"Very well. I shall make a series of statements, and give you opportunity to refute them either in part or _in toto_. Professor Losch, some years ago you were engaged privately, in magnetronic cybernetic research along similar lines to those later developed by Amos Carmack. Shortly thereafter you claimed that Carmack had thwarted you, out-maneuvered you, _out-stolen_ you at every turn; I believe those are pretty much your own words, as revealed by court records--" "Correct! I repeat them now!" "You filed against him, and litigation dragged through the courts for several years before Carmack finally won out. Shortly thereafter you disappeared; I believe you took up residence in Europe. About a year ago you returned, and was hired as Research Consultant in the laboratories of the Carmack Foundation. This is true?" * * * * * For a moment Losch avoided looking at the screen. It was obvious he was considering his answer carefully. "It's true," he said. Beardsley said quickly, "It is my understanding that Mr. Mandleco interceded with Carmack on your behalf--" "I protest the last statement!" Losch's words exploded from the screen. "There was no intercession by anyone!" His head lifted defiantly. "Yes, I came back. I don't mind admitting I came crawling back. Carmack offered me the position and I accepted!" "Quite so. And he offered you a hundred thousand a year, didn't he? Twice the salary of any other top man?" "You think that's out of line," Losch bristled, "but he must have thought I was worth it--I think you know why! He owed me ten times as much!" "You must have really hated Carmack," murmured Beardsley. Mandleco thrust forward angrily, gesturing. "Losch, let me caution you not to answer that!" "But I will answer it! Yes, I hated him, but if you think I killed the man you're wrong. Sure--I wanted to kill him--I thought about it often enough, but I hadn't the courage." Losch glared at Beardsley from the screen. "No doubt my Augment Index will bear it out," he said bitterly. "Neuro-thalamic imbalance isn't it called? Pronounced efforts at emotional suppression?" "Close enough," Beardsley nodded, refusing to be enticed from his query. "And you were in Washington prior to and including the day of the murder. You admit this?" "Of course, of course I admit it!" Losch sighed wearily and lifted his hands. "Why deny the obvious? I'm resigned to the fact that my Index probably makes me a prize Prime!" "Professor Losch. As a person closely associated with the Carmack Laboratories, you must be aware of the--shall we say--elaborate precautions Carmack took to ensure his privacy?" Losch sank back slowly, but his eyes couldn't conceal a livening interest. "I don't know what you mean." "Then I'll tell you. I refer to the frequency barrier which Carmack installed within the past year. The 'neuro-vibe' I think he called it. That strikes a note?" Losch said sullenly, "Perhaps! What about it?"