The Second Confesion

Taking the caribou bag, but leaving the other stuff in the trunk, I didn't feel too bad as I rounded the corner into Thirty-fifth Street and headed for our stoop. I was a lot better prepared to face Wolfe than I had been all day, and my head was now clear and comfortable. The week-end hadn't been a washout after all, except that I was coming home hungry, and as I mounted the stoop I was looking forward to a session m the kitchen, knowing what to expect in the refrigerator kept stocked by Wolfe and Fritz Brenner.

I inserted the key and turned the knob, but the door would open only two inches.

That surprised me, since when I am out and expected home it is not customary for Fritz or Wolfe to put on the chain bolt except on special occasions. I pushed the button, and in a moment the stoop light went on and Fritz's voice came through the crack.

“That you, Archie?” That was odd too, since through the one-way glass panel he had a good view of me. But I humoured him and told him it really was me, and he let me in. After I crossed the threshold he shut the door and replaced the bolt, and then I had a third surprise. It was past Wolfe's bedtime, but there he was in the door to the office, glowering at me.

I told him good evening. “Quite a reception I get,” I added. “Why the barricade?

Someone been trying to swipe an orchid?” I turned to Fritz. “I'm so damn hungry I could even eat your cooking.” I started for the kitchen, but Wolfe's voice stopped me.