"I didn't mean that. It's against the law."
"Since when?" demanded Matlin.
"Since the quake. Until they are rebuilt, the ruins are no place for tourists. Until they are rebuilt, the ruins are a fine place for thieves. Since the records of the birth of our civilization are among those ruins, the police have orders to kill any trespassers. That's why you can't go. Is it terribly important to you?"
"I feel that it is. I don't know why. As if—as if something's waiting there for me."
"You shouldn't tell me. I'm supposed to report you. I—"
"Will you?" Matlin asked indifferently.
"I will not," said Haazahri promptly. "I'll go with you."
Matlin shook his head, bemused. He couldn't believe his ears. His troubles were his troubles. Why should the beautiful Haazahri accompany him? Why should she want to?
He asked, "Why?"
"Because you gave me pleasure."