The Second Confesion

“When did he give it to you?” “A long while ago. I've had it-” “That's a swell start,” I said encouragingly. “He had something here, or you thought he had, which you wanted so much that you two came here to get it the first possible chance after he died, but he gave you a key long ago so you could drop in for it some day while he was at his office. Mr Panzer and I don't go for that. Try another one.” They exchanged glances.

“Why don't you try this?” I suggested. “That you borrowed it from your younger sister, and-” “You sonofabitch,” Jimmy growled, rising and taking a step. “No, I didn't shoot, but by God- “You shouldn't get nasty, Andy,” Mom protested.

“Then give us something better.” I had drawn my feet back for leverage in case Jimmy kept coming, but he didn't. “Whatever it is, remember we can always check it with Mr Sperling.” “No you can't!” “Why not?” “Because he knows nothing about it! I'm just going to tell you the truth! We persuaded the janitor to lend us a key.” “How much did it take to persuade him?” “I offered-I gave him a hundred dollars. He'll be downstairs in the hall when we go out, to see that we don't take anything.” “You got a bargain,” I declared, “unless he intends to frisk you. Don't you think we ought to meet him, Saul?” “Yes.” “Then get him. Bring him up here.

Saul went. As the three of them sat and waited Mom suddenly asked, “Does your face hurt, Andy?” I thought of three replies, all good, but settled for a fourth because it was shortest.

“Yes,” I said.

When the outside door opened again I stood up, thinking that the janitor's arrival would make it two to two, even not counting Mom, and he might be an athlete. But as soon as I saw him I sat down again. He was a welterweight, his expansion would have been not more than half of Madeline's, and his eyes refused to lift higher than a man's knees.

“His name's Tom Fenner,” Saul informed me. “I had to take hold of him.” I eyed him. He eyed my ankles. “Look,” I told him, “this can be short and simple. I represent an associate of Mr Rony. As far as I know these people have done no harm here, and I'll see that they don't. I don't like to get people into trouble if I don't have to. Just show me the hundred bucks they gave you.” “Jeez, I never saw a hundred bucks,” Fenner squeaked. “Why would they give me a hundred bucks?” “To get a key to this apartment. Come on, let's see it.” “They never got a key from me. I'm in charge here. I'm responsible.” “Quit lying,” Jimmy snapped.