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 Chapter Three - The Pursuers

   In the five months since he had convinced Jim Paulson to defect, Tom
Zane's life had changed.  He was now head of the Jocastan Security Service,
which meant he was effectively in charge of immigration matters, customs,
and the secret police.

   Tom Zane settled into his office in Government House and pulled up
today's arrivals on the computer.  He saw that there would 139 passengers
on today's flight.  Most of them brother/sister couples, a few parent/child
pairs, the rest single males headed for the kiddy brothels.  Nobody his
staff had marked for special attention so he could spend the whole day on
agency business.

   At that moment his secretary came in.  "Trouble, Chief," she said.

   "What's up?"

   "Mark Anderson is hear to see you."

   Tom groaned.  Mark Anderson worked for the U.S.  State Department and
was a pain in the ass.  He was no doubt coming to complain about some
American who had visited Jocasta and fucked his daughter while he was here.
"Send him in," Tom said.  "I'm trying to lose weight and talking to that
prick should wreck my appetite for the rest of the week."

   A few minutes later the American diplomat was seated at Tom's desk.  He
opened his brief case and said, "I suppose I should tell you that I'm not
here to give you hard time today.  My purpose in coming was to inform you
that there has been an addition to my staff.  A Mrs.  Ellen Paulson will be
arriving tomorrow."

   Tom thought for moment.  Then said, "Wait a minute.  We disposed of the
Paulson case months ago.  Jim Paulson and his daughter requested asylum and
we chose to grant it.  What the hell is she coming here for?"

   Anderson laughed.  "As you have guessed, she is the lawful wife of Jim
Paulson and she is coming to retrieve her daughter."

   Tom was angry now.  "You make damn sure that bitch knows that if she
tries to snatch Jessica away, diplomatic immunity won't help her.  Our
agreement allowing you to maintain a US Interest Section specifically bars
immunity in such cases."

   "She is aware of that," Anderson replied.  "I believe she wishes to talk
to her daughter and convince her to return to the United States.  She got
assigned to my staff so she could travel here without creating more
scandal.

   "By the way, she is accompanied by her son, William.  She seems to think
that between the two of them they can talk the girl into leaving."

   "I was hoping you could arrange a meeting.  I believe you are close to
Mr.  Paulson."

   Tom frowned.  On its face it was a reasonable request, but he hated to
create problems for Jim and Jessica.  But there were other factors to be
considered.  "I suppose it was her father's influence that got her
appointed to your staff," he said.

   "Yes," said the diplomat.  "Being the daughter of a United States
Senator has its advantages.  One of them is that the State Department will
listen to you when you ask for something."

   "Very well," said Tom.  "I'll tell Jim and Jessica that she is coming
and that she wants to meet them.  But the final decision is theirs."

   And so it was that three days later Ellen Paulson sat in a comfortable
waiting room, trying not to nibble at her own fingernails.  She jumped up
as the door opened, then sat down again, actually relieved that it wasn't
Jim or Jessica.

   Tom Zane looked the woman over carefully as he came into the room.  She
was a lovely redhead with a fine bosom and long legs.  He felt a little
sorry for his friend Jim Paulson; too bad he had to lose this enchanting
beauty to be with his daughter.  "Ms.  Paulson," he said.  "I'm Thomas Zane
of the Security Service.  I'm sorry we have to meet under such difficult
circumstances.  I just wanted to let you know that Jim and Jessica have
arrived and you will be seeing them shortly.  Is there anything I can do
for you while you're waiting?"