He watched as the florid, smiling face of Pelham, his superior, appeared on the screen. "What can I do for you, Martin?" he asked.
"I have a favor to ask, Mr. Pelham."
"Anything within reason," Pelham said. "After this BenChaim affair, you're in good standing around here." He chuckled.
"I want a leave of absence," the detective said.
Pelham looked a little surprised. "Well, I guess you deserve it. You need a rest, I imagine."
"No," the detective said. "No, it isn't that. I'm going after bigger game, is all."
"What's that?"
"I'm going to Earth to find the Nipe."