In the Best Families

Christy rasied his torso and sat-on the edge of the cot. “You know, Goodwin, I'm just tossing this at you on the spur of the moment. I laid here reading about you, and I thought to myself, here's a man the right age and experience, not married, the right personality, he knows people, he knows lots of cops, he has been a private eye for years and so he would be open to anything that sounds good enough; he is just out of a job, he's got himself tangled in a hot homicide here in Westchester, and he may need help right now. That's what I was thinking, and I thought why not ask him? I can't guarantee anything, especially if you're headed for a murder rap, but if you need help now and then later on you would like a chance at something, I'm Max Christy and I could pass the word along. If you-

He paused at the sound of footsteps. Wilkes' voice came from the door. “They want you down there, Mr Christy. I told them you was busy personally, but they're sending up.

“All right, Wilkes. Coming. My mate stood up. “What about it, Goodwin?

“I appreciate it, I said warmly. Wilkes, having unlocked the door, was standing there, and, using my judgment, I kept it discreet. “When I get out and look around a little I'll know better how things stand. I had got to my feet. “How do I get in touch with you?

“Phone is best. Churchill five, three two three two. I'm not there much, but a message will reach me promptly. Better write it down.

Til remember it. I took his offered hand and we shook. “It's been a pleasure.

Where can I mail a cheque for the breakfast?

“Forget it. It was a privilege. Be seeing you, I hope. He strode out like an executive going to greet a welcome caller, Wilkes holding the door for him.

I sat down on the cot, thinking it was a hell of a note for a Max Christy to get sprung before an Archie Goodwin. What was keeping Parker? In jail a man gets impatient.

Chapter Nine