another man
approached, this one in an expensive suit. "Vance DarLowrie?"

"Yes." Nevan recognized the type; a businesser who'd made enemies and
wanted either protection or one of them eliminated. "I am not
available at the moment."

"You have other employment?"

"That's none of your concern."

The businesser sat. "It is if your target is Kiyoshi Owajima, as I've
heard. I have reason to want him . . . out of the picture."

"Oh?" Nevan remained noncommittal, but allowed himself to show a trace
of interest. "I understand he's an Imperial officer--a dangerous
target. Killing him would earn the death penalty or life
imprisonment--death, if done simply for pay. That's a foolish risk,
when there are any number of almost riskless targets around."

"I can tell you where he's going when he finishes his current mission."

"Interesting, if true," Nevan acknowledged.

"It's true," the businesser said.

Reading his face and body language, Nevan agreed. The man knew, was
eager to say--and would report to Owajima as soon as he could. Nevan
made himself look skeptical, which wasn't hard; this was obviously a
setup. "Even if he were my target, which I do not say, I would want
more than your unsupported word. Will you submit to truth drugs, or
shall I use Sandeman methods?"

"Torture, you mean." The businesser grimaced. "In my position, I
don't dare submit to truth drugs. And I've no desire to use my pain to
convince you I'm telling the truth."

Nevan shrugged. "Those are the alternatives." He didn't particularly
like torture himself, and especially disliked using it on one of a
field agent's network. But an enemy would have no hesitation, and
until he caught up with Owajima--or was caught himself--he was acting
in that capacity. "If you are convinced Owajima is my target, and you
wish to assist me in finding him, you will choose one. Otherwise, you
will depart."

The businesser looked angry, but Nevan could see he'd expected
something of the sort. "The torture, then. When and where?"

"My ship, now." Nevan stood. "Come along."

* * * * *

Nevan scowled down at the unconscious businesser. He'd restricted his
open questioning to Owajima's plans and next location--his homeworld,
not surprisingly--but he'd done some questioning covertly as well,
making comments about Owajima and reading the answers from his
subject's face and body language. The man had confirmed an opini