“I’m honored,” I said appreciatively and accepted Mandelbaum’s invitation to use the third chair.
“Look at me,” Cramer commanded.
I did so with my brows up, which always annoys him.
“I’m late for an appointment,” he said, “so I’ll cut it short. I’ve just been up to see Wolfe. Of course he corroborates you, and he says he has no client. I’ve read your statement. I tell you frankly that we have no proof that you entered that hotel room.”
“Now I can breathe again,” I said with feeling.
“Yeah. The day you stop I’ll eat as usual. I admit we have no proof, as yet, that you went in that room, but I know damn well you did. Information that the body was there came to us over the phone in a voice that was obviously disguised. You won’t deny that I know pretty well by now how you react to situations.”
“Sure. Boldly, bravely, and brilliantly.”
“I only say I know. Leaving Aubry and Mrs. Karnow down in the bar, you go up and knock on the door of Karnow’s room, and get no answer. In that situation there’s not one chance in a thousand that you would leave without trying the knob.”
“Then I must have.”
“So you did?”