“I’ll explain all in good time,” he answered, seating himself. “Please treat our conversation as confidential, Leonard.”
McLane nodded his head thoughtfully. “I presume it’s about John Meredith’s murder and”—he hesitated—“Anne.”
“Why do you connect the two?” quickly.
“It is what every one is doing,” said McLane. He noticed the harassed lines in Curtis’ face and his expression grew more serious. “Coroner Penfield told me what transpired at the inquest and that you insisted that Anne be represented by a lawyer. How,” he glanced keenly at his companion, “how did you happen to pick on Sam Hollister?”
“Anne asked for him,” replied Curtis. “Isn’t he a good lawyer?”
“W-why, yes; so I understand.” McLane’s tone did not convey conviction. “But he is not a criminal lawyer.”
Curtis hitched his chair closer to McLane. “You think it will come to that?” he asked, with unconcealed anxiety.
McLane nodded his head somberly. “It appears to me that Anne knows more than she has told,” he said. “Why she is withholding information which may aid the police in detecting her uncle’s murderer is one of the mysteries of the case.”
“But there is no criminal action in that,” protested Curtis.
“Unless it comprises being an accessory after the act,” McLane pointed out. He paused a moment before asking, “What are the known facts connecting Anne with the murder?”