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wrong things?"
"Eat up," said Liesel, "and let me think, while \iI'm\i eating." After a time
she opened a drawer and brought out a writing tablet and stylus.
"You-only-will be on the screen. The wall behind you is featureless; it won't
tell him anything. Give no sign that you're not alone. If I
shake my head, you're on the wrong track-stop right there. And I can coach you
some with written questions and answers-the cue words, I mean-I'm sure you
improvise well on short notice."
" 'Play it by ear,' is how my mother said it. Or, think on your feet-though I
shall be sitting."
Sparline laughed. "She'll do, Liesel. And-leave her as free to respond, as you
can. Don't try to keep too tight a rein."
Liesel, mouth full, waved a hand. After a moment; "/know that. Now, for the
love of peace, let's eat!"
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Conversation lagged. The boy Carlin brought the view-screen and, at Liesel's
direction, set it before Rissa and slightly to one side, partially covering
Hawkman's unused place. When they were down to coffee and liqueurs, Liesel
said, "All right, Rissa-it's time. Do you remember the number?"
"Yes, but it is for his office."
"That'll do; the call will relay to his residence. If that doesn't work we can
try some contingent numbers."
"All right." Rissa punched for Bleeker's office. The screen stayed dark; a
voice said, "Automatic, speaking. This terminal is not occupied. Relay will
connect you to an alternate terminal. Please wait." Perhaps ten seconds
passed; the screen flickered, went dark, then lit. A
plump face appeared, that of a man or woman wearing a tight hood that covered
the scalp, ears, and most of the forehead. The voice sounded like a woman's.
"Who is calling, and who do you want here?"
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Liesel shook her head; Rissa guessed her meaning. "I am calling at Alsen
Bleeker's request. Is he available?"
"I must know who is calling.''
"I would like \iyour\i name, please."
\c\b" 124 "
\b
\c"Lennis Betorin. And yours?"
"When I eventually reach Alsen Bleeker, I will tell him that Lennis Betorin
prevented my reaching him earlier-unless you would like to forget your
protocol and connect us immediately."
"I-yes, of course." The face moved away; Rissa saw part of a room, the focus
too poor to make out details. Liesel grinned broadly and reached to pat
Rissa's hand.
They waited until Bleeker's gaunt face showed on the screen. "Ms. Obrigo!
Well, it took you long enough. I-"
"I called as soon as you reached the top of my priority list. Now, then-what
is it you wish to tell me?"
"Tell you? No, I-"
"I assumed you had important information for me. If not, I must get on with
other matters. I am sure you understand."
"Wait! Can't you talk a minute? I'll make it worth your while."
"How much?"
Bleeker's thin lips stretched over long yellow teeth. "Well, now-how much are
you asking?"
"It depends-do you mean Weltmarks or deaths?"
\i"Deaths!\i What are you talking about?"
Rissa shrugged. "Money is one currency, death another. Those who wield power
usually deal in both. I am merely curious as to your rate of exchange."
"Don't talk such foolishness-not on a public circuit."
"This end is not public-nor, I think, is yours." She waited.
His breath, drawn between clenched teeth, made a whistling sound. "Dal Nardo?"
He shook his head; sparse wisps of hair moved on his scalp. "You can't know
enough to make \ithat\i job worth it."
"Nor do I ask it. What made you think I do?"
"But everybody knows-I mean, surely it's obvious-"
"Not in my case, Bleeker." She deliberately omitted the honorific and saw
Liesel's approving nod. "But we waste time. You said you want to talk. I am
waiting."
He leaned closer; she saw blue veins pulse at his temples. "Obrigo-from where
you are, can you speak safely?"
\c\b" 125 "
\b
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\c"I am quite safe. And you?"
"I mean the Hulzeins-I know you're connected. And I have to ask you some
things about them-in strictest confidence. Do I have your word?"
"I shall not repeat anything you say to me about them." Sparline put hands to
mouth, muffling laughter. Liesel smiled briefly, then frowned at Sparline and
shook her head.
Bleeker's knuckle rubbed his nose. "It's about Tregare-I swear / didn't know
he was Hulzein until you and Moray announced it on open frequencies-or I'd
have kept to ground-side ways, dealing with him. As it was-well, the ships run
rich; we have to take what we can. You understand?" He coughed. "Ah-a younger
like you-what \ican.\i you understand?"
"I understand you made agreement and then changed price-and that Tregare would
not be gouged. An unfortunate dispute, that one."
"Yes, yes-that's what I mean. Ms. Obrigo-Tari, isn't it?
-are you in touch with the Hulzeins? I can't reach them- they won't talk to
me. Do you know if they plan . . . retaliation?" Then; "Just tell me anything
you can-I'll pay you well."
Rissa did not look to Liesel. She paused, then said, "I can give you no
evaluation, overall. I
will share a few facts-put them together for yourself, however they may fit.
And I agree
-you \iwill\i pay me well, if only for my silence. Well, then-
"One: I came to this planet on \iInconnu.\i I have some acquaintance with
Tregare, and I am not his enemy.
"Two: From what you overheard, you know something of Tregare's relations with
the Hulzeins.
Rightly or not, you may have deduced more.
"Three: I would not have you think that Hawkman Moray is pleased with your
role in \iInconnu's\i early departure. But if he plans to make his displeasure
tangible, he did not tell me.
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"Four: If you wish me to act as your go-between with the Hulzeins, I will do
so-for a price, of course."
Bleeker made a face as though tasting something foul. "You? What can you do?
You're good with words, Obrigo, but dal Nardo-he'll have you dead before you
could be of
\c" 126 "
\creal use to me. Well-I suppose it was worth the try."
He moved a hand and started to turn away. "One moment, Sleeker!" The hand
stopped; again he looked at her. "You spoke of payment; we are not done with
that. For what I have told you, and for my silence-" She smiled, "-a half
million, I would say. Is tomorrow convenient-or the next day, perhaps?"
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