He nodded, trying vainly to brush aside the trembling emotion that lifted within him at the [p158] touch of her flesh. It was a weird feeling.
“I thought about taking his place, Beth. I thought about it - but I knew it wouldn’t work. It was a half crazy thing in the beginning. I ... I’m sorry.”
A faint smile tugged at her lips. “Don’t be. I’m not the least bit sorry, but I’m glad I know the truth. Now it doesn’t seem so ridiculous - Brice disappearing into thin air.” She looked about the room. “Where is he?”
“Dead.”
“Dead?” Her eyes widened.
Lors nodded. “I brought your husband back against my Commander’s orders. When I tried to get Brice out of the hospital, he went berserk and began shooting things up. One of the spacers killed him.”
“Poor Nolan,” she whispered and he could see the tears welling in her eyes. Then she looked at him sharply. “You acted against orders?”
He nodded again.
“What will happen to you?”
“Nothing. It’ll all come out all right. But, Beth, how did you know? Who told you about this?”