Golic licked his lips. They were badly chewed and still bled slightly despite Clemens’s efficient ministrations. ?Rains??he whispered, his brow furrowing with the effort of trying to remember. ?Boggs?? Suddenly his eyes widened afresh and he looked up sharply, as if seeing them for the first time. ?I didn’t do it! It wasn’t me. It was… it was…?He started sobbing again, bawling and babbling hysterically. 119

119

Andrews looked on, shaking his head sadly. ?Hopeless. Mr. Aaron’s right. You’re not going to get anything out of him for a while, if ever. We’re not going to wait until we do.?

Dillon straightened. ?It’s your call, Superintendent.?

?We’ll have to send out a search party. Sensible people who aren’t afraid of the dark or each other. I’m afraid we have to assume that there is a very good chance this simple bastard has murdered them.?He hesitated. ?If you are at all familiar with his record, then you know that such a scenario is not beyond the realm of possibility.?

?You don’t know that, sir,?said Dillon. ?He never lied to me. He’s crazy. He’s a fool. But he’s not a liar.?

?You are well-meaning, Mr. Dillon, but overly generous to a fellow prisoner.?Andrews fought back the sarcasm which sprang immediately to mind. ?Personally I’d consider Golic a poor vessel for your trust.?

Dillon’s lips tightened. ?I’m not naive, sir. I know enough about him to want to keep an eye on him as much as help him.?

?Good. I don’t want any more people vanishing because of his ravings.?

Ripley rose and approached the group. All eyes turned to regard her.

?There’s a chance he’s telling the truth.?Clemens gaped at her. She ignored him. ?I need to talk to him about this dragon.?

Andrews’s reply was crisp. ?You’re not talking to anyone, Lieutenant. I am not interested in your opinions because you are not in full possession of the facts.?He gestured toward Golic. ?This man is a convicted multiple murderer, known for particularly brutal and ghastly crimes.?

120

?I didn’t do it!?the man in the straightjacket burbled

helplessly.

Andrews looked around. ?Isn’t that right, Mr. Dillon???Yeah,?Dillon agreed reluctantly, ?that part’s right.?Ripley gazed hard at the superintendent. ?I need to talk to you. It’s important.?

The older man considered thoughtfully. ?When I have finished with my official duties I’ll be quite pleased to have a little chat. Yes??

She looked as if she wanted to say something further, but simply nodded.

121

A

Aaron took charge of the water pitcher, making sure the glasses were filled. He needn’t have bothered. Once Ripley started talking, no one noticed irrelevant details such as thirst.