"Sure." Gavin's voice was without mockery, but his hand still hovered close to his chest.
The girl came across the deck, her expression flooded with relief. "I'm glad now I didn't kill you. I—I was frightened. You believe that?"
"Sure."
"I've never dared tell anybody what I was forced to tell you. I've lived for two years in absolute terror. I was desperate."
"Sure."
"You don't believe me?"
"Not altogether," he admitted. His hand didn't leave his chest. "Why should I?"
Nadia bit her lip. Then she slipped her hand in the breast of her coveralls, brought out her diminutive dart-gun. She brought it out very slow and holding it by the barrel because Gavin was covering her with his own automatic.
"Drop it," he commanded. "Push it to me with your foot."
"Now," she said, "can we talk without suspicion? I'm unarmed."