"A million credits," replied Mr. X, without blinking an eye.
Gavin allowed his breath to escape between his teeth. He knew now who was behind Mr. X and it didn't make him any happier. Only one of the big corporations on Terra-United Spaceways, General Atomic, Tri-World, or Amalgamated plastic—could offer such a sum. The Gargantuan companies maintained their own investigation agencies, ruthless, efficient gestapos willing to go to any length to get their hands on valuable discoveries.
He stood up, saying, "I'll think it over."
"I'm afraid you'll have to reach a decision now." X's voice was cold.
Gavin's hard blue eyes went wary.
The T.I.S. maintained in their secret files a complete record of every man and woman engaged in the slave trade. Gavin had studied it thoroughly in preparation for this assignment. Trev, he knew, besides being a broker in slaves for Josiah Cabot, was suspected of dealing in merchandise of a great deal more dangerous character. Scientific secrets.
Trev was a free lance, buying from independent spies and selling to the highest bidder. He was tolerated because the very corporations and governments he stole from were also his patrons. Trev would have connections with all the secret agencies of the different corporations. If anyone were dickering with X to sell the Nova's space drive, Trev would be the likeliest suspect. And, if Trev thought Gavin was dickering with X, the Martian wouldn't hesitate to betray him to Cabot.
That was one side.
On the other hand, it might be a trap. His best policy was to have nothing to do with X.
He said, "I don't do business with someone I don't know. I'm going now. Don't try to stop me."