"Simon Hawke - Wizard 4 - The Wizard of Rue Morgue" - читать интересную книгу автора (Hawke Simon)

impunity would have elicited reactions of outrage and anger, but in France, and
especially in Paris, the police had a somewhat different attitude when it came to certain
types of criminals.
Those who committed violent crimes, such as rape or murder, armed robbery or
assault, were hated just as much by the gendarmes as they would have been in any
other city, but master thieves, especially those who never had injured anyone and
carried on their trade with a flamboyant sense of style, could often command a certain
admiration from the gendarmes who sought to catch them in the act. When it came to
someone like Jacqueline Monet, it became a fascinating game between the criminal and
the police, with mutual respect on both sides. It was not unlike the relationship between
a big game hunter and his quarry. The hunter would stalk his prey relentlessly, but if it
was a clever beast and managed to escape, the hunter was not angry. Rather, he felt
respect and even an affection for the creature that had managed to elude him and he
would look forward to stalking it another time. So it was with Jacqueline Monet and the
Paris police.
Renaud accompanied her across the street to the cafe. The waiter greeted him by
name and they took a small table in the corner. Renaud ordered two espressos and a
couple of croissants. He tried to keep from looking anxious. The two of them had never
met before. Jacqueline Monet's activities were generally considered the province of the
French Bureau of Thaumaturgy and the I.T.C., though the police were often involved,
as well. Renaud wondered what was on her mind.
He did not have to wonder long. She came right to the point. She took the
newspaper she was carrying under her arm and spread it out before him. "Would you
be so kind as to tell me what this is all about, Inspector?" she asked, pointing to the
headline.
He glanced at the article. He had already seen it. It concerned the arrest of Max
Siegal for the murder of Joelle Muset.
"I should think that it was self-explanatory," he said. "You have some interest in
this matter, mademoiselle? Some information that is pertinent to the case?"
"Max Siegal is a close personal friend of mine," she said.
"Ah. I see."
"And he is not a killer."
She took out a cigarette and Renaud lit it for her. "With all due respect,
mademoiselle," he said, "the evidence indicates otherwise. Unless you have some
information that would prove him innocent?"
"If I had such information, he would not be in custody right now," she said. "But I
would stake my life upon his innocence."
Renaud shrugged. "Such loyalty is very commendable, mademoiselle, but of
course you realize that I would require something a bit more tangible than just your
word."
"I'm not a fool, Renaud. The newspaper says you are in charge of the case. I tell
you that you have arrested the wrong man. If what you really want is justice, then I
have certain connections that might be of help in your investigation. I could pursue
avenues of inquiry that would be closed to the police. In helping Max, I would be
helping you to catch the real killer."


15
 "A most intriguing offer," said Renaud, "but you see, I believe that we already
have the real killer."