The old eyes were expressionless as he said, ‘Apparently, sir.’

‘Was it Souki who told you about Dedrick or did you find out for yourself—that he was a reefer-smuggler?’

I got past his guard, as I meant to. It was a shame to do it to him; he was a little too old to control his reflexes, but I wanted to know.

His mouth fell open and his eyes popped.

‘Why, Souki told me…’

He stopped; a little late. A faint flush rose to his face: but he was too old to be really angry.

‘Your hat, sir.’

I took it and slapped it on the back of my head.

‘Sorry about that,’ I said, and meant it. ‘Think no more about it’

He closed the door behind me. Looking back, I could see him watching me through the glass panels. I felt he was still watching me by the time I reached the end of the terrace.