"I am to blame." Grant thought of the surging fear Teagle had directed in him at Slag's hotel. "I should have known that telepsychical phenomena could be used as a weapon. The man is a freak. He couldn't influence the ball, but communicated overpowering emotion—without even seeing his subjects—from behind his shield. The victims committed suicide, just as I nearly did before Bee...."
"What did you feel—a so-called called death wish?" asked Woods. "No matter. Not seeing Slag collapse, he overplayed his hand."
"Slag's being unconscious merely provided an anti-climax," said Grant. "There was a more important factor added this time. And if you don't mind, Woods, I have an apology to make in private to my one and only second."
"Not just the only one, darling," said Bee. "But your permanent, till-death-do-us-part second! Right?"
"Right!" Grant said.
"That's the only thing tonight," said Woods, "of which I officially approve."