Murder by the Book

It was a funny thing. I was swallowing albacore, although I would have sworn that it was already down. It tasted good.

"Did he sound as if he suspected anything?"

"He did not! I did it perfectly!"

"I'm sure you did. If I was there I'd pat you on the head. I might even go further than that, so it's just as well I'm not there. Do you want me to come out and go over it again? What you'll say to him?"

"I don't think it's necessary. I remember everything."

"Okay. He'll want to get to Finch as soon as possible, but

he may ask you a lot of questions. What do you say if he asks to see the letter from your brother in which he mentioned writing a novel?"

"I say I haven't got it. That I didn't keep it."

"Right. He'll probably get to your place around nine o'clock. What time does your husband leave?"

"Twenty minutes past seven."

"Well. It's a million to one that you'll be in no danger, even if he's a killer, since he knows you have never seen the manuscript, but we can't take a chance. I can't be there myself because I have to be in Finch's room before he gets there. Now listen. At eight in the morning a man will come and show you his credentials from the Southwest Agency, a detective agency. Hide him where he can hear what goes on, but be darned sure he's well hid. Keep him-"

"No, that's silly! Nothing's going to happen to me!"

"You bet it isn't. Three murders is enough for one manuscript. He'll be there, and you-"

"My husband can take the morning off and stay home."

"No. I'm sorry, but that's out. Your talk with Corrigan is going to be ticklish to handle, and we don't want anyone joining in, not even your husband. A man will come with credentials, and you'll let him in and hide him and keep him there until an hour after Corrigan has left. Either that or I come myself, and that would ball it up. What hotel is Finch at?"

"The South Seas."

"Describe him."

"He's rather tall, in his thirties, with a bony face and hands and dark eyes, and he looks straight at you when he talks."

"Right. For God's sake don't get careless and describe me. Remember it was Finch who came to see you-"

"Really, Mr. Goodwin! If you have no confidence in me!"

"I have. I sure have."

"Well, you'd better!"

"I had indeed better. I'll be out part of the afternoon. If you need me, leave word. Good luck, Mrs. Potter."

"Good luck to you too."