Free Behold a Dark Mirror by Theophilus Axxe Page B

Division of the Tower, Crime Prevention and Law Enforcement.  May I help you?"
    "Yes, I think so.  I want to report a break-in."
    *
    Gus looked at him straight in the eyes.  "Are you telling me that this card was in the safe?  Do you know what it is they want?  And how did they put it in there in the first place?"
    Outside the closed doors of the office, the Civil Defense was turning Jenus's lab into an even worse mess.  Occasional crashes, loud voices—too many people were moving around with horsey grace.
    Jenus, sitting with his feet on the desk, donned his best poker face.  "Good question.  I don't think you helped them open the safe.  I didn't.  I don't know about Lane and Vance.  For the rest, can you imagine what it is these criminals want from me?"
    "Are you going to tell them about the card?"  Gus pointed with his thumb at the door behind his back.
    "Should we?"
    Gus shrugged, digging his head into his shoulders and raising his arms.  The puzzlement in his expression was so sincere it could have been funny.  "Why not?"  He said.
    "Do you trust the Tower, Gus?"
    "Not really, no, but—"
    "Do you think they'll help us?"
    "Well, yes, I guess.  Maybe they know what the card—"
    "They know what? They know how to stick their nose in every corner and fiddle with their damn reports, without doing a thing for anybody but themselves."
    "Yes, Jenus, but you've got connections.  You can pull a string here and a string there.  They'll do something for you.  Won't they?"
    Jenus's face was now painted with uncertainty.  "Dunno," he answered.  "Whoever did this has better connections than I do.  I'll cash in my overdue favors and in return I'll get hot air."
    "So what's your plan?"
    "I guess we'll keep this at face value.  Vandals?  Thieves?  Let the CD work up their motives, round up the suspects.  We'll play dumb and watch."
    "There's something pretty close to a corpse in the lab, Jenus.  What about it?"
    "I didn't disfigure anybody."  At least not personally, he thought.
    "What about the note?  What is it they're after?  These people have no scruples.  You must be scared—aren't you?"
    "Scared?  And why, Gus?"
    "You're the boss, Jenus.  I don't think I agree, but this is your call.  As for me, I've never heard anything about that note.  From anybody.  Never.  That includes you, from now on."
    "Deal, Gus."
    "What do you want me to do next?"
    "Go home.  Call the insurance.  Get this place cleaned up.  Call our customers, explain the problem, keep them happy.  When you're ready, reopen shop."
    "That will take a couple of weeks or so.  Where will you—"
    "And fire Lane and Vance."
    "OK, but how can I trace you, if I need you?"
    "I've other business to take care of.  I'll be out of town for a while."
    "What?"  Gus said.  "Other business?  After this?"  He waved his arm around.  "Jenus, what kind of trouble are you in?"
    "I'm taking a vacation, Gus.  I can't stay here."
    "Sure."  He looked at him.  "This must be the end of our conversation now, Jenus.  Say hi to Janet for me."  Gus rose and went out.  The commotion in the lab spilled into the office through the open door, then subsided again when it closed.
    Janet.  Jenus's heart stopped for an instant.
    The door opened to let through a wave of noise and a captain of the CD.
    "Sir, the burn victim hasn't got much longer to live.  The doctor says he's a man, and the anesthetic you gave him didn't hurt.  The victim continues to repeat meaningless phonemes.  The doctor says he may be delirious.  Did he say anything to you before we arrived?"
    "Yes and no.  He..."  Jenus shook his head.  "Just meaningless phonemes, as you very well put it.
    "Do you have any idea about his identity?  The doctor will find out who he is, but it will take time to get a match.  If you could help, our search will be faster."
    "No, I'm sorry, I have no idea."
    "The doctor noted the fourth finger of the victim's left hand was amputated..."
    Jenus's