Before Midnight

I thought O'Garro was going to plug him, and O'Garro thought so too. He was across from me, at Buff's right, and he was out of his chair, his eyes blazing, with two fists ready, but he didn't swing. He put his fists on the table and leaned on them, toward Buff, until his face was only a foot away from the senior partner's.

"You're too old to hit," he said, grinding it out between his teeth. "Too old and too goddam dirty. You said I hated Dahlmann. Maybe I didn't love him, but I didn't hate him. You did. Seeing Him coming up on his way to take over and boot you out--no wonder you hated him --and by God, I felt sorry for you!"

O'Garro straightened up and looked at us. "I felt sorry for him, gentlemen. That's how clever I was. I felt sorry for him." He looked at Wolfe. "You asked me who made the appointment with Assa and I said I'd reserve it. Buff made it, and came to my room and told me. Any more questions?"

"One or two for Mr. Buff." Wolfe regarded him with half-closed eyes. "Mr. Buff. When were you alone with Mr. Assa yesterday afternoon, and where and for how long?"

"I refuse to answer." Buff was having trouble with his voice. "I decline to answer on advice of counsel."

"Who is your counsel?"

"Rudolph Hansen."

"He says he isn't." Wolfe's eyes moved. "Mr. Hansen? Are you now counsel for Mr. Buff?"

"No." It sounded final. "As it stands now I couldn't be even if I wanted to, because of a possible conflict of interest. His attorney is named Arnold Duffen, with an office a few blocks from here."

Buff looked at him. The round red face was puffier. "Arnold may not be immediately available, Rudolph. I want to consult you privately. Now."

"No. Impossible."

"Then I must try to get him." Buff was leaving his chair. "Not here. From my room."

I stopped him by taking his arm. He was going to pull away, but I don't take a murderer's arm the way I do a nymph's, and he ended back in his chair. I released him, but got up and stood beside him.

"I wish," Wolfe said, "to extend you gentlemen all possible courtesy, but I must transfer the responsibility for that bottle of poison as soon as may be. Need I wait longer?"

For three seconds no one spoke, and then O'Garro said, "Use the phone on your left."

Chapter 22