"As to who.... Well, that would require a rather lengthy answer."
The Director's voice shook with an effort to keep calm.
"Dr. Brill, I would appreciate an answer to my question."
"Very well."
Lucifer took a small, brown leather notebook from the inside pocket of his beautifully pressed gabardine.
"It will take a little time. You see, I believe that over 3,000 persons have been kidnapped."
The Director's thick neck turned prime-rib red, and swelled over the collar of his shirt. Lucifer began to read:
"Anthell, Ruth ... Atwater, Horace ... Borsook, George...."
"That's enough, Dr. Brill!"
"Thank you. Time really is of the essence, you know. I learned this morning that two of the missing persons disappeared as recently as four days ago."