Death of a Doxy (Crime Line)

"Naturally you damn it. But since I have assumed that Mr. Cather did not kill her, for reasons I prefer not to disclose, I need to know who did. As a man whose repeated advances to her were spurned, you are eligible. Persistent mortification can become insupportable. It's a question of character and temperament, and I know nothing of yours; I would have to consult people who know you well – for instance, Mr. and Mrs. Fleming. But I can collect facts. Where were you last Saturday morning from eight o'clock to noon? If you can establish -"

He stopped because his audience was going. Dr. Gamm didn't have the figure or the style for an impressive exit, it was more like a waddle, but it got him to the door and on through. I took my time rising and crossing to the hall, and got there just as he was opening the front door. When he was out and the door closed I went back in, raised my arms for a good stretch and an uncovered yawn, and said, "Another one down. He wouldn't have walked out, he wouldn't have dared, until he found out if you have anything and how much. Or tried to."

Wolfe's lips were tight. He loosened them to say, "He's either a murderer or a jackass."

"Then he's a jackass. It seems to me -"

The phone rang and I went and got it. It was Saul, reporting on a couple of names. I told him we could match him and wished him better luck tomorrow.