"Yes, sir," Mead said, nodding slowly. He looked hesitantly at Marlowe.
"What's up, Boy?"
"Well, sir--" Mead began, then stopped. "Nothing important, really."
Marlowe gave him a surprising look full of sadness and brooding
understanding.
"You're thinking he's an old, frightened man, and why don't we leave him
alone?"
"Why ... yes, sir."
"Dave."
"Yes, Dave."
"You're quite right. Why don't we?"
"We can't, sir. I know that. But it doesn't seem fair--"
"Exactly, Chris. It ain't right, but it's correct."
The light on Marlowe's interphone blinked once. Marlowe looked at it in
momentary surprise. Then his features cleared, and he muttered
"Cabbage." He reached out toward the switch.
"We've got a visitor, Chris. Follow my lead." He reviewed his
information on Dovenilid titular systems while he touched the switch.
"Ask ud Klavan to come in, uh ... Mary."