McLeod shrugged. "Overman would say that's part of your Anti-News tendencies." "And you?" McLeod grinned. "I'm not much for spectator sports." "No, I mean about the Anti-Newspaper League. I'm not admitting anything, but I just wonder what you think." "You wouldn't believe me." "Why don't you try us, Darius?" Cripp suggested. "You don't have to admit anything," McLeod informed them. "Overman plugged a receiver into your TV sets and monitored them. Mine too, by the way. I called you a while ago. Which put me in hot water too." "You mean he'll monitor the call?" asked Cripp. "Maybe he already has. You can check with your recorder if you want to, Tracy." "Tell me what you told the recorder?" "That I was going to try and save Cripp's life. That I had finally come to my senses, I guess." "All you have to do to save Cripp's life is nothing. I was told by someone on Lantrel's staff that you hadn't applied for Cripp's death." "Another part of the cell," McLeod mused. "Just how extensive is it?" "I wouldn't know," Tracy told him coolly. "Anyway, you said Overman knows." "He does. I don't." * * * * * The Apache strippers had leaped from the stage and now were cavorting acrobatically about the dance floor. A single red spot followed them as they pounced after each other, working their way toward the rows of tables and then among them. McLeod heard quick, eager breathing in the shadowy audience. "I never knew they came off the stage," Tracy said. McLeod winked at her. "Maybe one of these days they'll want audience participation." "Very funny. If you're telling us the truth, Darius, what are you going to do?" "You tell me. Overman wanted me to kill Cripp, win your confidence and take Cripp's place in the cell. I had to make it look like it wasn't me who did the job. But if Overman monitored my TV, he'll realize I'm not his boy. He'll have to do without an informant. He knows I'm wise to him but probably doesn't want to know. Which means he'll have to act fast." "But if he eliminates you, Wainwright and the _World_ get their scoop," Cripp pointed out. "I know, I can't figure it. Overman's got a man-sized problem, but so have you. I don't think you have much time to leave the city. Get lost somewhere. Change your names. Anything." Tracy bristled. "We haven't admitted a thing." "There's no time for that. Please, Tracy," Cripp pleaded. "I think Darius is on our side. We're making a mistake if we reject him." "Unless I'm wrong," McLeod said, "Overman hasn't told anyone but me. He just doesn't know who to trust." "So he settles for Mr. Judas Iscariot himself," Tracy said. Cripp slammed his hand down on the table and drew angry oaths from the tables around them. "Cut it out," he said. "Let's listen to Darius. Can you think of anything else to do?" "Well--"