Assignment's End

"I've had you under surveillance for days," Jeffers said. "I'm taking no chances on you."

Alcorn turned back to face him. "You've found others? Where and --"

"I'll tell you that when you're on my payroll."

"It's a trick," Alcorn said angrily. "I searched for years before I settled down with Consolidated and I didn't find a trace of anybody like myself. I don't believe there are any."

"Most of them covered themselves better." Jaffers added, with cold finality, "I don't haggle, Alcorn. You'll work for me or for no one."