Detective Sergeant Fitzgerald grapples with the influence of a local racketeer, Big Jake Connors, who has been subtly corrupting the police force through anonymous gifts. Fitzgerald discovers a series of strange incidents linked to Connors, including a worker named Jacaro who inexplicably catches fire on a bus and a delivery truck that contains a bomb that fails to detonate. Fitzgerald suspects that these events are part of Connors' intimidation tactics against local businesses. Brink, the owner of a cleaning establishment, reveals that he has been using a psionic device that alters probabilities to protect his business from violence. This device creates a field that causes violent intentions to backfire, leading to bizarre accidents instead of successful attacks. Fitzgerald is skeptical but intrigued by Brink's claims of "luck" stemming from this technology. As Fitzgerald investigates further, he witnesses a confrontation at Brink's shop where two of Connors' thugs attempt to intimidate Brink. However, due to the influence of the psionic device, their violent actions result in a series of comical accidents that incapacitate them instead. The detective realizes that the device effectively neutralizes threats by altering the likelihood of violent outcomes. Brink proposes to confront Connors directly, leveraging the evidence of his thugs' failures to intimidate him. Fitzgerald, eager to see justice served, agrees to accompany Brink. They approach Connors, who, despite warnings from his twitching eyelids—a sign of impending danger—chooses to escalate the violence. However, the psionic field protects Fitzgerald and Brink, leading to a chaotic but non-lethal confrontation. In the end, the ambulance is called to take away the incapacitated thugs, highlighting the absurdity of the situation. Fitzgerald reflects on the strange turn of events, recognizing the power of the psionic device in thwarting Connors' violent schemes. The story concludes with Fitzgerald contemplating the implications of using such technology against organized crime, suggesting a blend of humor and science fiction in the narrative.
By Murray Leinster · First published 1950 · Genre: Science Fiction, Mystery, Crime