"Fine. You talked more than a ventriloquist with a two-tongued
dummy.... Then you turn up on Pluto, just when things are getting hot."
"After three years of hiding in third-grade ratholes for fear of the
law." There was no bitterness in Nolan's voice. Just a calm statement
of an unpleasant fact.
Petersen's voice was level, too, but his eyes were alert as he watched
Nolan. "That couldn't be helped, Steve. You know what was at stake."
Abruptly the grin returned. "The whole damned System, that's all,"
Nolan said a little proudly. "Well ... go ahead with your story."
Petersen shrugged. He looked a little relieved as he spoke. "You know
most of it. Oh--one part you don't know. Woller's daughter--her name's
Ailse--knew about what he was doing. She just found out about it. We
had a maid working in her home in Aylette--she didn't generally stay
with Woller; they didn't get along."