Hipper got slowly to his feet. "Look, Mr. Vallon... sometimes a man finds himself in a bit of a spot, see? Sometimes he tries to do his duty like I have, and all he gets is a punch in the face."
Vallon said: "For once you're right. And there's more where that came from. What are you doing here? You're an operative employed by the Chennault agency. You investigated Mrs. Gale's divorce. There was never any reason why you should see her. To say the least of it— " Vallon grinned to himself at the use of the word "— your conduct is unprofessional and unethical, and I'm going to black-list you in every agency in London."
Hipper produced his handkerchief; tried to staunch the stream of blood that ran from his nose. "Look, Mr. Vallon... I've only done my job. Chennault Investigations were employ
