“Unfortunately, Mr. Deutsch can’t provide us with that information. A complete listing of all the cooperating players is in the hands of only two people, Pierce Spencer, the president of IBC, and his vice-president, Ida Moulay.”

In assent, Deutsch shakes his head up and down, knocking cigarette ashes over himself in the process.

The senator continues. “I trust that you, being a professional, don’t need to be told how relatively simple it would be to completely dominate a football game given two men, one on each side, under such guidance.”

Numbly, T.K. lifts his head up and lets it drop. “Why are you telling me this? For all you know, I could be in with them. I could have one of those receivers stuck in my head.”

“We think not.” Abelman sits on the edge of the table facing T.K., his feet crossed at the ankles, his arms folded. “According to Mr. Deutsch, they frequently refer to you at their staff meetings as being the type of player they could do without. As you may be aware, they prefer a more pugnacious variety of sportsman. We’re certain you’re not in league with them. As to why we’re telling you this. Quite simple. You were there when this incident on the tape occurred.” He points behind him, vaguely in the direction of the screen. “I suspect that the Minutemen’s actions on this particular play were somewhat atypical. Am I right in assuming that you can vouch for such a fact?”

Again, T.K. nods emphatically once. “They had no reason to suspect the screen. If they did, and if they were really defending against it, they would have covered everybody, Eddie included. Matision would have dogged it along with his ends. It’s a fine point, but to a pro, it’s significant.”

“Good. That’s exactly what I was hoping you’d say. You see, we’re taking our accusations to the Attorney General. We have the tape, but, speaking cynically, it wouldn’t have been all that difficult for us to have dubbed in the sound track you heard. Mr. Deutsch won’t be able to attest to the tape’s authenticity. In return for his cooperation, I’ve promised him that his name will be kept out of this, and that later on I’ll intercede for him with the investigating authorities. Hence we need some definitive way to lend our tape credence. You are that way. The tape, together with your interpretation of the events it portrays, will clinch it for us.”

T.K. holds up his hand and spreads it palm out in Abelman’s direction. “Wait a minute. This is all going too quickly for me. McKay yesterday said something about my meeting Matision in the Killerbowl this year. Is that part of their plan?”

“Yes, it is. Barring an unforeseen fatal or disabling accident to one or the other of you, it’s a virtual certainty.”