Part 58 (1/2)

'You know what I mean.”

Steve smiled. 'I got friends in high places.” There was no harm in telling her the truth. It was clear she didn't believe him. There were moments when he could hardly believe it himself. 'I had to get here. I meant what I said about escaping. Things are starting to come together. If it works, I'm taking off with those two Mutes I told you about. You still with me?”

'Yeah. Count me in.”

'Have you had a chance to sound out Kelso?”

'Not yet. I've been waiting for the right opportunity.”

Jodi gave a quick laugh. 'Seeing you again has ruined his digestion.”

'Maybe I'd better speak to him myself. Put him right about a few things.”

'I wouldn't do that,' said Jodi. 'From the noises he's been making I think he'd still like to get you down a dark alley. But he can't risk it because you're working with the honcho. If he queered things, the other guys would take him apart.”

'Has he told the others I'm one of you?”

'No. And I haven't told him you're an undercover Fed -' 'Jodi! How many times do I have to tell you?! I'm not a-' 'Yeah, I know. You were forced into this because they're threatening your kin-sister.

Maybe they are, maybe they aren't. It doesn't matter. I'm not stupid, Brickman. You're never going to admit you're an undercover Fed because, officially, there ain't no such thing - right? That's how it works, don't it? n.o.body knows for sure, so n.o.body sticks their neck out. They're too busy looking over their shoulder. But you and I know exactly what you are. So from here on in, don't give me any more of the wide-eyed innocent s.h.i.+t.”

Steve studied her as he weighed his reply. 'You're right. I am on the payroll. But it's true about Roz. They used her to force me into this.”

'Jodi gave a wry smile. 'Don't worry. I won't blow your cover. You were right about me too. I am a True Blue.

We've flown together and been bunk-mates aboard the Lady. You asked for my help and I agreed to do whatever I can. Try and remember if we ever get out of here.”

'I'm not sure what you mean . . .”

'It's very simple. I'm willing to go back - but not if they're gonna send me to the wall.”

'That's not going to happen.”

'Sure. But if the wrong 'signals start coming down the line, give me a chance to get away. That's all I'm asking.

If I'm gonna die I'd rather do it up here where the sun s.h.i.+nes.

Okay?”

'You have my word on that.” Steve thrust out his hand but she didn't take it.

'I gotta go,' said Jodi. 'There's a couple of the guys over there who've had their eye on us. Wouldn't want them to get the wrong idea.”

Steve stood up and backed off. 'Sure ... I understand. One last thing. If you're still not sure about me, deep down, why get involved?

Why don't you just turn me in?”

Jodi shrugged. 'Maybe it's because guys who break the rules are more exciting to be with.” She gave a dry laugh.

'Crazy, isn't it? If I wasn't any use to you, you wouldn't give me the time of day. Especially now I've only got half a face.”