Once again there was a lengthy pause, and I guessed there was a clash of wills going on.
Then a chair creaked, and I knew she had got her way.
150
“And a drink, Captain. I don’t like drinking alone.”
“Looks like you were managing all right before I showed up,” Hame said. “There’s a glass
of Scotch on the cabinet.”
“No wonder you have such a reputation for being a clever police officer,” she said, and
laughed.
“I guess I don’t miss much.”
He sounded mollified.
I heard her splash soda into a glass.
Then he said, “Well, here’s how.” He grunted. “That’s pretty good Scotch. What’s this you
were saying about taking me into your confidence?”
“Perhaps you have wondered why Ricca and I are here,” she said. “Paul sent us. Nick’s
been dipping into the reserve to cover his gambling losses. Ricca had orders from Paul to
heave him out. Well, he’s gone.”
I had to hand it to her. She was ready for any emergency. Her voice, now cool and matter-of-fact, was very convincing.
“You don’t say.” Hame sounded startled. “Much missing?”
“We don’t know for certain - something like ten thousand. We haven’t had time for a
thorough check. He didn’t deny it. He could have been difficult, but as he handed over the
keys and didn’t make trouble, I promised him twelve hours start. I didn’t anticipate that fool
of a girl would bring you into it.”
“So that’s it. Well I’ll be double damned.” There was a pause, then Hame said reluctantly,
“Want me to do anything about him?”
“No. He knows too much. He might talk.”
“I was thinking of that. Where’s he gone?”
“I have no idea. He must have gone by way of the beach. That’s why the guards didn’t see
him.”
“Must have. Funny thing, he hasn’t packed. I checked his room.”
151
I held my breath while I waited for her to talk herself out of that one.
“He keeps a lot of stuff with Zoe. He knew this wouldn’t last and was ready to skip.”
There was no hesitation in her voice.
“He was no fool,” Hame said, his voice ponderous. “It’ll be odd not to have him around.”
“It won’t make any difference to you. Ricca and I will be taking charge.”
“Did Wertharn say it wouldn’t make any difference?”
“He said more than that,” Della said coolly. “He left instructions about you. He said we
should do a little more for you.”
“Is that right? What did he mean by that?”
There was a pause, then she said, “We think you’re doing a good job for us, Captain. Paul
had already spoken to Nick about you, but Nick said you were getting enough. Paul wanted to
show his appreciation, but Nick blocked him off. Well, Nick’s gone now. We thought another
two-fifty a week might be useful. Paul said it should be back-dated six months. I’d planned to
pay it into your account tomorrow as a little surprise.”
“That’s pretty nice of you,” Hame said, suddenly jovial. “I guess I could use it. I got
expenses same as anyone. Sounds as if we’re going to get along together all right. Where’s
Ricca?”
Again I held my breath.
“I have an idea he’s enjoying himself at Zoe’s place. I don’t know, but that’s my guess.
