Death of a Doxy (Crime Line)

"I would like to know. It may not be important now, but I would like to know." He got the glass and took a sip. "I have nothing to say to your guess that I killed Miss Kerr except that I didn't. Would a man in my position, of my standing – No, that wouldn't impress you. To me the idea is simply fantastic. You say you expect me to help you identify the man who killed her. If Cather didn't, and if the facts are as you say, I certainly want to, but how?"

"First you," Wolfe said. "Where were you Saturday morning?"

"I was at home all morning and until about three o'clock. We had guests for lunch."

"If pressed, could you account for every half-hour from eight o'clock to noon?"

"I think so. There were phone calls."

"Could your wife?"

"Why the devil should she?"

Wolfe shook his head. "Don't start that. You have held your poise admirably; don't spoil it. I don't drag your wife in, circumstances do. Did she know of your association with Miss Kerr?"

"No."

"How sure are you?"

"Completely. I have taken great precautions."

Wolfe frowned. "You see how difficult it is. It may be highly desirable for Mr. Goodwin or me to see your wife, but with what excuse, without involving you? It must be managed somehow, and Mr. Goodwin -"

"It will not be managed! You will not see my wife!"

"Your poise. As you said, you're in a trap; don't thrash about. If it wasn't you or your wife, who was it? I must have a fact, a hint, a name. You spent many intimate hours with her. You may have to spend hours with me. She told you of places she went and people she knew. Tell me."

A muscle on Ballou's neck was twitching. "I insist, I insist, that my wife is not to be disturbed. You expect to be paid, naturally. I never 'thrash about.' How much?"

Wolfe nodded. "Naturally for you. Men with money always assume there is no other medium of exchange. I am engaged on behalf of Mr. Cather, and you can't hire me or pay me. I am coercing you, certainly, but only to get information. We shall disturb your wife only if it is requisite. From you I want all the facts, all -"

The phone rang. I turned and got it. "Nero Wolfe's -"

"Saul, Archie. I'm -"

"Hold it." I put it down and moved, to the hall and on to the kitchen, and took the phone.

"We have company. Okay, shoot."