Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 71 — page 102: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

WISHFUL THINKING inner conflict and your graph shows signs of tremendous nervous strain, but you are far from being mentally un- stable.” He sighed as he escorted her towards the door. “It is only when we apply the fruits of modern science that we realise just what burdens many people under- take to carry. If I were to give my professional opinion I would say that you sleep badly, worry constantly, and feel a sense of~ insecurity. All this stems from the fact that you have never been properly understood. You are in conflict with yourself and those about you. The conflict is on the subconscious level, of course, and.. .” His voice died away as he led her from the laboratory, along the corridor and up to the office and the final obtain- ing of her cheque. The autopsy report read like something compiled from the files of the Inquisition. Mark Engles flipped the pages for the dozenth time, trying 101 to make sense from what he read and, as before, yielded in disgust. “Grim.” Stanley had his own copy of the report. He threw it onto the desk, pro- duced cigarettes, lit one with- out offering the package to the captain. Stanley, like most men who live just beyond their income, practiced small economies. “What do you make of it?’’ “Someone didn’t like the victim,” said Mark drily. He opened the report and looked at the typing. “Lancing says that he’s never seen such multiple injuries. Listen to this: interior of mouth and throat burned as if by boiling water; joints strained as if by deliberate tension; skin bearing numerous con- tusions, cuts and abrasions; large areas showing signs tantamount to burning; back and chest criss-crossed with marks of scourging with what must have been a loaded thong; internal injuries coin- cide with bruising on skin caused probably by impact conmiclsooks. conn