'
But he was interrupted by the older of the two plainclothes men. 'If you don't mind, Inspector, we'll handle this,' he said with a brisk authority and almost a charm of manner that was even more alarming than the bank manager's previous coolness. He moved to the desk, picked up some of the notes and studied them. Wilt watched him with increasing concern.
'Would you mind telling us how you came by these five-pound notes, sir?' said the man. 'By the way, my name is Misterson.'
'They're a month's rent in advance from our lodger,' said Wilt. 'I came here to deposit them in my wife's PAPP account.
'Pap, sir? Pap account?' said the smooth Mr Misterson.
'It stands for Personal Assistance for Primitive People,' said Wilt. 'My wife is the treasurer of the local branch. She's adopted a tribe in Africa and...'
'I understand, Mr Wilt,' said Misterson, casting a cold eye on Inspector Flint who had just muttered 'Typical'. He sat down and hitched his chair closer to Wilt. 'You were saying that this money came from the lodger and was destined for your wife's deposit account. What sort of lodger is this?'
'Female,' said Wilt slipping into cross-examination brevity.
'And her name, sir?
'Irmgard Mueller.'
The two plainclothes men exchanged a look. Wilt followed it and said hastily, 'She's German.'
'Yes sir. And would you be able to identify her?'
'Identify her?' said Wilt. 'I'd be hard put not to. She's been living in the attic for the last month.'
'In which case if you'll kindly come to the station we'd be glad if you would look at some photographs,' said Misterson pushing back his chair.
'Now wait a moment. I want to know what this is all about,' said Wilt. 'I've been to that police station and frankly I don't want to go there again.' He stayed resolutely in his chair.
Mr Misterson reached in his pocket and took out a plastic licence which he opened.
'If you'll take a good look at this.'
Wilt did and felt sick. It stated that Superintendent Misterson of the Anti-Terrorist Branch was empowered... Wilt got up unsteadily and moved towards the door. Behind him the Superintendent was giving Inspector Flint, Sergeant Yates and the bank manager their orders. No one was to leave the office, there were to be no outgoing phone calls, maximum security and business as usual. Even the bank messenger was to remain where he was.
'And now Mr Wilt if you'll just walk out quite normally and follow me. We don't want to attract attention.'
Wilt followed him out and across the bank to the door and was hesitating there wondering what to do when a car drew up. The Superintendent opened the door and Wilt got in. Five minutes later he was sitting at a table being handed photographs of young women. It was twenty past twelve when he finally picked Miss Irmgard Mueller out.
'Are you absolutely certain?' asked the Superintendent.
'Of course I am,' said Wilt irritably. 'Now I don't know who she is or what the wretched woman has done but I'd be glad if you would go and arrest her or something. I want to get home to my lunch.'
'Quite so, sir. And is your wife in the house?'
Wilt looked at his watch. 'I don't see what that's got to do with it. As a matter of fact she will now be on her way back from playschool with the children and...'
