“Isn’t it wonderful that as soon as Maurer’s name is mentioned everyone clams up? You’d think the guy didn’t exist.”
“Don’t get me wrong,” Fedor said hastily. “If I knew anything I’d tell you. I don’t know a thing about Maurer except what I’ve read in the papers.”
“The same old song and dance,” Conrad said in disgust. “One of those days, with any luck, I’ll come across someone with a little guts who isn’t scared of Maurer, and who knows something : one of these days but, God knows when.”
“Take it easy,” Bardin said. “If the guy doesn’t know he doesn’t know.”
Sergeant O’Brien came down .the steps of the patio.
“Can I have a word, Lieutenant?”
Bardin took his arm and walked with him into the lounge.
“Stick around,” Paul said to Fedor, and went after them.
“He’s found the gun,” Bardin said, his heavy face more cheerful. He held out a .45 Colt automatic. “Look at this.”
Conrad took the gun and examined it. Engraved on the butt were the initials R.J.