He swallowed. "I can't do it, Gabby." "Don't be silly. Just take the cage to the window and open it. Nature'll do the rest." "I mean I can't go to Mexico tonight." "Don't be obstinate, darling. Just clean up the kitchen and keep out of my way." "I can't go tonight, Gabby." He took her shoulders and held her. "And don't think I'm playing noble on account of Roy. I love you so much I'll marry you even if it ruins us. I'll marry you any time or any place you say ... but I can't go tonight." "I want to go tonight, Jordan." "I'm sorry. I can't. I can't run out on the show." "You can so run out on the show. They fired you." "That isn't what I mean. I can't run out on those threats. I've got to stay and face Knott." "Jordan, believe me, there isn't any Knott." "How do you know?" "I just know it." "You mean you just hope it. Who's writing the letters? Who's threatening me?" "No one. It's some kind of silly joke." "A joke! That filth?" "So it's a filthy joke; but we can't take it seriously." "I'm taking it seriously. I want to meet the joker who's picked me out for his filthy humor. I'm going to meet him tonight." "Jordan, please! I want to go to Mexico tonight." "If he doesn't show up," Lennox continued grimly, "I'll drag Aimee Driscoll down to the precinct and we'll beat the truth out of her. We'll pry it out of Sam, too. There's got to be a pay-off tonight." "Jordan!" Gabby shook his arms frantically. "I want to leave tonight. I want it more than anything else. Will you do this for me?" "I can't, sweetheart. I've got too much to settle up first." "And you'll find another excuse tomorrow and the day after and the day after that...." "You know that's not true." "Remember what you said about politics? To hell with politics because we're more important. I agree, Jordan. That's the truth. And to hell with Knott and his letters too." "No." "Oh, why are you so stubborn?" "I have to do what has to be done," Lennox said patiently. "You go ahead and finish packing. We'll leave as soon as I've called the lunatic who's been crucifying me. I'm going up to the theater now. I'll phone you when we're off the air." "No," Gabby said quietly. "The packing can wait. I'll go with you." It was seven-thirty when they arrived at the Venice Theater. More than a hundred ticket-holders were already queued up before the main lobby, waiting for the nine o'clock show. When the doors opened at eight-thirty, there would be at least five hundred more. As Lennox took Gabby around to the stage door he passed down the length of that line, staring into each strange face, searching for his hidden enemy.