Phil nodded approvingly, took the paper, and started out. “Hey, Thad,” he said first. “Lee’s out at the Shack. Suppose I get the squad to drop me off there on the way, and bring her back in? You don’t need me for anything around here?” “No. Good idea. Glad you thought of it.” _Dollars Dome--7:30_ P.M. (_C.S.T._) When he came out of it, Chris was standing next to the couch, watching him. He got himself unbuckled, stood up, stretched. Chris watched, and said nothing. Johnny straightened out, felt his feet steady under him, and took a stance facing the other man, not more a foot away. “All right, Johnny, you got here,” Chris said. “_Now_ what?” “What I said to start with,” he replied evenly. “I want to see Lisa. I hear by the newspapers--” _The hell with that crap! He didn’t ask_ why.... “_I_ see by the newscasts,” Chris picked up on it, “That you are here as a ‘special investigator’ for Mr. McLafferty--whatever _that_ is.” Johnny said nothing. “Are the newscasts right?” “Ask McLafferty.” “You’re closer.” “Listen, Chris. I came for Lee. You can make it easy or make it tough. We used to be friends, so I tell you this once: I came for my girl. You and Mac can both go to whatever kind of Hell they keep for guys like you. And I’ll foul you up as cheerfully as him if you get in my way. I came for my girl. The rest of your politicking fornicating foolishness doesn’t concern me at all.” Chris thought it over. “Okay,” he said. “I’ll cooperate with you in anything Lee wants. Outside of that, I warn you, step out of line just once, just by one toe, and--I’m the boss here. That’s all.” “Okay. Now where’s my girl?” “You know the room. If she’s not there, try Kutler.” _Dollars Dome--7:50_ P.M. (_C.S.T._) “He’s pretty damn busy,” Bourgnese said. “If it’s something I can take care of...?” “You Number Two boy here?” Johnny demanded. “You could put it that way,” the other man said coldly. “Okay. I’ll put it that way. Can you authorize me a half-track?” “You’re kiddin’!” _Well, what in Hell is so special about wanting a car?_ “What are they, made out of solid gold or something? Nobody but the Big Cheese can sign ’em out?” “Look, before you flip completely, friend, leave me advise you that there probably isn’t even a car in the Dome. If they’re not all out already, they ought to be. And what makes you so damn eager to get in on it?” “In on what? I’m looking for Lisa.” “Well, try Kutler if she’s not in her room. He brought her back in--” “He’s not here and neither is she.” “You _sure_ of that? He went out for her--Hell, it must’ve been five-thirty or so--” “I’m sure. She’s at the Shack.” Bourgnese stared at him a moment. “You tried the dining room and dance room and all that jazz? I _know_ he was bringing her right back.” “Listen,” Johnny said, straining all his nerves for patience. “They’re not here. They’re at the Shack. Hell, I don’t know where _he_ is, and I don’t give a damn. But _she’s_ there.” “How do you know?”