CHAPTER 9Finch came into his office, rubbing his hands, beaming. “Well, well,” he said. “It’s a real pleasure to see you again, Miss Tarvainen. A real pleasure. Have a nice trip?”
“Lousy,” said Kevin.
The factor ignored him. “Your pilot tells me that there was a little rumpus when he picked you up. Nothing serious, I hope?”
“Just a little local fun,” said Crystal. “Nothing to worry about.”
“You didn’t have to kill anyone? No? Good!” Finch looked relieved. “Not that it would matter all that much but it’s best to avoid complications. The natives are funny, a bunch of savages but they want to keep them intact. For the tourist trade,” he explained. “It’s an attraction. Visit the real, primitive life of the Blue Hills. Illagesh is getting ambitious.” He looked at Kevin. “Where’s Malvern?”
