The Second Confesion

“Do you mean he was murdered?” “I don't know. Murder requires premeditation. If after inquiry the police decide it was murder they'll still have to prove it. That, of course, will start the routine hunt for motive, means, opportunity-I don't know whether you're familiar with it, but if not, I'm afraid you soon will be. Whom are you going to notify, the county authorities or the State Police? You have a choice. But you shouldn't postpone it. You will-” Mrs Sperling spoke for the first time. “But this is-this will be terrible! Here on our place! Why can't you take it away-away somewhere for miles-and leave it somewhere-” No one paid any attention to her. Sperling asked Wolfe, “Do you know what he was doing here?” “I know what brought him. Your daughter phoned him to come.” Sperling jerked to the bed. “Did you do that, Gwenn?” There was no reply from Gwenn. Madeline furnished it. “Yes, Dad, she did. She decided to drop him and wanted to tell him first.” “I hope,” Wolfe said, “that your wife's suggestion needs no comment, for a dozen reasons. He took a cab here from the station-” “My wife's suggestions seldom need comment. There is no way of keeping the police out of it? I know a doctor-” “None. Dismiss it.” “You're an expert. Will they regard it as murder?” “An expert requires facts to be expert about. I haven't got enough. If you want a guess, I think they will.” “Shouldn't I have a lawyer here?” That will have to come later. You'll probably need one or more.” Wolfe wiggled a finger. “It can't be delayed longer, sir. Mr Goodwin and I are under an obligation, both as citizens and as men holding licences as private detectives.”