"Would he go back if anything happened to you?"
"I don't know."
Kelly was coming now. His aircar swooped up to the curb and he opened the door for her. She got in, sliding beside him with an amused but determined look.
I pulled out my gun and leaned forward. I put the muzzle against the curving throat of the girl.
"Jim," I said, "I'll do it for you if you want."
There was a flash of fright in her face and she put her hand up to her throat, but only to ease the pressure of the gun that dug into the white flesh.
Jim stared at the girl and me and the gun.
"No, Al."
"It's no crime," I said. "They'd never convict me for killing an Ideal. Jim, this is your last chance to beat the Stardust Overdrive."
"Thanks, Al," said Kelly. "Maybe I'll be sending for you someday to help."