and the Keys of Marinus by Philip Hinchcliffe

Author:Philip Hinchcliffe [Hinchcliffe, Philip]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780491029216
Google: RHRAAAAACAAJ
Amazon: 0491029217
Publisher: W.H. Allen
Published: 1980-09-15T07:13:20+00:00

9 Sentenced!

Ian awoke. He was lying on the floor next to the dead body. Someone had covered it with a sheet. He staggered to his feet and glanced at the display case. An ugly hole in the glass marked where the key had lain.

A voice behind him said "Do you want to tell me where you've hidden it?'

The speaker was seated on a chair near the door. He wore an immaculate, black uniform, officer's boots, and a wide, leather belt with gun holster. He was about twenty-five years of age, clean-shaven, with short, smoothly-brushed hair.

"Who are you?' asked Ian, taken aback.

"My name is Tarron.' The stranger spoke in cultured, clipped tones. "I am Interrogator of the Guardian Division. Do you feel well enough to talk now?' He fingered the buttons on a small recorder.

"Well, my head's pretty sore.' Ian looked around. "What happened here?'

The Interrogator gave him a cool stare. "I'm waiting for you to tell me.'

"I don't know very much. I came through that door...'

"It was unlocked?'

"It was half open. I saw a body lying on the floor. I bent down to look at it and... somebody hit me from behind.'

The Interrogator frowned. "You could not have come through that door unless the guard inside let you in.'

"I told you, the door was open.'

The young man rose and walked up to Ian. "This is a maximum security vault. No-one is admitted until they have undergone a complete probity check. There is no record of you ever having completed any such check.'

"Well, of course there isn't!' retorted Ian. "I've never been here before.'

"However, you did get inside,' resumed his inquisitor smoothly. "I have to assume you either tricked the guard or you were in league with him.'

"Now wait a minute, this is nonsense. I've told you how I got in.'

Tarron gave a thin smile. "Yes, and I'm recording all your answers. Are you going to be helpful?'

"As far as I can, but I promise you I don't know...'

"Well, let's be sensible about this.' The young interrogator adjusted a control on the recorder. "Name?'

"Ian Chesterton.'

"You're a visitor to this district?'

"Yes.'

"Your work?'

After a slight hesitation, "Science teacher.'

"Mmm. You know the purpose of the micro-circuit?'

Ian remained silent.

"No reply.' The young man stared at the ceiling then threw Ian an icy look. "It would make my report complete if you would tell me how you got rid of the micro-circuit.'

"I didn't get rid of it. I never had it! I saw it in its case just before I was hit on the head.'

Tarron remained unperturbed. "While you were unconscious my men searched the room. They searched you and the body of the guard. They didn't find it. Now,' he said, drumming his fingers on the recorder box, "what did you do with it?'

Ian sighed with exasperation. "I haven't done anything with it. I've told you all I know.'

Tarron regarded him sceptically then crossed to the door. "Alright.' He pressed a button and spoke into an intercom. "Open your side, we're coming out.'

The door was unlocked from the outside by a waiting guard.

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