Re: Part III
Frantically, Frank searches for the necklace as the soldiers begin to thrash around the shed, kicking and pushing things over, stomping on floor planks to listen for hollow spots, and throwing things around. There's hardly enough room for all seven to be in the small, cramped living space standing still, let alone with all the commotion. Two soldiers stand outside at the door to the alley, taking the displaced crates, blankets and other things and tossing them outside.
Frank starts to panic. It quickly becomes impossible to search for the necklace, but at the same time, he realizes it's become a daring obstacle course to reach either of the two doors with all of the soldiers in the way. After 10 heart-pounding seconds, Frank rules out finding the necklace. Instead, he makes his way on all fours toward the door to the bakery, dodging the soldiers' legs.
Suddenly, another man appears in the threshold just in time to block his exit: tall and slender to the point of gauntness, his skin is a pallid sheet of white, which starkly contrasts the well-worn, black, ankle-length overcoat he wares. It has a high collar and two rows of silver buttons.
"What is taking so long?" He glances over at one of the soldiers, upper lip curled in a snarl.
"Inspector, we have found no one. There does not appear to be any trap doors or secret places."
"Did you search with your eyes open, captain? I assure you he is here."
"Of course, inspector. But where?"
The inspector locks eye contact with the soldier for a second, then suddenly looks down at his feet.
Frank is stunned. The inspector seemed to be looking him right in the eyes! Frank scoots back, his skin crawling.
"Toss me your sword, captain."
In the next instant, the inspector catches a gleaming sword and begins advancing on the invisible thief, murder in his eyes.
"Stand up, boy, or I shall run you through."