The young policeman is feeling his forehead with his 1ngertips. He has a lump the size of a babyโs 1st there.
โHow did you get that?โ the real estate agent asks, looking like sheโd really prefer to askย Homโs tvicbs?ย again.
โI got hit on the head,โ the policeman grunts, then looks at his notes and says, โDid the perpetrator seem used to handling 1rearms?โ
The real estate agent smiles in surprise. โYou meanโฆ the pistol?โ
โYes. Did he seem nervous, or did it look like heโd handled a pistol plenty of times before?โ
The policeman hopes his question will reveal whether or not the real estate agent thinks the bank robber might have a military background, for instance. But the real estate agent replies breezily: โOh, no, I mean, the pistol wasnโt real!โ
The policeman squints at her, evidently trying to 1gure out if sheโs joking or just being naive.
โWhat makes you say that?โ
โIt was obviously a toy! I thought everyone had realized that.โ
The policeman studies the real estate agent for a long time. Sheโs not joking.
A hint of sympathy appears in his eyes. โSo you were neverโฆ frightened?โ The real estate agent shakes her head.
โNo, no, no. I realized we were never in any real danger, you know. That bank robber could never have harmed anyone!โ
The policeman looks at his notes. He realizes that she hasnโt understood. โWould you like something to drink?โ he asks kindly.
โNo, thank you. Youโve already asked me that.โ
The policeman decides to fetch her a glass of water anyway.