I clamped my mouth shut. The more I defended Willy, the more Willy would talk in order to protect his uninvolved friends.
Goil said to me in a low, ominous voice, "I am invested with certain Company powers out here, and I intend to use them fully. I intend to continue with this investigation in spite of any opposition you give me. Pending on the outcome, Mr. Orrin and Mr. Weston, you are both relieved of your positions as of now—say for mismanagement of personnel and company property.
"Mr. Maloon, I am placing you under station arrest by authority of my position, and because of your admission of theft. Pay and allowances for all of you are suspended as of today.
"That's all. Please leave."
Willy was the first to leave, with his head hanging low in shame. Orrin left next, with fury shining plainly from his eyes. I lingered until Willy had left. Then I closed the door and swung around to face Goil.
Goil was looking at me peculiarly. He said, "I told you to go, Weston."
"I will," I said. "But first I want to tell you something."
"When I want to hear your side of the story, I'll ask you for it," Goil said nastily.
"It won't wait," I said in a new voice that caused Goil to look at me closely. "I want to tell you now while we are alone."