Jonah didn't answer. “How're your graduate courses going, Doug?”
“Great,” said Douglas proudly. “How about your class?”
“Wish it were more fun,” admitted Jonah. “But it's going well just the same. I'm more concerned with life 'round here.”
Some of the mirth left Doug's face, and he leaned forward. “Speaking of things around here,” he said, “I'm concerned about Spader.”
Jonah kept his face impassive, but all his senses instantly keened. “Why?” was all he said.
“He's changed,” said Douglas lamely.
Jonah's senses dulled somewhat, and he returned his gaze to the chess pieces. “Forgive me, Doug, but that's the most useless piece of information—”
“Have you noticed that he hasn't tried to pull fast swindles on us anymore?” interrupted Douglas. “He spends all that time with Kaine's oldest b
