'You agree with Mr. Ewing?'
'That's not it. I just say I didn't think it would be wonderful. That's all I'm going to say.'
'Miss Kallman?'
Rae Kaliman shook her head but didn't open her mouth.
'Does that mean you disapproved?'
'No. It means I said to Susan what I had to say. She was the only one I had any right to say it to, and she's dead. The police couldn't drag it out of me, and neither can you.'
'Then I won't try. Mr. Henchy?'
He cleared his throat. If I had been with him on the bourbon, I would have had to clear mine twice. 'On the whole, I approved. Marriage is a very personal matter, but insofar as the interests of the organization were concerned I was in agreement with Mr. Faison. I thought the advantages would outweigh the disadvantages. In my position I must be realistic. Miss Brooke was a very wealthy woman.' He reached for his glass.
'And you, Mr. Oster?'
The lawyer cocked his head. 'You know, Wolfe, I'm sitting here taking it in. I'm giving you all the rope you want. But asking
'You had no special feeling about this particular instance?'
'Certainly not.'
Wolfe poured beer, emptying the bottle. He put it down and looked left and right. 'I admit,' he said, 'that much of what has been said has probably been a waste of time. I hope it has, for in spite of Miss Jordan's conviction I will not discard the guess that the telephone call was not made by Miss Brooke. I like it; its attractions are many and manifest.' His eyes settled on my assistant bartender. 'Miss Kailman, you said that Miss Brooke had a five-o'clock meeting that day. Do you know where it was to be held?'
'It was at NYU, but I don't know which building or room.'
'Can you find out?'
'Yes, easily.'
'And the names of some of the people who were there?'
'I can tell you one name now. Bill Magnus. William Magnus. I have his address and phone number at the office. He could give you other names. I saw him last week. Many people have wanted to see me, since Susan-'
'The meeting took place and Miss Brooke was there?'
'Yes.'
'Can Mr. Goodwin call you in the morning and get Mr. Magnus's address?'
'I had better call him. I'm never sure just when I'll be there.'
'Will you do so?'
'Yes, of course.'
'I've talked with Magnus,' Oster said. 'So have the police, naturally. You won't get anything conclusive, one way or the other.'
Wolfe was swallowing beer. It was turning into a big beer night, three bottles instead of the usual one or two. He put the glass down and licked his lips. 'There's always a chance of a hint, and Mr. Goodwin is good at hints. I can't say about you, but the police were surely satisfied to have it that Miss Brooke made that call, and I am not. If there's any-'
The phone rang, and I turned and got it. 'Nero Wolfe's resi-'
'Saul, Archie. I've got a slice of maybe bacon.'
'We could use some. We have company. Hold it.'
'Sure.'
I pressed a button, rose, detoured around the chairs, passing only eight inches from Miss Tiger's shoulder, went to the kitchen, and got at the phone on my breakfast table.
'Goodwin speaking.'
'You sound more like Lieutenant Rowcliff.'
'I do not. I don't stutter. Well?'
'It cost twenty bucks. Some garage attendants have delusions of grandeur. The Brookes have two cars, Herons; a sedan and a station wagon. Mr. Brooke uses the wagon every day, Monday to Friday; he drives to his laboratory in Brooklyn. He returned it to the garage that Monday evening, March second, around midnight. Mrs. Brooke came and got the sedan that evening between seven and eight. His guess is about a quarter to eight. She brought it back about an hour later, maybe an hour and a half.'
'Saul, I love you, except at the poker table. Will he tell her?'
'No. He would deny he told me. I had to swear he wouldn't be quoted. I merely wanted the information, you know?'
