CLARION

35

"We have to get back to the hotel for Dorland's next show. We don't have much time, and we won't make any progress here unless you tell us why you're asking all these questions."

Sabre's high cheekbones went scarlet. "Meaning you have information but won't give it to me?"

"Meaning I'm as concerned about Dorland's safety as you are," Paul snapped. "If I knew what you're looking for, maybe I could help." Sabre stared at him.

"Have it your way." Paul stood up. "Let's go, Dorland."

Sabre reached for the attache case and popped open the clasp at each end.

"I want to show you something." He reached into the case, brought out a small black gun and held it up for Paul to see. "Do you know about weapons, Mr. Jurick?"

"A little." He looked closer. "I know where you got that one."

Sabre nodded. "Our friend Bekman." He returned the gun to the attache case. "It's a laser pistol. Very effective. You're both lucky to be alive."

"I accept that," Paul said, still standing. "But what's your point?"

"This type of gun was at one time used by Guard personnel. They called it a burp gun because of the sound the chamber's cooling mechanism makes." Paul didn't remember seeing a gun like that when he was in Guard training, and the term was not familiar to him. But he'd left the Guard years ago, and he knew they were always trying out new weapons.

"So Bekman used to be in the Guard," he said.

"That should help you identify him."

"I don't think so. The Guard stopped using laser pistols almost two hundred years ago." 36