Part 45 (2/2)

Malone said. ”And, as I was saying, if they try to run away from Yucca Flats, we'll just have to keep them drugged all the time, little as we want to. They can be of some use that way, too. The Government isn't doing all this for nothing.”

”But keeping them drugged--”

”I said we didn't want to do it. And I don't think we'll have to.

They'll be well taken care of, don't worry. Some of the best psychiatrists and doctors are out there. And Mike and the others--if they can show they're trustworthy--can come home every weekend, or even every night if they can teleport that far.” Malone paused. ”But it isn't charity,” he added. ”We need people with specialized psionic abilities--and, for a variety of reasons, they're pretty hard to find.”

”You know,” Dorothea said, ”you're pretty wonderful, Mr. Malone.”

Malone didn't answer her. He just kissed her again, not caring particularly whether or not the kiss went wild.

Dorothea pushed him gently away. ”I'm envious,” she announced.

”Everybody gets a reward but me. Do I get left out just because I swiped your notebook?”

Malone kissed her again. ”What kind of a reward do you want?” he asked.

She sighed. ”Oh, well,” she said. ”I suppose this is good enough.”

”Good enough?” Malone said. ”Just good enough?”

His lips met hers for the fifth time. She reached one hand gently out to the light switch and pushed it.

The lights went out.

<script>