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"Then why don't you stop beating around the bush and ask about Dr. Hunnewell's bullet wounds?" The official facial expression on the dark-skinned policeman cracked in a stifled yawn. Pitt stared at Dr. Jonsson.
"You did say that's the reason they're here?"
"It is my duty to cooperate with the law." Jonsson seemed hesitant to speak.
"Suppose you explain your comrade's wound," said dirty nails.
"We were carrying a rifle to shoot polar bears," Pitt said slowly.
"It accidentally discharged in the crash, the bullet striking dr. Hunnewell in the elbOw."
As far as Pitt could see, the two Icelandic policemen weren't reacting at all to his sarcasm. They stood quiet, looking at him with impatient speculationspeculation, Pitt thought, at how they would subdue him if he resisted any physical demands on their part.
He didn't have to wait long.
"I am sorry, sir, but you force us to take you to our headquarters for further interrogation."
"The only place you'll take me is to the American consulate in Reykjavik. I have committed no crime against the people of Iceland nor broken any of your laws."
"I am quite familiar with our laws, Major Pitt. We do not relish getting out of bed at this time of morning for an investigation. The questions are necessary. You have not answered them to our satisfaction, so we must take you to our headquarters until we can determine what happened. There you will be free to call your consulate."
"In due time, Officer, but first, would you mind identifying yourselves?"
"I do not understand." The policeman stared coldly at Pitt. "Why should we identify ourselves? It is obvious what we are.
Dr. Jonsson can vouch for our authenticity." He offered no papers or the usual police identification card. All he showed was his irritation.
"There is no doubt as to your official capacity, gentlemen," Jonsson said in an almost apologetic tone.
"However, Sergeant Amarson usually patrols our village. I do not believe I have seen you come through our village before."
"Amarson had an emergency call in Grindavik.
He asked us to answer your call until he could arrive."
"Are you being transferred to this territory?"
"No, we were just passing through on our way to the north to pick up a prisoner. We stopped in to say hello and have a cup of coffee with Sergeant Amarson.
Unfortunately, before the pot became hot, he received your call and the one from Grindavik almost simultaneously."
"Then wouldn't it be wise to hold Major Pitt until the sergeant arrives?"
"No, I think not. Nothing can be accomplished here." He turned to Pitt. "My apologies, Major. Please do not be angry at our, how do you say it in your country, running you in." He turned to Jonsson. "I think it best if you came along too Doctor, in case the Major has complications from his wounds. It's merely a formality."
A strange formality, Pitt thought, considering the circumstances. He had little choice but to comply with the policeman's wishes. "What about Dr. Hunnewell?"
"We will ask Sergeant Amarson to send a lorry for him."
Jonsson smiled, almost diffidently. "Forgive me, gentlemen, I haven't quite finished with the major's head wound. I have two more stitches to insert before he is ready for travel. If you please, Major." He stood aside and motioned Pitt back into the examining room, closing the door.
"I thought you were all through butchering me," Pitt said goodnaturedly.
27
"Those men are imposters," Jonsson whispered.
Pitt said nothing. There was no surprise on his face as he stepped softly over to the door, put an ear against it and listened.
