"E. C. Tubb - Dumarest 20 - Web of Sand" - читать интересную книгу автора (Tubb E. C)

years ago. But if you're worried I'll ask the steward."

"No," said Dumarest. "We'll ask the captain."

Frome matched his ship, a small, hard man with filed teeth
over which his lips fitted like a trap. He scowled as he came to
the door leading into the control room.

"You're off limits. Return to the salon at once."

"Willingly, Captain, as soon as you have eased our minds."
Dumarest kept his voice casual. "We are a little concerned about
the delay. Is something wrong with the ship?"

"No."

"I'm glad to hear it. The ladies were anxious. Then it's true we
are being diverted? The steward mentioned—"

"What he shouldn't have done." Unthinkingly the captain fell
into the trap. "The fool should have known better than to relay
ship business to passengers."

Dumarest said, flatly, "Our business too, Captain. Where are
we heading?"

"Harge."

"Harge?" Carl Santis thrust himself forward, his face ugly. "I
booked to Fendris. I can't afford the delay."

"You leave the ship on Harge. You all leave it."

Dumarest dropped his hand to the mercenary's arm, feeling
the tense muscle as he restrained Santis's lunge. Frome was
armed, a laser holstered at his waist, one hand resting close to
the butt—an unusual addition to any captain's uniform and a
sure sign that he anticipated trouble. The navigator too was
armed. He stood back in the control room, his weapon aimed at
the group beyond the door.

Kemmer snapped, "That isn't good enough. I demand an
explanation."

"Demand?" Frome bared his pointed teeth. "Demand?"

The trader had courage. "A deal was made, passage booked,
money handed over. A high passage to Fendris. That's what I
paid for and that's what I want."