The Rubber Band

"No. I won't listen. I understand enough. Perhaps I had better put a question or two. Is it true that you have recovered all of the missing money?"

Muir glared at him. "You know we have. It was found under the back seat of her car."

"But if that was her car in the photograph, it has no back seat."

"She bought a new one in August. The photograph was taken in July. I suppose Perry bought it. Her salary is higher than any other woman in our organization."

"Splendid. But about the money. If you have it back, why are you determined to prosecute?"

"Why shouldn't we prosecute? Because she's guilty! She took it from my desk, knowing that Perry would protect her! With her body, with her Qesh, with her surrender-"

"No, Mr. Muir." Wolfe's hand was up again. "Please. I put the question wrong, I shouldn't have asked why. I want to know, are you determined to prosecute?"

Muir clamped his lips. He opened them, and clamped them again. At last he spoke, "We were. I was."

"Was? Are you still?"

No reply. "Are you still, Mr. Muir?"

"I… no."

"Indeed." Wolfe's eyes narrowed. "You are prepared to withdraw the charge?"

"Yes… under certain circumstances."

"What circumstances?"

"I want to see her." Muir stopped because his voice was trembling again. "I have promised Perry that I will withdraw the charge provided I can see her, alone, and tell her myself." He sat up and his jaw tightened. "That… those are the circumstances."

Wolfe looked at him a moment and then leaned back. He sighed. "I think possibly that can be arranged. But you must first sign a statement exonerating her."

"Before I see her?"

"Yes."

"No. I see her first." Muir's lips worked. "I must see her and tell her myself. If I had already signed a statement, she wouldn't… no. I won't do that."

"But you can't see her first." Wolfe sounded patient. "There is a warrant in force against her, sworn to by you. I do not suspect you of treachery, I merely protect my client. You say that you have promised Mr. Perry that you will withdraw the charge. Do so. Mr. Goodwin will type the statement, you will sign it, and I will arrange a meeting with Miss Fox later in the day."

Muir was shaking his head. He muttered, "No. No… I won't." All at once he broke loose worse than he had in Perry's office the day before. He jumped up and banged his hand on the desk and leaned over at Wolfe. "I tell you I must see her! You damn blackguard, you've got her here! What for? What do you get out of it? What do you and Perry…"