Lin Page 8 parted symmetrically, only a fraction shy of perfection in the placement of the part. Wordsmith, everyone called him. In appearance he resembled the letter P -- thin and willowy in the body, inquisitive and poking with the head.     My opinion, I said, is that there are only two possibilities. He either left on his own accord, which doesn't tie in with the disturbance complaint, or he was abducted by experts.     Thank you. We'll leave the rest to Sylvie and the others.     Sylvie's coming here?     She should arrive within the next few minutes.     I'll wait downstairs then.     Oh? I was not aware that you two --     No, just don't want to get in the way.     I see. Logical, but not completely understand- able.     Is that right?     Yes, taking into account your friendship with her, although it is pure speculation as to what state the friendship is currently --     I shrugged. Maybe I just want to say hello to her in private, before she gets on with her work.     Logical and understandable. Very well. With a little flourish, he stepped aside to let me out of Chen's apartment. As I was shuffling past him he tapped me on the shoulder. In future, please be truthful at the outset as well.     I waited just outside the building's front door, hands dug deep in my pockets, breathing piston-like in the cold. Across the street, the lower-level apartments had settled for the night, but even so, windows were lit, and occasionally a lethargic head would poke its way out. Maybe I wasn't the only one with a sleeping problem.