"Quite old. Exactly why have you come here?"
Patiently Glawen repeated the reasons for his presence.
"As you see, it is not complicated. The promoter of these excursions is a criminal who must be brought to justice."
Zaa smiled.
"Is it not possible that our concepts might differ?"
"Not in this case. The details would sicken you."
"I am not easily affected."
Glawen shrugged.
"Justice to the side, your interests may best be served by answering my questions."
"I am unable to follow your logic."
"Our present investigation is focused upon Ogmo Enterprises.
If the IPCC becomes involved, the investigation will widen to the se ming ary, by reason of Sibil's participation quite likely to your embarrassment and certainly to your inconvenience, since the hearings will be heldatFexelburg."
"And further? I wish to hear the full compendium of threats and horrors."
Glawen laughed.
"These are neither only predictable circum stances. But further, since you ask, the six High Ordinaries may well be indicted as accessories, as no doubt they deserve to be. As of now, this aspect of the case exceeds my instructions."
Zaa seemed amused.
"Let me make sure that I understand you correctly. If I do not answer your questions, the IPCC will enter the case, cause me inconvenience and indict six High Ordinaries. Is that the gist of your statement?"
Glawen gave another uneasy laugh.
"You have cast my remarks into the crudest possible mold. I pointed out some possibilities which you can avoid, if you choose to do so."
Zaa came slowly forward.
"You are aware that this is LutwUer Country?"
"Of course."
"The local laws are designed to work for our protection.
They concede us the right to deal brusquely with intruders, criminals and pests. Adversaries confront us at their own risk."
Glawen spoke with confidence.
"I am a police officer performing my routine duties; what should I have to fear?"
"First of all, the usual penalties meted out to blackmailers."
"What!" Glawen jerked up in shock.
"How did you come by this idea?"
Zaa appraised him for a moment, and Glawen thought that she might be enjoying herself.
"Today I was warned of your arrival and told of the demands you would make."
Glawen's jaw dropped.
"This is absurdity! Who notified you?"
"Names are not in the least relevant."
"They seem so to me--especially since the information is false."
Zaa gave her head a slow silken shake.
"I think not. You have betrayed your position with your own words."
"How so?"
"Are you truly so ingenuous? Or do you still think to befuddle me with your smirks and artful mannerisms?"
"Madame, you misinterpret me completely! I attempt nothing of the sort! I assure you of this with all my heart! If you have read such an intent into my conduct, you are mistaken."
"Address me as "Ordene," if you please."
Zaa's voice was colder than ever, and Glawen realized with a pang that he had put his case with tactless fervor.
"In any event, I am neither ingenuous nor a blackmailer."
"This is demonstrably untrue. With careful malice you threatened me with an IPCC investigation. With obvious satisfaction you described the anguish and humiliation to be visited upon me and recited the harms to be done to the High Ordinaries."
"Stop!" cried Glawen.
"The longer you talk, the worse these imaginary misdeeds become. Face facts! The crimes were committed! Someone must investigate them. I make no demands upon you. If you decide not to answer my questions, I will bid you good day and you will never see me again."
Zaa seemed to come to a decision.
"Yes! We shall contract together! The terms shall be these: I will supply in full measure the information you want; in return you will render certain services for me."
Glawen rose to his feet.
"What kind of services? When, where, why and how?"
