?I have no idea.?Andrews placed his interlocked fingers in front of him. ?Why’d you let her out of the infirmary? It’s all related to this accident with Murphy somehow. I’d bet my pension on it.? He slapped both hands down on the desk. ?This is what happens when one of these dumb sons of bitches walks around with a hard-on. Why couldn’t you have kept her bottled up and out of sight??

?There was no reason to. She was healthy, ambulatory, and wanted out. I didn’t have either the reason or the authority to restrain her.?Clemens’s studied savoir faire was beginning to weaken. ?I’m a doctor. Not a jailer.?

The superintendent’s expression twisted. ?Don’t hand me that. We both know exactly what you are.?

Clemens rose and started for the door. Andrews’s fingers unlocked and this time he smacked the table with a heavy fist. ?Sit down! I haven’t dismissed you yet.?

The medic replied without turning, struggling to keep himself under control. ?I was under the impression I was here at your invitation, not official order. Presently I think it might be better if I left. At the moment I find you very unpleasant to be around. If I remain I might say or do something regrettable.?

?You might??Andrews affected mock dismay. ?Isn’t

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that lovely. Consider this, Mr. Clemens. How would you like me to have you exposed? Though they are a matter of public record elsewhere, up till now the details of your life have been your own here on Fiorina. This personal privilege has facilitated your work with the prisoners, has indeed given you a certain awkward but nonetheless very real status among them. That is easily revoked. If that were to occur I expect that your life here would become rather less pleasant.?He paused to let everything sink in before continuing.

?What, no witty riposte? No clever jibe? Do I take your silence to mean that you would prefer not to have your dirty little past made part of the general conversation here? Of course, it needn’t stop there. Perhaps you’d like me to explain the details of your sordid history to your patient and new friend Lieutenant Ripley? For her personal edification, of course. Strictly in the interests of helping her to allot her remaining time here appropriately.

?No? Then sit the hell down.?

Wordlessly, Clemens turned and resumed his seat. He looked suddenly older, like a man who’d recently lost something precious and had no hope of recovering it.

Andrews regarded his guest thoughtfully. ?I’ve always been straight with you. I think that’s good policy, especially in an environment like we have here. So you won’t be particularly upset or surprised when I say that I don’t like you.?

?No,?Clemens murmured in a soft, flat voice. ?I’m not surprised.?