"It's the same in Kahgo and all over. Sorry, Lao."
Cursing, Lao slammed down the receiver and dialed the number of Tinna, his favorite mistress. A voice he recognized as Tinna's answered.
"Tinna," he began, "this is Lao...."
"She isn't here," said Tinna frigidly. The telephone clicked in his ear.
Lao's shoulders drooped. He put the phone in its cradle and, without much hope, prepared to dial Phreda, another mistress. It buzzed at him before he could begin.
He answered it.
"Voter Protik, there's a gentleman in the lobby to see you," said the apartment house operator.
"I don't want to see any more reporters!" shouted Lao angrily.
"This isn't a reporter, sir. He says he's a representative of Colorvue Publicity."
"Never heard of it," growled Lao. "But send him up."