Chapter 9: MissionThe discussion began with Venn relating Garner’s conviction that Alonzo was alive and somewhere in the city. The others looked at Garner, who nodded a bit uncomfortably. The idea that his belief was accepted so dogmatically by these Vees bothered him a little. He wanted to tell them how new he was to all this. But he said nothing.
Venn went on, speaking about the mission in general. Garner found himself making suggestions, and it was the two of them that developed the plan; the other Vees evidently deferring to Venn. Garner was not surprised, as he began to realize that, even if Vees in general did not consider themselves “intellectual,” Venn had a mind like a steel trap; when he seized upon an idea, it was with a breathtaking level of apprehension, clarity, and detail.
