“But she must be told. If we get other evidence that she saw Maurer she could be prosecuted.”
“I know, but I’ll hold off a little longer if you agree,” Conrad said. “I still think I can persuade her to talk. Since Gollowitz scared her, she’s much more amenable.”
“Is she? In what way?”
“Well, she’s more friendly. She’s lost the chip on her shoulder. I — I think she’s coming round.”
Forest moved a glass paper-weight aimlessly, his face was expressionless. The despondent look on Conrad’s face began to worry him.
“We can’t keep her for ever,” Forest said. “You realize that?”
“I know. It’s a hell of a problem. The only way in which she can ever be really safe now is for her to admit she saw Maurer so we can deal with him. So long as Maurer is at liberty she won’t be safe unless she remains under our protection.”
“And she realizes that?”
Conrad shrugged.
“I suppose so. I’ve told her often enough.” He reached forward to stub out his cigarette. For a long moment he stared frowning down at the carpet while Forest watched him without appearing to do so. Then Conrad said. “There is another problem I don’t know how to handle. Maybe you can make up my mind for me.”