Benny and the Grieving Man (short story)

 was the fourth story in the anthology In Time.

Plot
Benny is attracted to a stranger to the Braxiatel Collection from Planet 12 and calls Jason, who is away with Mira, to discuss their open relationship. Two days later, in Café Vostra, the stranger sits with her and identifies himself as Irinidoi Saluja, father of deceased student Reep. Benny tells him about his daughter's death and later meets with Braxiatel, who is concerned about Saluja due to him being an accomplished lawyer.

Two days later, Benny visits Saluja at his rooms and confronts him about upsetting her students by asking them about Reep. He initially refuses to accept that he has crossed a line, but admits that he does not want the students to be forced to make official complaints about his conduct. He says that it is his last night at the Collection and invites her to dinner.

to be completed

Characters

 * Bernice Summerfield
 * Professor Cruger
 * Irinidoi Saruja
 * Jason Kane
 * Irving Braxiatel

Continuity

 * Benny was with Reep Saluja when she died. (AUDIO: Braxiatel in Love)
 * The Collection was damaged in the Fifth Axis occupation. (PROSE: The Fall, etc.)