It was quiet in the room. Forsythe was pale, his eyes darting from
one to the other. The stranger's thin face was grim and a little
frightened. Manning's was impassive. Of the three of them, he was the
only one who didn't give a damn what happened.
"Put it down, son."
There was a slight muscular tensing in the stranger's hand and Manning
dropped to the floor, rolling so he hit the stranger's legs. Then the
man was down, grunting heavily as he hit the floor. Manning caught the
gun hand and tried to bend it back, to force the stranger to release
the weapon. Then the man kneed him in the stomach and Manning suddenly
loosened his grip, gasping. The stranger ducked around Forsythe and
dove for the door; then he was gone, his footsteps echoing down the
hallway.
Manning got up and dusted off his pants. Forsythe was standing by the
door, looking somewhat dazed by the sudden turn of events.
"Maybe I should've let him finish you off," Manning said in a tired
voice. "It would have saved the state money."
Forsythe brushed back his hair with a shaking hand. "Thanks a lot for
saving my life, Manning. I appreciate it."
"Think nothing of it," Manning said cynically. "But if you're
so grateful, how about telling me what this is all about? Who
manufactures your goods, who's behind you?"
Forsythe shook his head. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you,
Manning. And I can't tell you."
"That makes a lot of sense," Manning said sourly. He started for the
door. "I'm going to send the cops back to watch this place. It might be
a good idea to take you into protective custody, too."
Forsythe smiled faintly.
"Before you leave, Manning, I'd like to give you something." He shoved
a package into Manning's hands. "Take this as a gift."
Manning slipped the small package into his pocket. "You shouldn't have
done that," he said tightly. "Don't you know what the penalties are for
bribing an agent of the government?"