Maurer smiled. He reached out and patted McCann’s shoulder.
“A half-hour will do splendidly.”
“Can’t you give me this straight?” McCann said hoarsely. “Has Conrad got a case? You — you didn’t…?”
Maurer put his hand on McCann’s arm and led him to the door.
“He won’t have a case, Captain,” he said softly. “I promise you that.”
He opened the door and waved McCann to the passage.
“Good night, Captain, and thank you for your co-operation. We shall wait to hear from you.”
It wasn’t until McCann was driving down the narrow dark lane away from the club that he gave vent to his pent-up feelings. He swore vilely and obscenely for as long as it took him to reach the bright lights of the sea front
II
Gollowitz came into the room, closed the door, and walked slowly over to where Maurer was sitting.