Death of a Doxy (Crime Line)

Cramer: That's what I'd like to know. Do you still think Orrie Cather killed your friend Isabel Kerr?

Julie: I never said that.

Cramer: You didn't have to. It was obvious from what you did say and put in your statement. Do you remember what you said?

Julie: Certainly I do. I can say the alphabet backward.

Cramer: Do you want to retract any of it?

Julie: No. It was all true.

Cramer: Then you still think he killed her?

Julie: You ought to listen better. I told you I didn't say that.

Cramer: You implied it strong enough. Don't forget we have your signed statement. Don't forget that.

Five seconds of silence except for a faint sound that could have been Cramer leaving his chair.

Cramer: I warn you again, Miss Jaquette, giving false information to an officer investigating a capital crime is a felony. Do you want to reconsider it?

Julie: No, thanks. You can leave the door open.

Another faint sound, the door opening. I slid off the stool, went to the cupboard and turned the switch, crossed to the door to the hall, and swung it open. Heavy footsteps were coming down the stairs. Cramer appeared, turned left, and passed the office door without looking in. He must have seen me as he was putting his coat on, but he didn't wave good-by. When he was out and the door shut, I turned and said, "That was ad lib, nothing like it in the script. I enjoyed every minute of it. You'd better start the eggs, Fritz, she must be hungry." I headed for the stairs and mounted the two flights.

The door was wide open. She was squatting on the floor, looking at the underside of the table. At the sound of my footsteps she turned her head, scrambled up, and said, "I'm looking for the bug."

"You won't find it there. It's not that simple. It came through fine."

"You heard it?"

"Sure. Why he called you a liar is beyond me. If ever I heard the ring of truth. How soon do you want breakfast?"

"Now. Right now."

"It's nearly ready. Get in bed and I'll bring it."

Chapter 14