The House That Jack Built by Robert Asprin & Linda Evans

John Caddrick’s entire face went white.

Even the I.T.C.H. inquisitors shifted in their chairs.

When Caddrick started to sputter, Kit overrode him. “Forget it, unless you really want the fight of the century on your hands. We’ve got photographic evidence of the whole incident, Senator. I, for one, will not allow a personal vendetta against Mr. Jackson to cripple this search mission. There’s too much riding on the outcome. Skeeter’s more than proven himself. Virtually every breakthrough in this case has been made by Skeeter Jackson, whereas your detective is virtually useless. I told you Sid Kaederman wasn’t qualified for a down-time mission, whereas Skeeter’s already experienced down the Britannia Gate. And he’ll be working with Malcolm Moore, who specializes in London tours. Jackson and Moore head up the London mission, whether you like it or not, Senator. Unless, of course, you want your little girl killed?”

Senator John Caddrick’s normally florrid jowls faded to the color of old wax. He opened his lips several times, but no sound came out at all. He glanced once at the I.T.C.H. inquisitors, then swallowed and sat motionless in his chair for long moments. The only sound in the room was the whir of the air-conditioning fans. Caddrick finally managed a faint, “All right. I don’t see that I have much choice.” His voice strengthened into a low growl. “But I will not be browbeaten and threatened, is that clear?”

If he stayed, Kit knew he would say something the entire station regretted. So he stood up, heading for the elevator. “Quite. Now, if you’ll excuse me, we have a lot of work to do before the Britannia opens again. And frankly, I need a shower and a shave before I do any of it. And a cold beer.”