The Father Hunt

Wolfe asked, "Does he know he is your son?" Jarrett was set for it and wasn't fazed. "I've answered that," he said. "I said he knows nothing about me. You don't merely assume that he is my son, you conclude it, because you can conceive of no other circumstance that would account for my taking the responsibility for Carlotta Vaughn's misfortune. To deny it would be pointless; you wouldn't believe me. If this Amy Denovo hires you to learn more about her father I know what you'll do, and I've had enough of you. His mother's name was Florence Vance. In nineteen fourteen she was twenty and I was twenty-three. She was a waitress in a restaurant in Boston. She died five days after the child was born. No; Floyd Vance does not know I am his father. If you have a material question ask it."

"There are many I could ask," Wolfe said, "but you have covered the essential points. It is only my curiosity that would be satisfied by knowing how you got word to Floyd Vance, two weeks ago, that I was looking for Amy Denovo's father, and I can't insist on that. I do have a comment. If you had told Mr. Goodwin when he first called on you what you have just told me, it is extremely likely that Floyd Vance would never have been identified

as the murderer of Elinor Denovo. Also Amy Denovo's problem would have been solved and she would not have to pay me for two weeks of strenuous effort. You say you never slight a responsibility. You are clearly responsible for the added strain and expense my client has had to bear. If you send me a check in payment for the work I have done for her, I will return the retainer she gave me and charge her nothing. Should you decide to do that, the amount is fifty thousand dollars. If you do, or if you don't, it will add to my knowledge of my fellow man. Archie, that chair is hard to rise from. Mr. Jarrett may want your arm."