The Turing Option

Brian crumpled up the slip of paper, threw it into the ashtray next to the phone, went back to the table and drained his pint and signaled for another one.

“You look glum,” Shelly said.

“I should be. It doesn’t work. The number was not a phone number. Sven-2 found the sequence buried in one of the stolen AI programs and seemed to think that it was. It wasn’t. The chances are it was just a line of code that I wrote myself for the original AI. Let’s forget the whole thing.”

“Cheer up. You’re a free man in a free world and that should mean something.”

“It does — but not much at the present moment. Must be the cold getting me down. Let’s finish these and get back to the hotel. I think some sleep is in order now. With the pills and the pints I should be able to sleep around the clock.”

40 December 21, 2024

It was after seven that evening before Brian woke up, blinking into the darkness of the room.

“I detect the motion of your eyelids,” Sven said. “Do you wish me to turn the lights on.”

“Do that.”

Ten minutes later he came out of the elevator and headed for the dining room. Shelly was sitting at a table by the far wall and she waved him over.

“I hope you don’t mind but I started without you. The salmon is absolutely delicious. You ought to try it.”

“You talked me into it — particularly since I just realized that I am starving. Airline muck and cheese sandwiches leave a lot to be desired.”

“You look a lot better.”

“Feel a lot better. The pills and sleep did the trick.”

“Your solicitor telephoned. I had told the front desk that you were sleeping so they put the call through to me. He was quite happy about everything — including the fact that you are going to have to pay a fine of fifty pounds.”

“Why?”

“He wasn’t quite sure. He said that he thinks it is just a slap on the wrist to sort you out — and wind up the case. He has already paid so you are a free man. He is also looking into a passport for you and thinks he can pull enough strings to get one by tomorrow. Said to phone him in the morning. I wasn’t too impressed by that. Takes ten minutes in the States.”

“Ahh, my fair colleen, but you are.not in the distant country where all the computers work and the trains leave on time. Let me tell you — one day for a new passport in Ireland is lightning.”

“I suppose we can use the rest. And maybe you can lick that cold. Have you thought about what you plan to do next?”

“There is little I can do without a passport. Then we start tracking down the mysterious Dr. Bociort. Right now I intend to get tucked into some dinner, with maybe a Guinness or two to tamp it down. Since we are going to be here at least another day, maybe we ought to think about some sight-seeing in the morning.”

“In the rain?”

“This is Ireland. If you won’t go out in the rain you are just never going to go out.”

“Let me think about it. You have your dinner and I’ll see you later I have to make a phone call.”

Brian raised his eyebrows in silence and she laughed.

“Not to the States or to anyone that can be traced. Before I left L.A. I called a cousin in Israel. The only qualm I had about helping you was being out of touch with my family. My father is due to be operated on soon. My cousin will be calling my mother and she has strict instructions not to tell her that I might be phoning Israel. I’m sorry, Brian, it’s the best I could think of…”

“Don’t let it worry you. I’m feeling a lot safer and more relaxed now that we are here. Make your call.”

Brian was just finishing his coffee, along with his second brandy, when Shelly rejoined him.

“That appears to be a lethal but interesting combination,” she said, looking around for the waiter. “Mind if I join you?”

“Be hurt if you didn’t.”

“You look better.”

“I feel better. Food, sleep, pills — and freedom. In fact I can’t remember when I ever felt this good before.”

“That’s the best news ever!” She smiled, reached out and squeezed his hand. Then drew away when the waiter brought the tray to the table.

The touch unlocked a warmth in Brian that was totally new and he smiled broadly. Free for the moment, away from responsibilities and worries. The rain lashing down outside, but it was warm and secure inside. An encapsulated moment of peace and happiness.

“To you, Shelly,” he said when the waiter had gone and they raised their glasses. “For what you have done to help me.”

“It’s little enough, Brian. I would rather drink to you — and freedom.”

His smile reflected hers as they touched glasses, drank.

“I could really get used to this kind of thing,” he said. “How did the call go?”

“It didn’t. Even the operator couldn’t get through. Said to try later.”

“I can’t understand that — telephone calls go through every time.”

She laughed. “Apparently not in Ireland.”

“Are you sure you have the right number?”

“Pretty sure.”

“Better check directory inquiries before you call again.”

“Good idea. Let’s finish these and I’ll do it right now, from the phone booth in the lobby.”

The booth was occupied and after a moment Shelly shook her head.