“Jacques was in the room to the right of the corridor,” Dan said, pointing it out.
The officer thrust open the door. A boy who had been lying on an unmade bed, quickly got to his feet. Fully dressed, he stared first at Dan and then at the policemen.
“This the boy?” the officer demanded.
“Yes, it’s Jacques,” Dan answered as the youth stood mute.
Mr. Manheim and Jabowski had followed the policemen into the bedroom.
“Your name, boy?” the police officer questioned.
“Jacques—Jacques Jabowski.”
“Jabowski? You’re related to the caretaker?”
“He’s my nephew,” Jabowski answered before the boy could speak. “Anything wrong with that?”
The police officer fixed Dan with an annoyed glance. “You didn’t mention a relationship, kid.”