"You know what it's like beyond death?" Cuso asked, curious in spite of himself.
"Certainly," West said, in a sure tone of voice.
Listening, Zen again had the impression that the craggy man was stalling for time again. On the other hand, he might be telling the literal truth, he might know what waited at the end of life. If so—Zen let this possibility slide hastily out of his mind. He had more to think about now than he had brain cells to use for the task.
"Then what is it like?" Cuso asked.
"You have heard of heaven—"
"Yes."
"That's where I'm going."
As he spoke, West vanished.
A stunned silence held the big gallery. Cuso, his mouth hanging open, stood leaning forward. On the floor, the lieutenant dared to sit up. He even dared to speak.
"See! That's the way they went. I couldn't stop 'em."