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.The dumps looked more and more like low-lyingfoothills: the Johannesburg Downs.A standard joke on thestock exchange was that the mining companies took all theups, leaving the city the Downs.The still non-vegetatedsegments caught the early-morning sunshine, telegraphingflashes of gold.The same sunlight caught in Christopher's hair, heldcaptive in silky strands glowing with luminescence.Richard56 Tusksby William Maltesewanted to comb his fingers through that mating of hair andcelestial fire.Electricity built inside him without the touching."The Cassandras have been prophesying an end to thegold for years," Christopher said, steering the car along ahighway that sliced one man-made dune into mirrored halves."As far back as 1911, the mines were supposedly about togive up their last.New discoveries, however, combined withadvanced technology and periodic increases in the sellingprice of gold, now project the life of the mines into the year2030 and beyond.""There used to be wildlife wandering here in vast herds,"Richard said."Where do you suppose they are now?""Mining companies in Johannesburg employ severalhundred-thousand men," Christopher answered; his reply wasautomatic.He was programmed for his response."Withoutthe profits from the mines, this country would be very poorindeed, attempting to eke an existence from the export ofagricultural products at the mercy of periodic droughts andsevere crop failure.""Yes, well, I imagine there is a rationalization foreverything under the sun, isn't there?" Richard said, refusingto be impressed.He knew the arguments for industrialdevelopment versus maintenance of an ecological status quo.Christopher wasn't the only one who considered corporateprofits more desirable than environmental preservation.Unfortunately, there were too many like him.If they weren'tthe majority, they were still in positions of power that gavethem the edge.57 Tusksby William Maltese"I suppose it all depends on one's priorities," Christophersaid smugly."Some people seem more concerned about thewelfare of four-legged animals than the welfare of their owntwo-legged kind.""Some people find the four-legged varieties far less able totake care of themselves," Richard countered."I don't seeanimals lobbying for their grazing land while greedybusinessmen divvy up the pot."There was an uneasy silence.Richard's every moment withChristopher was a battle.Perversely, Richard had hoped forsomething more."Look," Christopher said finally, his thoughts parallel toRichard's, "surely we're not going to be the only two peopleon this lovely day who refuse to enjoy ourselves, are we?Couldn't we try for a truce? It's unlikely we're going toresolve, in one day of bickering, any profit-versus-ecologyquestions that have been around longer than either of us.""Then, what's the purpose of this little outing?" Richardasked."I want you to know there are members of the oppositionwho are charming human beings and not the ogres you, andmany of your cohorts, seem to think," Christopher said,flashing a wide smile that invited seduction."Is that what you think you are?" Richard asked, wantingto believe but refusing to do so."A charming human being?""Oh, yes," Christopher said, ignoring Richard's sarcasm."As you shall soon see if you give me half the chance.""A preacher who pontificates his own virtues must surelydo so to a congregation of one!" Richard said, wishing58 Tusksby William MalteseChristopher's charm was more the natural variety of youththan the calculated efforts of a shrewd businessman out towin converts."Point taken!" Christopher said with a laugh so infectiousthat Richard couldn't help smiling.Richard shouldn't havesmiled; it gave Christopher the proverbial inch that wouldencourage him to go for the mile."There," Christopher said,"isn't that better?"It was better.It was some of what Richard wanted; it waswhat he feared, too."I didn't mean to sound pompous," Richard said.Christopher was right.There would be no miraculousconversions in their short time together.Richard knew thatwhen he came down the elevator to meet Christopher in thelobby.That was never Richard's real purpose; he wanted apiece of his past.He was willing to settle for one day ofrenewal, here and now.Offered the chance of that day, hewould be a fool to refuse it."We won't mention it again," Christopher said, soundingtoo triumphant.Richard didn't like losing ground."Tell me about this guy ofwhom I remind you," Richard fished."I thought we were going to have fun?" Christopher said,his golden eyes shooting condemning daggers."How can you have fun when I remind you of someoneyou'd rather forget?" Richard replied, hurt by Christopher'schange of mood, even though Richard had anticipated it.Richard feared giving in to inner needs that could weaken hisresolve.59 Tusksby William Maltese"There are good memories as well as the bad," Christophersaid.Richard shouldn't have pried for that admission.DespiteRichard's heartache, it was easier thinking Christopherremembered only the bad."Nothing is ever truly black orwhite," Christopher said, turning his face, unreadable, towardRichard."Don't ever let anyone tell you that it is.Relationships are all painted in grays.""I'm sorry," Richard said, meaning it."For some reason, Ifeel compelled to be on the offensive
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