"Later," Burris said. "When this is over we can all resign, or go fishing, or just plain shoot ourselves. But right now the national security is primary, Malone. Remember that."
"O.K.," Malone sighed. "O.K. But she wants all the nuts here."
"Go along with her," Burris snapped. "Keep her happy. So far, Malone, she's the only lead we have on the guy who's swiping information from Yucca Flats. If she wants something, Malone, you do it."
"But, chief—"
"Don't interrupt me," Burris said. "If she wants to be treated like a queen, you treat her like one. Malone, that's an order!"
"Yes, sir," Malone said sadly. "But, chief, she wants us to buy her some new clothes."
Burris exploded: "Is that all? New clothes? Get 'em. Put 'em on the expense account. New clothes are a drop in the bucket."
"Well ... she thinks we need new clothes, too."
"Maybe you do," Burris said. "Put the whole thing on the expense account. You don't think I'm going to quibble about a few dollars, do you?"
"Well—"