The Second Confesion

He also asked why I was still interested in Louis Rony's death. If policemen were women they couldn't be more gossipy. By evening the story will be around that I'm about ready to expose that reptile Paul Emerson as a murderer. I only wish it were true.” Wolfe glanced up at the clock. “By the way, I also phoned Doctor Vollmer, and he should be here soon.” So I was wrong in supposing that nothing had been done towards making good on his promise. “Your trip to the country did you good,” I declared. “You're full of energy. Did you notice that the Gazette printed Kane's statement in full?” “Yes. And I noticed a defect that escaped me when Mr Sperling read it. His taking my car, the car of a fellow guest whom he had barely met, was handled too casually. Reading it, it's a false note. I told Mr Sperling it was well drafted, but that part wasn't. A better explanation could have been devised and put in a brief sentence. I could have-” The phone ringing stopped him. I reached for my instrument and told the transmitter, “Nero Wolfe's office.” “May I speak to Mr Wolfe, please?” There was a faint tingle towards the bottom of my spine. The voice hadn't changed a particle in thirteen months.

“Your name, please?” I asked, hoping my voice was the same too.

“Tell him a personal matter.” I covered the transmitter with a palm and told Wolfe, “X.” He frowned. “What?” “You heard me. X.” He reached for his phone. Getting no sign to do otherwise, I stayed on.