Part 22 (2/2)
”What we'd like,” Scotty said, ”if you care to co-operate, is to have someone take a look at the barbershop We want to know if the new barber is on the job”
Duke sharpened his pencil with loving care, using a penknife ”I won't ask why you can't take a look yourselves,” he said finally ”It's pretty obvious”
”Not to me,” Jerry objected
”It should be They don't want the barber to get a look at theton They don't want him to know they're interested, or that they know he's in town”
Rick started to ask how Duke had known that much, then realized that the editor had simply drawn the correct conclusion froained a clear insight into how a little information can be built up into a lot No wonder Steve and his people had soofficial secrets
Duke put his pencil down and rose ”It happens that I need a haircut
Stand by” At the door he paused ”Anything else you want to know?”
”We want to know about his ently ”Find out all you can, Duke Please? Particularly if it has any electrical connections besides the wall plug”
Duke studied the moment, then turned and left
Jerry watched his boss leave ”He's kinder to you two than I would be,” he stated ”He didn't ask a single question, even about the hearing aids”
Rick considered There was nothing secret about the Megabuck network, except that he and Barby would use it for a ive the act away
”Promise you'll keep it to yourself,” Rick asked, and at ferry's excited nod he took the tiny receiver from his ear and handed it to Jerry
The reporter held it to his own ear, h to reach from ear to inner pocket
Rick said, ”Barby, say hello to Jerry”
Apparently Barby did, because Jerry gave a surprised start
”Can I talk to her?” Jerry asked
Barby answered the question herself The ht into the little unit, was very sensitive and Rick's thin jacket did not muffle it very rinned
Scotty could hear both sides of the conversation through his own set
Now he broke in ”Any sign of activity yet?”
”Cap'n Mike is fishi+ng right near the houseboat I can see the people on the houseboat, but they're just having breakfast on the rear deck
Where are you?”
”In the newspaper office Duke has gone to check on the barber”
Rick held out his hand and Jerry gave hi