The Mother Hunt (Rex Stout Library)

Of course. That would be imperative even for a worm, and by definition you're a man. You have nothing more to fear from me, Mr. Haft. I can't prove that you killed Ellen Tenzer and Carol Mardus; I can only declare it. I am satisfied. The job Mrs. Valdon hired me to do was completed two days ago, and she can't be expected to pay me to play Nemesis. Now that I have exposed you, your guilt and your impudence, I'll even offer advice. Leave here at once and prepare your defense. Of so extensive an operation there must be traces letters or telegrams, check stubs and canceled checks if you paid Ellen Tenzer, a ball of cord, Ellen Tenzer's phone number jotted down somewhere, the rubber-stamp kit which you used for the message pinned to the baby's blanket, a hair from Carol Mardus's head in your car, a hair from your head in Ellen Tenzer's car the possibilities are innumerable, now that you have been named. Also, of course, facts you can't erase, such as your use of a car, your own or another's, last Friday night. You have a job ahead of you, and you should get at it without delay. Go. Aren't you going?

Leo Bingham muttered, Good God, this is brutal.

You know damn well he's not going, Cramer rasped. Nobody is going. He stood up. Where's a phone?

Wolfe stretched his neck. I have a suggestion. Two hours ago I asked Mr. Upton a question which he refused to answer. He said he would answer it to someone who has a right to ask it. I presume he would concede that you have the right. I suggest that you ask him if Carol Mardus told him who had helped her dispose of the baby.

Cramer glared at Upton. Did she?

Yes, Upton said.

Why the hell didn't you say so yesterday?

I wasn't asked. And I didn't know what I know now. I repeat my formal demand, that you arrest Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin on my complaint. But I'll answer your question. Carol Mardus told me that Julian Haft had met her at the airport, or right after she left it, and took the baby. He turned to Haft, beside him. Julian, you can't expect me. He didn't finish it. Haft was trying to take the cheaters off, and his hands were trembling so he couldn't manage it.

Cramer asked Mrs. Valdon, Where's a phone?

She pointed. There.