"E. C. Tubb - Dumarest 14 - Jack of Swords" - читать интересную книгу автора (Tubb E. C)

as if with pain. "Harada suspects an Owner is responsible. Unless
the culprits are found he will be tempted to take action and the
last thing we want is an internecine war. The last time it
happened a third of the breeding stock was destroyed and two
Owners assassinated. That was before your time, but I remember
it. I don't want it to happen again."

"It won't, my lady."

"Which means that you've discovered something." Her eyes
narrowed a trifle. "Why haven't you made an arrest? How much
longer will you keep us all in suspense? I insist you take action,
Commissioner, and fast. If not, another will take your place."

Another threat to add to the rest, but he could understand her
concern. Her lands were arid, her herd small, a war could wipe
her out and end her power. For such a woman that was
unthinkable.

He said quietly, "To take action isn't enough. There is the
question of proof."
 "Surely that can be found?" She edged closer to the desk, her
voice lowered. "Who was it? Eldaret? Jelkin? Repana? Who?"

Owners all, and her suspicions were proof of how they
regarded each other. The bull, used, would have put them all at a
disadvantage.

She frowned at his answer. "Not an Owner! Man, do you
realize what you are saying? It would have taken a rifle to kill
that beast, a laser even. Men would have needed a raft and lights
to spot the target. Who but an Owner could have arranged it?"

"Think of the facts, my lady."

"I know them." She was curt. "A beast killed and
butcheredтАФobviously done to avoid suspicion. The fence cut and
the animal removed so as to hide the real objective. Have you
questioned the guards?"

"I know my business, my lady."

She ignored the reproof. "They must have been bribed.
Question them again and this time be less gentle. It is something
you should have done before."

"And will the ravings and accusations of a man in torment
provide satisfactory evidence?" With an effort he mastered
himself. Never could he afford the luxury of betraying his true
feelings. "The problem must be solved to the satisfaction of Tien