Chapter XIV

Silence like a spell settled on the room. The Commissioner’s eyes bored into Tatima’s smoldering with defiance. The deputy gnawed furiously at the bristle on his upper lip. Kadyama sat in rigid immobility. Harcourt frowned thoughtfully at the Indian girl. Janice nervously drew hieroglyphics on her pad. Grant cracked his knuckles. The deputy jumped. “Don’t do that!” His petulant voice snapped the tension. The Commissioner grinned at Kadyama. “Me! Pretty damn smart fella, what? Get out. I’ll send for you later.” He w…