“I assume full responsibility,” Mr. Hatfield said in a harassed tone. “I swear I thought the box would be safe here—”
“I’ll make a report,” Sergeant Billings broke in. “Likely you’ll be called to headquarters for further questioning.”
“I’ve already told you everything I know about the matter.”
“Yeah,” grunted the sergeant. He arose to leave.
Mr. Hatfield was thoroughly annoyed by the other’s tone.
“See here,” he said, “I hope you understand I’m not trying to conceal anything. Why should I?”
“Two thousand a hundred and seventy-five dollars,” the sergeant repeated thoughtfully. “A tidy little sum.”
“You’re not implying that I’m trying to keep it?”
“It’s not up to me to figure out motives,” Sergeant Billings shrugged. “I only ask questions and turn in the reports. If I were in your shoes though, I’d try to produce that box. Otherwise, we’ll have to do a little investigating.”