The smile returned to Odal’s face. “You wish to monitor my thoughts. To record them and see how I perform during the duel. Interesting. Very interesting—”
The man at the door rose and said, “If you have no desire for refreshments, gentlemen—”
Odal turned to him. “Thank you for your attention.”
Their eyes met and locked for an instant. The man gave a barely perceptible shake of his head, then left.
Odal returned his attention to Leoh. “I am sorry, professor, but I cannot allow you to monitor my thoughts during the duel.”
“But—”
“I regret having to refuse you. But, as you yourself pointed out, there is no legal requirement for such a course of action. I must refuse. I hope you understand.”
Leoh rose from the couch, and Hector popped up beside him. “I’m afraid I do understand. And I, too, regret your decision.”
Odal escorted them out to their car. They drove away, and the Kerak major walked slowly back into the Embassy building. He was met in the hallway by the dark-suited man who had sat in on the conversation.
“I could have let them monitor my thoughts and still crush Massan,” Odal said. “It would have been a good joke on them.”