Page 61 (1/2)

"Inside, taped to the underside of the top" The driver's voice was soft, yet coer Take it and get that damned screwdriver out of my ear"

Still using one hand, Pitt opened the breech of the derringer, rubbed his thues to make sure the chambers were loaded, and then reclosed the breech and cocked the hammer

"So far, so good Now ease out of the car and keep your hands where I can see therip on the screwdriver and withdrew it from the driver's ear cavity

The driver slid from behind the wheel, walked to the front of the car and propped hiht hand and"A clever tactic, Major It didn't come out of any book I know"

"You should read h the eardru victi before either you or I were born"

"A rather painful lesson I'et"

Pitt got out and pushed the front door of the car open to its stop and stood behind the interior panel, using it for a shield, the gun in his hand trained on the driver's heart "You said you talked to Adton Describe hi"

The driver needed no further coaxing He talked for severala few of Sandecker's pet slang terood-nearly letter-perfect"

"I have a photographic memory, Major My description of Admiral Sandecker could have easily come from a file Take a rundown of yourself for example: Major Dirk Eric Pitt Born exactly thirty-two years, fourHospital in Newport Beach, California Mother's nae Pitt, senior United States Senator froht have been repeating aon about your three rows of combat ribbons which you never wear or your forive you a coton"

Pitt waved the gun "That will do I'm impressed, of course, Mr-ah-"

"Lillie Jerome P Lillie the Fourth I'm your contact"

"Jeroood try but couldn't sul)press an incredulous laugh "You've got to be kidding- " Lillie gestured helplessly "Laugh if you will, Major, but the Lillie nahly esteemed in St Louis for nearly a hundred years"

Pitt thought for a moment Then it came to him

"Lillie Beer Of course, that's it Lillie Beer What's the slogan? Brewed for the gourmet's table"

"Proof that it pays to advertise," Lillie said "I take it you're another one of our satisfied customers?"