'We'll come back to her in a moment,' Forest said, reaching for a cigar. As he removed the band, he went on, 'What's Weiner got to say?'
'He's admitted going after Miss Coleman. He says he was told to kill her by Seigel, but I can't get much more out of him.'
'In other words, he's given you enough to hold him and to keep him out of danger, but no more.'
'That's about right. He says he doesn't know anything about Maurer. He makes out he is Seigel's man, that he doesn't even know Seigel works for Maurer. He's lying, of course, and I'm hoping to persuade him to change his story. There's no point in going after Seigel. We want Maurer, and if we arrest Seigel we'll only be side-tracking ourselves.'
Forest nodded.
'We've got to hook Seigel to Maurer if Weiner's evidence is going to be of any use.'
Conrad frowned. He flicked ash into the glass bowl on Forest's desk.
'I just can't make Weiner believe he is safe with us,' he said irritably. 'He's completely convinced that sooner or later the organization will reach him. If I could convince him they can't get at him, then I think he would open up.'
'Is he safe, Paul?' Forest asked quietly.
Conrad nodded.
'Yes. I've taken every precaution. It's impossible for anyone to get near the lodge. That's why I picked the place. There is only one road to the lodge. It is cut through country that doesn't offer a scrap of cover. The only other way is up a two-hundred-foot precipice that a fly couldn't climb. I have men patrolling the top just in case someone attempts to get up with ropes and climbing tackle. Miss Coleman and Weiner are never left for a moment. So long as they stay at the lodge they're safe enough.'
'And yet Weiner still imagines he'll get wiped out?'
'The trouble there is he knows none of the mob have ever talked and survived. It's become the accepted thing to believe Maurer's arm will reach anywhere. Once I can break down that idea, I think he'll give us all the information we want, but at the moment nothing seems to convince him.'
'Frankly, I don't blame him,' Forest said seriously. 'Maurer has an unpleasant habit of silencing people who talk. Have you considered the human element, Paul?'
'Of course that comes into it,' Conrad admitted, 'but I've taken the precaution to pick men with good records. I've also taken the precaution to make certain no guard works alone. He has with him a companion at all times. Sergeant O'Brien, whom you know, is in charge of them. O'Brien is as safe as I am.'
'Sure,' Forest said. 'I've known O'Brien for years. He's my idea of a first-class policeman. How about leave? Isn't there a danger that these men can be got at when they take a day off?'
'They're not having any days off,' Conrad returned. 'I've told them this is a full-time job until it is over. The only three who are allowed to leave the lodge are Van Roche, O'Brien and myself. If I can't trust those two then I can't trust anyone.'
'Well, you've certainly got the situation in hand. I'll come out over the weekend and see for myself.'
'I wish you would. Any other ideas will be welcomed. If only I could convince Weiner he was safe.'
'Maybe he'll come around. We have a little time. Keep after him, Paul.' Forest shifted his chair back so he could cross his legs. 'Now tell me about the girl.'
'She's a bit of an enigma,' Conrad said, rubbing his chin. 'I'm damned if I know what to make of her.'
Forest, who missed nothing, was surprised at Conrad's despondent tone. He glanced quickly at the lean, strong face and wondered at the unhappy frown. He looked away, alert now. Why the sudden change of tone in Conrad's voice when the girl was mentioned? he wondered. From long experience in court he had learned to suspect any relation between man and woman. Was there something developing here?
'In what way, Paul?' he asked mildly.
Conrad lifted his shoulders.
'I'm as certain as I sit here she saw Maurer at Dead End. Why doesn't she admit it? After all, by keeping silent, she's making herself an accessory after the fact.'
'Have you reminded her of that?'
Conrad looked up. His eyes shifted away from Forest's inquiring gaze.
'Not yet. I thought it would sound as if I were threatening her. She's not the type to be threatened.'
'But she must be told. If we get other evidence that she saw Maurer she could be prosecuted.'
'I know, but I'll hold off a little longer if you agree,' Conrad said. 'I still think I can persuade her to talk. Since Gollowitz scared her, she's much more amenable.'
'Is she? In what way?'
'Well, she's more friendly. She's lost the chip on her shoulder. I – I think she's coming round.'
Forest moved a glass paper-weight aimlessly, his face was expressionless. The despondent look on Conrad's face began to worry him.
'We can't keep her for ever,' Forest said. 'You realize that?'
'I know. It's a hell of a problem. The only way in which she can ever be really safe now is for her to admit she saw Maurer so we can deal with him. So long as Maurer is at liberty she won't be safe unless she remains under our protection.'
