The man nodded. "I tried. He was clear in before I knew what had
happened, but I tried. I--I think it puzzled him. It didn't do any good
at all. He just brushed it aside."
"Ted," said Faircloth. "Now listen. Forget about it. Don't write up a
report. Don't even think about it. As far as you're concerned, the job
is over. Get dressed, and travel south--down to Florida, Rio, any old
place, it doesn't matter where, just go. Use an expense account and
have yourself the time of your life."
Marino's eyes opened in amazement. "Are you crazy? I thought this was
what--"
"It is. Do what I say and don't worry about it. You're finished on this
job. When you've gotten a good rest come back to the Hoffman Center
and take up your training with Dr. Abrams where you left off." Paul
flipped the switch and turned back to the room, his heart pounding a
staccato cadence in his throat. He grinned triumphantly and began to
pack his bag.
The chase was on, but this time, the mouse was chasing the cat.