"I am once again with you by appointment as provided under the By-Laws."
"State your business, Mr. Ermine."
"You are not permitted to lie in an unknown grave, Mr. Sollenar. Insurance policies on your life have been taken out at a high premium rate. The IAB members concerned cannot wait the statutory seven years to have you declared dead. Do what you will, Mr. Sollenar, but I must take care I witness your death. From now on, I am with you wherever you go."
Sollenar smiled. "I don't intend to die. Why should I die, Mr. Ermine?"
"I have no idea, Mr. Sollenar. But I know Cortwright Burr's character. And isn't that he, seated there in the corner? The light is poor, but I think he's recognizable."
Across the lounge, Burr raised his head and looked into Sollenar's eyes. He raised a hand near his face, perhaps merely to signify greeting. Rufus Sollenar faced front.
"A worthy opponent, Mr. Sollenar," Ermine said. "A persevering, unforgiving, ingenious man. And yet—" Ermine seemed a little touched by bafflement. "And yet it seems to me, Mr. Sollenar, that he got you running rather easily. What did happen between you, after my advisory call?"
Sollenar turned a terrible smile on Ermine. "I shot him to pieces. If you'd peel his face, you'd see."
Ermine sighed. "Up to this moment, I had thought perhaps you might still salvage your affairs."
"Pity, Mr. Ermine? Pity for the insane?"