The door swung open and Senatorial Councilman Ben Towne walked into the room, followed by two tight-faced men. One of the men had a hand in his jacket pocket. Towne blinked at Faircloth, and his grin began to fade into alarm. "Who in the hell are you?"
"One of Roberts' men."
"Roberts said you had the Alien," Towne snarled. His green eyes peered around the room.
Marino swung on the man to the right, bringing him down with a blow to the temple. Paul slapped Towne's cane to the floor, and pounced on the other guard like a cat. The Councilman staggered against the door jamb, trying desperately to reach his cane. Moments later the guards were helpless, and Paul and Marino dragged Towne out to the middle of the room. "The files," Paul said sharply. "Where do you keep them?"
Towne's breath came heavily. "You damned snakes can't get away with this—"
"The files, Councilman."
His eyes went around the room fearfully. "The boys know where they are," he said finally, his voice so low it was hardly audible.
"Any duplicates?"
"Not of the files you want."
Paul nodded to the two men. "Take them down and get the files. Then turn the men and files over to Roberts. Tell him to see that the men forget all about this." He turned back to Towne. "You're taking a little ride."