“Yes.”
“Please do a better job on him than he did on you.”
“Don’t worry.”
“Not about that, no. But about this other matter. How long do I have before the Ministry decides to send someone else?”
“I don’t know.”
“Are they aware of Menlo’s change of heart?”
“I don’t think so. Spannick found out, but he’s dead. Menlo claimed Spannick wouldn’t have reported to them until he’d taken care of things.”
“That sounds logical. Spannick was the ultimate egotist. But how did he find out in the first place? If he did, won’t others?”
“No. It was an earlier double-cross, before my partner and I came in on it.”
“It sounds so complex. I have the feeling I’ve heard barely a quarter of the story.”
Parker shrugged. “You heard all of your part.”
“Yes. Economy in all things. I assume Menlo has left Washington?”
“Yes.”
“Do you feel strong enough to travel?”
“I think so.”
“Will you want anyone with you? I can offer you one or two willing helpers.”
“I can handle it myself.”
“Yes, I suppose you can. Very well, then. Can I make any sort of travel reservations for you?”
“Yes. The first plane I can get to Miami.”
“Miami! He’s spending my money already, is he?”
“Yes.”
Kapor squinted again, gazing over Parker’s shoulder. “Now, I wonder,” he said. “You tell me Menlo is in Miami. I wonder”
“Forget it. Miami is a big town. I know wherein Miami; you don’t. I know who he’s going to contact.”
Kapor smiled sadly. “You are perfectly correct. I fear I must be satisfied with fifty per cent. Now, one last question. How long will this take? It is now Saturday. Neither of us can be certain how long the Ministry will remain silent.”
“Three or four days at the most. But what about my partner?”
“Ah yes. If I disappear, what becomes of him? You won’t return before Monday, I take it?”
“I doubt it,” Parker answered.
“I will talk to the doctor. If he agrees, I will have your friend moved to a private rest house on Monday. I shall expect you to pay the bill, of course, out of your half of my money.”
“It isn’t your money either,” Parker reminded him.
Kapor laughed. “The doctrine of private property,” he said. “Don’t you know that’s against my religion? Nevertheless, I should prefer that you take care of the expenses of your friend’s confinement.”
“I’ll take care of it.”
“Excellent. I shall now call the airport and make your reservation. When the time comes you will be driven out to the airport in my personal car.”
“Great.”
“Do you want to see your friend now?”
“Is he awake?”
“No, I’m sorry to say he is still unconscious.”
“Then never mind.”
“Whatever you say.” Kapor got to his feet. “If there’s anything you need,” he said, “do not hesitate to ask.”
“I won’t.”
3
PARKER moved across the crowded lobby, keeping his left elbow stuck out to protect his side, and pushed through to the desk. He signalled, and when one of the clerks came over he said, “Ralph Harrow. He checked in yet?”
“Just one moment, sir.” The clerk checked, and then came back. “He doesn’t seem to be expected, sir.”
So Menlo wasn’t here yet. That either meant he was driving down or he was holed up somewhere for a few days. Unless Parker had figured him wrong completely. But that didn’t make any sense. Menlo had gone after Bett,
