"Mike Resnick - Velvet Comet 2 - Eros At Zenith" - читать интересную книгу автора (Resnick Mike)

"Because a patron was killed in an area that patrons theoretically can't gain access to.
That means your security system has been breached, and she's in charge of it."
"Then shouldn't you be talking to her instead of me?"
"I plan to," he said ominously. "In the meantime, I thought I ought to meet the person in
charge of the ship."
"Well, now that you're here," she said, walking to the bar, "can I fix you a drink?"
He shook his head. "I don't drink."
She sighed. "I suppose you disapprove of prostitution and gambling, too."
"I haven't given it any thought."
"That's just as bad," she said with a chuckle. "If enough people don't think about it, we're
out of business."
He stared at her for a long moment. "You don't seem very upset about what's happened
up here."
"Of course I am," replied the Black Pearl. "But I've got 509 very wealthy, very
demanding prima donnas on board who'll be even more upset if I stop tending to their
comforts." She stared at him. "Or have I got 510?"
"I'm not sure I understand you," said Crane.
"If your understanding is that faulty, you're never going to catch our killer, Mr. Crane,"
said the Black Pearl. "You're here to complain because the Dragon Lady wasn't at the
airlock to meet you."
"Am I?"
She nodded. "It's the only subject that seems to interest you so far."
"There are others," he said. "For one thing, I'll need a place to stay until this case is over."
"In the Home?"
"I'd prefer one of the suites in the Resort," said Crane.
"They're very expensive."
"Vainmill will pay for it. And arrange to have all my meals billed to Vainmill."
"You certainly like your comfort."
"Yes, I do. Have you any objection?"
"Not at all," she replied. "I approve whole-heartedly of people who like their comfort.
Will you be wanting a companion for your suite?"
"I hadn't given it any thought," he responded.
"Ah, that's right: you don't think about such things. Well, if you get lonely, let us know."
She walked over to a couch. "Do you mind if I sit down, Mr. Crane?"
"Suit yourself," he said with a shrug, looking away as she lowered herself to the couch
and readjusted her outfit.
"Don't be embarrassed," she said. "These are just my working clothes. I can get a robe if
my outfit distracts you."
"How you people choose to dress is a matter of complete indifference to me," said Crane.
"How disappointing," she replied with mock regret.
"Now," he said, seating himself opposite her and returning to his subject with a
single-minded intensity, "about your Security Chief."
"All right, Mr. Crane," sighed the Black Pearl. "What about my Security Chief?"
"Her failure to meet me was more than a breach of etiquette. It shows a blatant disregard
for my authority, and I want to determine whether or not it represents an unwillingness
on her part to accept Vainmill's decision to send me here."
"Mr. Crane, I appreciate your concern, but there is a murderer walking the decks of the
Comet . Wouldn't you be better advised to go searching for him instead of sitting here
arguing about protocol?"
"I'll catch him, never fear," said Crane. "I just want to make sure we understand each