The Second Confesion

“Here's the key,” Mom said, displaying it. “You see, that proves it!” “Give it here.” Fenner took a step. “Let me take a look at it.” I reached for his arm and swivelled him. “Why drag it out? No matter how brave and strong you are, three of us could probably hold you while the lady goes through your pockets. Save time and energy, Mac. Maybe they planted it on you when you weren't looking.” He was so stubborn and game that his eyes got nearly as high as my knees before he surrendered. Then they dropped again, and his hand went into his pants pocket and emerged with a tight little roll between his fingers. I took it and unrolled it enough to see a fifty, two twenties, and a ten, and offered it back. That was the only time his eyes got higher; they came clear up to mine, wildly astonished.

“Take it and beat it,” I told him. “I just wanted a look. Wait a minute.” I went to get the key from Mom and handed that to him too. “Don't lend it again without phoning me first. I'll lock up when I leave.” He was speechless. The poor goof didn't have enough wits left even to ask my name.

When he had gone Saul and I sat down again. “You see,” I said genially, “we're easily satisfied as long as we get the truth. Now we know how you got in. What did you come for?” Mom had it ready and waiting, having been warned it was going to be required.

“You remember,” she said, “that my husband thought Louis was a Communist?” I said I did.

“Well, we still thought so-I mean, after what Mr Wolfe told us Monday afternoon.

We still thought so.” “Who is we?” “My son and I. We talked it over and we still thought so. Today when my husband told us that Mr Wolfe didn't believe what Webster said in his statement and it might mean more trouble about it, we thought if we came here and found something to prove that Louis was a Communist and showed it to Mr Wolfe, then it would be all right.” “It would be all right,” I asked, “because if he was a Communist Mr Wolfe wouldn't care who or what killed him? Is that it?” “Of course, don't you see?” I asked Saul, “Do you want it?” “Not even as a gift,” he said emphatically.