“Can’t get away with what?”

“They’ll catch you.”

“Not until they get some a lead to work on.”

“But sooner or later they’ll catch you. My God, why did you do it?”

“What else could I do? I’d taken the adjoining room. I’d bored a hole in the panel of the door. That connecting door was unlocked on the other side. Win, lose, or draw, I was elected.”

“But why did you go into Ringold’s room?”

“Why not? I was hooked any way — if they caught me.”

“Donald, you’re trying to protect that girl again.”

I didn’t say anything.

“Donald, you simply must give me the facts. My God, suppose the cops should run you in? I’d try to get you out, of course, but what would I have to work on?”