Free Throy by Jack Vance

official version. “This morning I decided to renew contact with Kathcar. To this end I called Warden Ballinder. He informed me that Kathcar had not been seen for several days. Apparently he has gone into seclusion.”
    “There may be another explanation.”
    Bodwyn Wook gave a curt nod. “Warden Ballinder is looking into the matter.”
    Glawen had no wish to return to Stroma, to find Kathcar or for any other reason. He and Wayness were currently preoccupied with plans for the house they would build after their marriage; it was a most interesting process.
    Bodwyn Wook continued. “Now we must use what crumbs fall our way. Kathcar hinted at much but told us little. He mentioned the names ‘Lewyn Barduys’ and ‘Flitz.’ It seems that Barduys is active in the transportation industry. Smonny and the LPF want transport to ferry the Yips ashore. Barduys can provide this transport hence he is a popular man, as well as hard to find, which evidently is the way he likes it.”
    “Has the IPCC any information?”
    “He has no criminal record, so there is no file on him. The current Gaean Industrial Directory lists him as principal stockholder in several companies: L-B Construction, Span Transit, Rhombus Cargo Transport, perhaps others. He is an extremely wealthy man, but he keeps himself out of sight.”
    “He is not invisible. Someone must know something about him.”
    Bodwyn Wook nodded. “This brings us to the subject of Namour, who supplied Barduys with a gang of Yip laborers.”
    “It seems a complicated business,” said Glawen in a subdued voice. Whoever ultimately took this case in hand would find little time for private activities, such as discovering the exactly right site for a new home, and making all kinds of other interesting decisions.
    “So it does. Namour took most of his indentured Yips to Rosalia. Barduys is not included in the Handbook’s list of Rosalia ranchers - which may mean much or nothing.”
    “You should ask Chilke,” said Glawen. “He spent quite some time on Rosalia.”
    “That is a good idea,” said Bodwyn Wook. “Now then: to business! You seem particularly adept with these off-world cases -”
    “Not really! It only seems that way! A dozen times I have escaped death by a hair’s breadth! It is a wonder -”
    Bodwyn Wook held up his hand. “Modesty is rare in a Clattuc, and it becomes you. However, I am almost inclined to look for an ulterior motive!”
    Glawen had nothing to say. Bodwyn Wook went on: “Bureau B manpower is stretched to the limit, what with our continual patrols and inspections, so low-rank operatives like yourself must be sent to deal with important affairs.”
    Glawen pondered a moment, then said: “If you promoted me to a higher rank it would ease half your problem.”
    “All in good time. Hasty advancement makes for a poor officer; that is tried and true doctrine, valid across the ages. Proper seasoning, over eight or, better, ten years will be to your ultimate benefit.”
    Glawen made no comment. Bodwyn Wook went on briskly: “Despite all, I am entrusting this investigation to you. It will, of course, take you off-world - where I cannot predict. Keep in mind that you are looking for both Barduys and Namour, although Barduys is your primary concern. No doubt he will easily be found through his business connections. I mention Namour because Barduys and the Yip labor gangs may provide a clue as to Namour’s whereabouts. It is natural to think of the world Rosalia and Shadow Valley Ranch in this connection. You must deal cautiously with Namour; he is a callous and resourceful murderer. We have much unfinished business with him back here at the Station, and he will make no mild submission. Indeed, according to rumor, he runs with a gang of bloody-minded thugs. Still, you will deal with him relentlessly and make a standard Bureau B arrest.”
              “Alone?”
              “Certainly! Never forget that in your person resides the full