<영어로 읽는 SF소설 _ 키스 라우머의 도시의 왕>
“The King of the City“는 키스 라우머(Keith Laumer)가 1961년에 출판한 공상과학 소설로, 미래의 도시를 배경으로 펼쳐지는 호송 기사의 이야기다.
이 소설은 미스터리한 의뢰인을 호위하는 전직 군인 출신 호송 기사의 활약을 그리고 있다. 암흑가의 위협이 도사리는 미래 도시를 배경으로, 주인공의 용맹함과 결단력이 돋보이는 장면이 인상적이다. 의뢰인 Stenn의 정체에 대한 궁금증도 계속 유지되고 있다.


“The King of the City” is a science fiction novel published in 1961 by Keith Laumer, telling the story of a convoy driver set in a futuristic city.
This novel depicts the activities of a former military convoy driver who escorts a mysterious client. Set in a futuristic city where the threat of the underworld lurks, the scenes where the protagonist's bravery and determination stand out are impressive. Curiosity about the identity of his client, Stenn, also continues to persist.

Summary
He was a sort of taxi-driver, delivering a commuter to the city. The tank traps and armored cars were the hazards of the trade!

The main character, Smith, gets a job at a company called HAUG ESCORT and is tasked with escorting his client, Stenn, to the city. The city is a lawless place and danger lurks.
They are stopped on the road by a gang named Joe Naples, and Smith gives them money for the toll, but Naples' men point their guns at Stenn and threaten him. Smith subdues it and passes the inspection safely.
Meanwhile, co-worker Lefty suggests a collusion to Smith, saying that Stenn has a lot of money, but Smith refuses. Afterwards, an armed combat vehicle appears and chases them and shoots them, but Smith narrowly escapes danger with his clever driving.
Through this incident, Smith senses that Stenn is not just a businessman and asks him for his identity.

Contents
The King of the City
I. I stood in the shadows
II. The speaker in my ear hummed
III. Old number 16 was canted against the deflector rail
IV. Max Arena was a broad-shouldered six-footer
V. The lights came on
EPILOGUE