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oncerned he was the real thing. If they observed him

getting too friendly, it could lead to trouble.

'You amaze me, Brickman,' said Jodi, when they met.

'You come in as an illegal, row yourself into one of the best jobs

going and now here you are working for the head man. How d'you always

end up on the inside track?"

'Listen, I start the day emptying shit buckets. Is that what you call

being on the inside track?"

'You know what I mean."

Steve smiled. 'I got friends in high places." There was no harm in

telling her the truth. It was clear she didn't believe him. There

were moments when he could hardly believe it himself. 'I had to get

here. I meant what I said about escaping. Things are starting to come

together. If it works, I'm taking off with those two Mutes I told you

about. You still with me?"

'Yeah. Count me in."

'Have you had a chance to sound out Kelso?"

'Not yet. I've been waiting for the right opportunity."

Jodi gave a quick laugh. 'Seeing you again has ruined his

digestion."

'Maybe I'd better speak to him myself. Put him right about a few

things."

'I wouldn't do that,' said Jodi. 'From the noises he's been making I

think he'd still like to get you down a dark alley. But he can't risk

it because you're working with the honcho. If he queered things, the

other guys would take him apart."

'Has he told the others I'm one of you?"

'No. And I haven't told him you're an undercover Fed -' 'Jodi! How

many times do I have to tell you?! I'm not a-' 'Yeah, I know. You

were forced into this because they're threatening your kin-sister.

Maybe they are, maybe they aren't. It doesn't matter. I'm not stupid,

Brickman. You're never going to admit you're an undercover Fed

because, officially, there ain't no such thing - right? That's how it

works, don't it? Nobody knows for sure, so nobody sticks their neck

out. They're too busy looking over their shoulder. But you and I know

exactly what you are. So from here on in, don't give me any more of

the wide-eyed innocent shit."

Steve studied her as he weighed his reply. 'You're right. I am on the

payroll. But it's true about Roz. They used her to force me into

this."

'Jodi gave a wry smile. 'Don't worry. I won't blow your cover. You

were right about me too. I am a True Blue.

We've flown together and been bunk-mates aboard the Lady. You asked

for my help and I agreed to do whatever I can. Try and remember if we

ever get out of here."

'I'm not sure what you mean . . ."

'It's very simple. I'm willing to go back - but not if they're gonna

send me to the wall."

'That's not going to happen."

'Sure. But if the wrong 'signals start coming down the line, give me a

chance to get away. That's all I'm asking.

If I'm gonna die I'd rather do it up here where the sun shines.

Okay?"

'You have my word on that." Steve thrust out his hand but she didn't

take it.

'I gotta go,' said Jodi. 'There's a couple of the guys over there

who've had their eye on us. Wouldn't want them to get the wrong

idea."

Steve stood up and backed off. 'Sure ... I understand. One last

thing. If you're still not sure about me, deep down, why get

involved?

Why don't you just turn me in?"

Jodi shrugged. 'Maybe it's because guys who break the rules are more

exciting to be with." She gave a dry laugh.

'Crazy, isn't it? If I wasn't any use to you, you wouldn't give me

the time of day. Especially now I've only got half a face."