprised that I called?”
    Judd nodded.
    “We have a lot to talk about.” His father hesitated a moment. “Like the man said, ‘Which do we talk about first? The good news or the bad news?’”
    “Whatever you think best, Father.”
    “Then the good news first. I’ve been alone since your mother passed away fifteen years ago. Sure, there have been women, but that was something else. Now, I’m getting married. And I think you’ll like her too.”
    Judd looked at him. “If you like her, Father, that’s all that’s important. I’ll be happy for you.”
    His father smiled. “You haven’t even asked her name.” He paused for a moment, then added, “Barbara.”
    Judd’s voice filled with astonishment. “Miss Barrett?”
    His father laughed. “Is that such a surprise?”
    “Yes,” Judd said, smiling. “But a good one. In some ways I don’t understand why you didn’t marry her sooner. It’s like she has always been a part of the family. May I go inside to tell her how happy I am for both of you?”
    “She’ll join us at lunch in just a minute,” his father said.
    “When are you getting married?”
    “Six o’clock this afternoon,” his father answered. “Judge Gitlin is performing the ceremony at our apartment.”
    “I know Uncle Paul,” Judd