when he got there, the shelters were dark. he didn't know what he had expected, but it wasn't this. reflection showed him that he hadn't thought about it clearly. the mere existence of shelters indicated an economic level in which few people would either want or need to make use of that which was provided freely.

he skirted the area. he'd been found in one of the shelters—which one he didn't know. perhaps he should have checked the record before he came here.

no, this was better. clues, he was convinced, were almost non-existent. he had to rely on his body and mind; but not in the ordinary way. he was particularly sensitive to impressions he had received before; the way he had learned things in therapy proved that; but if he tried to force them, he could be led astray. the wisest thing was to react naturally, almost without volition. he should be able to recognize the shelter he'd been found in without trouble. from that, he could work back.

that was the theory—but it wasn't happening. he circled the area, and there was nothing to which he responded more than vaguely.

he would have to go closer.

he crossed the street. the plan of the shelters was simple; an area two blocks long and one block wide, heavily planted with shrubs and small trees. in the center was an s-shaped continuous structure divided into a number of small dwelling units.

luis walked along one wing of the building, turned at the corner and turned again. it was quite dark. he supposed that was why he wasn't reacting to anything. but his senses were sharper than he realized. there was a rustle behind him, and instinctively he flung himself forward, flat on the ground.

a pink spot appeared, low on the wall next to him. it had been aimed at his legs. the paint crackled faintly and the pink spot faded. he rolled away fast.

a dark body loomed past him and dropped where he'd been. there was an exclamation of surprise when the unknown found there was no one there. luis grunted with satisfaction—this might be only a stickup, but he was getting action faster than he'd expected. he reached out and took hold of a leg and drew the assailant to him. a hard object clipped the side of his head, and he grasped that too.

the shape of the gun was familiar. he tore it loose. this wasn't any stickup! once was enough to be retrogressed, and he'd had his share. next time it was going to be the other guy. physically, he was more than a match for his attacker. he twisted his body and pinned the struggling form to the ground.

that was what it was—a form. a woman, very much so; even in the darkness he was conscious of her body.

now she was trying to get loose, and he leaned his weight more heavily on her. her clothing was torn—he could feel her flesh against his face. he raised the gun butt, and then changed his mind and instead fumbled for a light. it wasn't easy to find it and still keep her pinned.

"be quiet or i'll clip you," he growled.

she lay still.