The Loves of Harry Dancer (29 page)

“About even, sir,” Glitner concludes. Voice dulled, dispirited. “Lost some, won some.”

“And no one won Harry Dancer,” the Chief adds. Searching through his pockets for antacid tablets. “It was not one of our more glorious campaigns.”

“My fault,” Tony says. “I let it get out of hand.”

“Nonsense,” the Chief says. “You’re not to blame. The whole thing hinged on the personality and character of Harry Dancer. Our failure was insufficient intelligence. I have already composed a memo on the subject. From now on, our analyses of possible converts must be much more detailed. In-depth probing. So we know exactly whom we’re dealing with.”

“Do you think that would have helped in this case, sir?”

The Chief stares at him. “What do you mean by that?”

“Perhaps the man was unknowable.”

The Chief finds a single, dusty Turns. Pops it into his mouth. “Tony, I prefer not to dwell on the mysteries of the human spirit. The important thing is to concentrate on conversions. That is our only reason for being.”

They sit in silence a few moments. Heads lowered. Brooding.

“Sir,” Anthony Glitner says, “where do you think the soul of Harry Dancer is now?”

“Oh…” the Chief says. Wearily waving a hand. “Out there somewhere. Floating…”