Before Midnight

"If you ever take another job for that outfit, even to find out who's stealing the paper clips, get it in writing, signed by everybody. I'm tired out running up and down stairs."

He didn't hear me. With his elbow on the chair arm, he was pulling gently at the tip of his nose with thumb and forefinger. After a little he spoke. "As I said yesterday, the tension is extremely severe, and something had to snap. I doubt if this is it. This is probably merely the froth of frustration, but it may be suggestive to watch the bubbles. How long will it take you to get there?" "This time of day, fifteen to twenty minutes." "Ample. Get them together. All of them." "Sure. Do I just tell them I'm you, or shall I borrow one of your suits and some pillows?"

"You are yourself, Archie. But I must define your position. You've been demanding instructions and here they are. Sit down." I moved a chair up.

Chapter 13

My visit to their office that afternoon probably cost LBA around three grand, maybe even five, for I found occasion later to describe the layout to Wolfe, thinking he should have it in mind when he was deciding on the amount of his bill, which he surely did if I know him. From the directory in the lobby of the modern midtown skyscraper I learned that LBA had six floors, which opened my eyes and made me pick one. Choosing twenty-two because it was marked Executive, I found the proper elevator, was lifted, and emerged into a chamber that would have been fine for badminton if you took up the rugs. With upholstered chairs here and there sort of carelessly, and spots of light from modern lamps, it was a very cultured atmosphere. Two or three of the chairs were occupied, and at the far side, facing the elevators, an aristocratic brunette with nice little ears was seated at an executive desk eight feet long. When I approached she asked if she could help me, and I told her my name and said I wanted to see Mr. Buff.