"I know. That's why you gave her an appointment with me," said the exasperated personnel director. "Well, you can go right back out and tell her I've canceled the appointment. This is a security job we're filling and ..." * * * * * Before Harry could utter another syllable his attention was drawn to the doorway. The view to the outer office was blocked by a bundle of curves. The most alluring female bombshell his eyes had ever beheld put everything important out of his mind. "I didn't realize you were being so inconvenienced, Mr. Payne. I'm terribly sorry." Her eyes drooped. "I can take my business elsewhere." Miss Ralston's voice was just above a half whisper. The words came out warm and intoxicating. "No, wait! Wait a minute, Miss Ralston." Harry was out of his chair and at the door. He took her arm. "Who said anything about inconvenience? Come in. Come in. That'll be all, Miss Conway. Thanks." The secretary giggled and left. Miss Ralston sat down and lit a cigarette. Harry noticed she was wearing a beige knit suit with a neckline that spoke volumes. Every curve was in the right place. Every movement had another movement all its own. Harry knew she was bound to talk business and he knew there wasn't much he could do for her in that direction. But at thirty-five, and eligible, he just couldn't let this woman leave his office. Harry Payne was a sucker for a gorgeous face. He knew it and he knew the gorgeous face knew it. "Tell me, Miss Ralston, when did my secretary arrange this appointment for you?" "I called yesterday." Harry arched his eyebrows and smiled. "Yesterday? What prompted you to call me?" "You're looking for a laboratory technician, aren't you?" "What gave you that idea?" he asked, not caring in the slightest what gave it to her. "I make it my business to comb the papers every day, Mr. Payne. I came across the news of George Fisher's suicide and called you. Simple as that." "You don't waste any time." She smiled and pursed her lips. "Do you?" "I try not to." "I have seven clients who would qualify for the job. I'd appreciate it if you'd see them." "Well, as a matter of fact, Miss Ralston ..." She leaned forward with an inquisitive "Yes?" Harry cleared his throat. "As a matter of fact I'm not supposed to do business with civilian agencies." "Mr. Payne," she smiled demurely, "do I look like an agency? Or do I look like a Personnel Consultant?" * * * * * Now there was an opening, Harry thought, but it might be best to avoid it. "You're working to get someone a job. It amounts to the same thing." "I see. Then how _do_ you go about hiring your new personnel?" "I do the soliciting myself. Sorry, Miss Ralston, but I don't make the rules and regulations." But the lady was undeterred. She crossed her legs and sank further into the easy chair. Her eyes sparkled at Harry.