"Like nothing," Crippens said. "I mean it, don't mind her. She had some silly idea.... I don't even want to talk about it."
"Darius," Tracy asked abruptly, "what have you decided to do about Weaver Wainwright?"
"Please," said Crippens.
"I haven't made up my mind yet. I'm not going to let him kill me if I can help it."
"Do tell. Does Cripp fit into the picture at all?"
McLeod hoped he could substitute evasion for outright lying. "Why don't you ask Overman?"
"Because I'm asking you."
He didn't think Tracy would ask Overman. He didn't think Overman would tell her the truth if she did. He saw she was waiting for an answer and said, "If the answer to that question were yes, you wouldn't expect me to tell you. If it were no, I ought to consider it an insult, coming from friends."
"We never stood on ceremonies before, Darius."
"Tracy, for gosh sakes!" Crippens pleaded. "Darius is my friend."