In the Best Families

Attorney, and I'm calling at his suggestion. We have a problem-two problems, really.

“By "we" do you mean you and Mr Archer?

“No, I mean all of us-all of us who inherited property from Mrs Rackham, and all of us who were here the night she was killed. Our problem is about evidence that her husband killed her. Mr Archer says he has none, none that is conclusive-and perhaps you know what people are saying, and the newspapers. That's what we want to consult you about-the evidence.

“Well. A pause. “I'm trying to get a little rest after a long period of over exertion. But-very well. Who is there?

“We all are. We met to discuss this. You'll come? Wonderful! If you-

“I didn't say I'll come. All five of you there?

“Yes-and Mr Archer-

“Be at my office, all of you, at nine o'clock this evening. Including Mr

Archer.

“But I don't know if he will-

“I think he will. Tell him I'll be ready then to produce the evidence.

“Oh, you will? Then you can tell me now-

“Not on the phone, Mrs Frey. I'll be expecting you at nine.

When we had hung up I lifted the brows at him. “So that's what you meant about earning that fee? Maybe?

He grunted, irritated that he had to interrupt his convalescence for a job of work, sat a moment, reached for a bottle of the beer Fritz had brought, grunted again, this time with satisfaction, and poured a glass with plenty of foam.

I got up to go to the kitchen, to tell Fritz we were having company and that refreshments might be required.

Chapter Twenty-One

I was mildly interested when the six guests arrived-a little early, five to nine-in such minor issues as the present state of relations between Annabel Frey and the banker, Dana Hammond, and between Lina Darrow and the statesman, Oliver

Pierce, and whether Calvin Leeds would see fit to apologise for his unjust suspicions about Wolfe and me.