remember , because it is hard science fiction , my rule is that everything that could be fact-checked would , in fact , check out . as barker 's wife , irene had inherited it when he disappeared . `` no , '' sam promised , his voice gritty as he lifted his head . they know i could sting them at will and make their lives miserable . you need your prescription changed in those glasses , dearie . he replied only after his first bite had been chewed thoroughly . the parking lot was virtually empty . 