"The Smith routine is just a gag," Arena said. "His name is--Maclamore."
For an instant, I thought I saw a flash of expression on Stenn's face.
He crossed the room and sat down.
"Well," he said. "A very rational move, your coming here. I trust you
struck a profitable bargain?" He looked hard at me, and this time there
was expression. Hate, I would call it, offhand.
"Not much of a deal at that, Stenn," Arena said. "The captain is a
tough nut to crack. He wants my help with no strings attached. I think
I'm going to buy it."
"How much information has he given you?"
Arena laughed. "Nothing," he said. "Max Arena going for a deal like
that. Funny, huh? But that's the way the fall-out fogs 'em."
"And what have you arranged?"
"I turn him loose, him and Williams. I figure you'll go along, Stenn,
and let him have the three guys you got. Williams will tell him where
the Scout boat is, so there's no percentage in your holding out."
"What else?"
"What else is there?" Arena spread his hands. "They pick up the boat,
fuel up--someplace--and they're off. And the captain here gives me the
old Academy word he cuts me in, once he's clear."
There was a long silence. Arena smiled comfortably; Stenn sat calmly,
looking at each of us in turn. I crossed my fingers and tried to look
bored.
"Very well," Stenn said. "I seem to be presented with a _fait
accompli_...."