"Colin Kapp - The Dark Mind - The Transfinite Man" - читать интересную книгу автора (Kapp Colin)

were recording every word he spoke. "I'm a private investigator working on behalf of Baron Cronstadt
and the Cronstadt committee. Four weeks ago three members of the committee visited Failway on a
fact-finding tour. I know they went in because I watched them. They never came out again."

"That's a sweeping statement," said Madden gently. "You don't suppose we lose people in Failway, do
you?"

"I do mean just that."

"It's scarcely policy, Mr. Dalroi. Failway is devoted to offering patrons whatever they choose to seek. If
they came looking for facts, I have no doubt they found them."

"And if they came looking for trouble?" asked Dalroi. "Let's stop fencing, Mr. Madden. The Cronstadt
committee is out to break the Failway monopoly. The fact that three members don't return after a
Failway visit is highly suggestive of a little foul play. I'd be interested to hear your explanation."

Madden laughed quietly. "My dear Dalroi, we're not afraid of the Cronstadt committee, and we've
nothing to hide. There've always been cranks against Failway and there always will be тАФ it's part of the
cross we bear for being in advance of the times. Why should we trouble ourselves with the maunderings
of three old men?"

Dalroi looked up. "Who said they were old?"

Peter Madden spread his hands. "Prohibition is an old man's occupation. Do you mind if I offer you a
little advice, Mr. Dalroi?"

"Call me Ivan," said Dalroi insolently. "It sounds less formal."

Madden controlled himself. "Very well тАФ Ivan. I advise you to drop this case. You've a big reputation as
an investigator. I suggest you wouldn't want to ruin it by starting something you have no hope of finishing."

"Is that a threat?"

"No, simply a prediction."

"Then your crystal ball is tuned in to the wrong channel. I've never yet walked out on a case."

"Not even when the price was right?" Madden watched him closely.

"No," said Dalroi, "not even then. First of all a man has to live with himself. Besides which, I have a
personal score to settle with Failway."

Madden fingered a file of papers on his desk then pushed it aside with a hint of impatience. "I was afraid
of that," he said. "I don't suppose it does any good to repeat that you have no chance at all of
succeeding?"

"No," said Dalroi. "Win or lose, there isn't enough room for Dalroi and Failway to live together. One of
us is going to have to go."

"At least we reach a point of complete agreement," said Madden quietly.