The Legacy of Lehr by Katherine Kurtz Page A

bright Gruening Line logo.
    â€œComNet,” said a pleasant voice.
    â€œComNet, this is Commodore Seton, in Medical Section. Please connect me with the duty officer in my cargo hold, priority status one.”
    â€œStand by.”
    Shannon stared at him aghast as he glanced at her again.
    â€œI know what you must be thinking, Doctor,” Mather said carefully, “and frankly, I can’t say I blame you. Well soon see whether your suspicions are justified.”
    â€œBut, isn’t it obvious to you what’s happened?”
    â€œI know what it looks like happened. ComNet, are you having some problem getting through?”
    Even as he spoke, the speaker chimed and the Gruening logo dissolved to the gaunt face of a Ranger named Webb.
    â€œWebb here.”
    Drawing a deep breath, Mather glanced at Wallis, at Shannon and the body between them, at the med tech waiting uneasily behind them, and at the security guard, who looked as if he might just draw the needler on his hip.
    â€œMister Webb, is everything all right there in the hold?”
    â€œWell, sir, I was just about to call you.” Webb’s drawl sounded strained. “There are two men here from ship’s security, demanding to see the cats. They seem to think the critters got out and killed someone during the night.”
    â€œIs that possible?” Mather demanded. “And have you let them see the cats?”
    â€œNo to both questions, sir. I wasn’t about to let them in with weapons, and they wouldn’t disarm before coming in. The cats are fine, though. They’re still making a lot of noise, of course, but—what’s going on, sir?”
    â€œI’ll explain when I get there,” Mather replied, glancing at the others again. “In the meantime, I want you and Wing or somebody to go over the security tapes, working backward from right now. Look for anything, anything out of the ordinary. Have you got that?”
    â€œWell, yes, sir, but—what about the security men?”
    â€œThey’ll just have to wait until I get there. I’m on my way.”
    As he slapped off the intercom and headed for the door again, Shannon started after him.
    â€œBut—wait a minute! Are you trying to say that your cats aren’t responsible? That’s ridiculous. Any idiot—”
    â€œAny idiot can jump to conclusions based on circumstantial evidence, Doctor,” Mather said, stopping her with a glance. “Why don’t you get started on the autopsy, while I go and do what I do best? Wallis, give her a hand. And you —” He turned on the anxious security guard with a finger pointed like a pistol. “If you intend to come with me, don’t even think about pulling a weapon or trying to arrest me. I have the authority to place this ship under martial law, if I have to, and I’ll place you under arrest if you interfere.”
    â€œHe’d do it, too,” Wallis told the man, who hesitated to follow the retreating Mather. “But go ahead after him,” she went on. “He knows you have a job to do. Just don’t try to keep him from doing his.”
    Shannon, still agape at the entire exchange, dismissed the med tech with a gesture and tried to collect her wits.
    â€œWhat does he mean, circumstantial evidence? ” she blurted when the door had closed behind the technician. “And who’s the idiot?” She gestured angrily at the mutilated body. “Look at the man, Doctor Hamilton!”
    Wallis let out a slow sigh. “I know. And I did. I admit that it looks fairly clear-cut. But you and I are scientists. Let’s look at the facts. If the cats really are responsible, I want to know as much as you do.”
    â€œThe facts speak for themselves, Doctor.”
    â€œBut, these aren’t the only facts,” Wallis argued. “Look, will you humor me for a few minutes? Let’s think about this.”
    With a look of extreme