One

When he saw the tiny dot in the rearview mirror blossom and gleam. Red Dorakeen cursed softly.

"What is the matter?" came a husky voice from the dashboard.

"Huh? I didn't know I'd left you on."

His right hand moved toward the control knob, then dropped back.

"You didn't. I activated the circuit myself."

"How'd you manage that?"

"Remember the service job I won from you in that card game last month? There was sufficient credit remaining to have them install some extra circuits. I'd decided it was time to expand my horizons."

"You mean you've been eavesdropping on me for an entire month?"

"Yes. You talk to yourself a lot. Ifs fun."

"We'll have to do something about that."

"You could stop playing cards with me. —I repeat, what is the matter?"

"Police car. Coming up fast. May go right on by. May not, too."

"I'll bet I can knock him out. Want to fight?"

"Hell, no. Sit tight. Flowers. Certain things take time, that's all."

"I do not understand." "I am in no hurry. If I fail, I try again. Or I try

something else."

His eyes returned to the mirror. The shining, teardrop-shaped vehicle was large now in the passing lane and still gaining, though it seemed that it might

have slowed.

"I still do not understand." He struck a wooden match with his thumbnail and

relit his cigar. "I know. Don't worry about it—and stay out of any

discussions that might arise."

"Acknowledged."

He glanced to the side. The vehicle had come abreast of him and was pacing him now. He sighed.

"Stop me or go on, damn you!" he muttered. "We're both too big to play games!"

As if in response, a siren wailed. A globe reared itself above the shining roof and began to blink like a hot