“I didn’t know vultures were Japanese,” Laverna observed dryly.
“That will do, Laverna,” Maxine said primly. “If you would, Jonesy, the next time you speak with your superior, please convey to him my appreciation for his concern and his alertness in spotting an apparent business opportunity, but assure him that I have every confidence in our ability to maintain our unblemished record in this area, Space Legion or no.”
“I will be pleased to do that,” the man said with a shrug, “but words of confidence lose their strength in the face of actual performance.”
“And what’s that supposed to mean?” Maxine said. “Please, Jonesy. If you have something to say, just say it plainly. We’re trying to have a meeting here, not write fortune cookies.”
“I believe there was an incident in the bar involving one of your men,” Jonesy said calmly. “At least, we assume he was one of your men, since his medical expenses are being charged to your account. If that is true, then the results of that encounter do little toward justifying the confidence you have in your plan.”
Maxine gave a short bark of laughter.
“Is that what this is all about?” she said, then leaned forward, showing all her teeth. “That was, at best, a diversion, Jonesy. A little something to show young Mr. Rafael that the force he has hired is more than adequate for handling any trouble that might arise. The truth is, we instructed our man to lose-to build the guards’ confidence while providing us with information on their operating methods.”