Out of nowhere

By E. A. GROSSER
( Author of The Radiant Avenger , The Psychomorph , etc. )
Valnar, time traveler from nowhere in particular, had raised havoc in plenty the last time he stopped in this continuum; he'd been responsible for the rise of Dodson, the mental dictator who was now menacing the entire planet. So Barlow and Laurine decided that the tourist had better undo it this trip!
Dictators are the most naive persons. About all they know are the facts of life. Therefore Great America's Dodson thoroughly approved of a man such as Joel Barlow and a girl such as Laurine Coret walking in the park at twilight. Quite evidently Director Dodson reasoned: Dusk is mysterious.... Man is curious.... Q. E. D.—usually.
A civic guard saw them and saluted with a good-natured grin. Wisely, they returned the salute. Then Laurine passed her arm under Barlow's and sort of cuddled up to him. He straightened and looked at her with surprise.
Smile, darn you, she grated. Make it look real—as though you enjoyed it, even if you don't.
His lips stretched into a grimace that in the dusk, passed muster for a smile. And the civic guard smiled fondly after them as they walked along the park path.
What does Central want me for? Barlow asked when the guard was beyond earshot.
The organization is going to hibernate. You're to pass the word along. 'Stay away from headquarters.'
Why?
Dodson must have managed to get agents into our organization. The New Orleans headquarters was raided during a meeting.
Did they get them all? he asked quickly.