“And you’re sure about the wrist watch?”
“Yes. My man reports she’s had it just about six weeks.”
“You haven’t been able to find out where it was purchased?”
Drake said, “Hell, no. Perry. You had me telephone my office from the San Francisco airport. That wasn’t over three hours ago. A private detective can’t do the things the police can. In the first place, he hasn’t the organization. In the second place, he hasn’t the authority. In the third place...”
Mason opened the car door and said, “Keep your shirt on, Paul. I know what you’re up against. That’s the problem we have to lick. A person is accused of crime, and immediately the whole law-enforcement machinery gets busy unearthing evidence to prove he’s guilty. When he tries to get evidence to prove he’s innocent, he runs up against a brick wall. The authorities are sullen, indifferent or downright hostile. He has to hire his investigators, and naturally he can’t hire a whole police force, no matter how rich he is. That’s why I have to resort to what it has pleased the district attorney to refer to as ‘spectacular practices which have made a burlesque of justice.’”
Drake said, “As far as that’s concerned, I’m not too happy about going through with these amateur theatricals. You’re certain we’re not going to wind up in jail?”
“Reasonably certain,” Mason replied.
“Well, you know the law,” Drake remarked dubiously.
“It isn’t the law,” Mason told him, “it’s human nature. As far as the law’s concerned, we’re coming out on top. There’s a legal risk, but no practical risk.”
“That’s what you think,” Drake said.