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

Harada. Unless it is, his suspicions will remain as will the
possibility of reprisal. IтАФ" He broke off as his phone hummed its
signal. To the face on the screen he snapped, "What is it?"

"A report from Officer Harm, sir. A man was reported for
trying to sell meat."

"Sun-dried?"

"Yes."

"And?" Avorot's voice reflected his impatience. "Speak up,
man."
 "He was suspicious and tried to run. Officer Harm had to
shoot. The man is now in hospital."

"Dead?"

"Wounded, but critical. I thought it bestтАФ"

The screen died as Avorot broke the connection. To the
woman he said, "My apologies, my lady, but this is urgent. I
must speak to that man before he dies."


***

He lay on a cot in a room painted green and brown, the colors
of earth and growth, but one hue was missing, the scarlet of
blood. Avorot looked at the thin face, then at the doctor hovering
close.

"Can he talk?"

"He is in terminal coma."

"That isn't answering my question. Can you give him drugs in
order to make him speak?"

"He's dying, Commissioner. Your officer aimed too well, the
bullet severed the spine and lacerated the lungs. The loss of blood
was intense and that, coupled with shockтАФ"

"I am not interested in your diagnosis," snapped Avorot. "Nor
in your implied criticism of my officer. The man is a criminal
who refused to obey an order. He holds information I must have.
It is your responsibility to see that I get it. Call me when the man
can speak."

Outside the room Officer Harm was waiting. A big, beefy man