'Yes it is, and I was just telling Stebbins to get Goodwin down here. And then I'm going--'
'If you please. Mr. Goodwin and I have decided that it is now desirable for Miss Holt to answer any questions you care to ask--or that it will be after we have had a brief talk with her. Since I must be present and I transact business only in my own office, it will be
Method Three for Murder in
pointless for you to send for him. If you want her to talk hring her here.'
'You're too late, Wolfe. I don't need her to tell me that she drove that cab to your address. I already know it. Her prints are on the steering wheel and the door, and other places. You're too late.'
'Has she admitted it?'
'No, but she will.'
'I doubt it. She's rather inflexible. I regret having called you to the phone to no purpose. May I make a request? Don't keep Mr. Goodwin longer than necessary. I am about to conclude a matter in which he has an interest and would like him present. I wanted Miss Holt here too, but since I'm too late I'll have to manage without her.'
Silence. Prolonged.
'Are you there, Mr. Cramer?'
'Yes. So you're going to conclude a matter.'
'I am. Soon afterwards Miss Holt and Mr. Goodwin and I will talk not by your sufferance but at our will.'
'Are you saying that you know who killed Phoebe Arden?'
' 'Know' implies certitude. I have formed a conclusion and intend to verify it. It shouldn't take long. But I'm keeping you. Could you do without Mr. Goodwin until, say, four o'clock? It's half past twelve. By then we should have finished.'
Another silence, not quite so long. 'I'll be there in fifteen minutes,' Cramer said.
'With Miss Holt?'
'Yes.'
'Satisfactory. But not in fifteen minutes. I must get Judith Bram and Waldo Kearns. Do you know where they are?'
'Kearns is at his home. He said he would be if we wanted him again. Judith Bram is here. I'll bring her along, and I'll send for Kearns. Now.'
'No. People have to eat. Will you lunch with us? And Miss Holt?'
'I will not. Did you ever skip a meal in your life?'
'Many times when I was younger, by necessity. Then I suggest that you arrive with Miss Holt at two o'clock, and arrange for Miss
ii2 3 at Wolfe's Door
Bram and Mr. Kearns to come at two-thirty. Will that be convenient?'
'By God. Convenient!'
A click. He was off. We hung up. I said, 'Probably Irving eats too.'
'Yes. Bring him.'
I went and got him. He marched to Wolfe's desk and demanded, 'Well?'
Wolfe's head slanted back. 'I forgot, sir, when I said possibly within the hour, that lunch would interfere. It will be a little longer. I have spoken with Inspector Cramer, and he will arrive with Miss Holt at two o'clock. We shall expect you and your wife to join us at two-thirty.'
His jaw was working. 'Miss Holt will be here?'
'Yes.'
'Why my wife?'
'Because she has something to contribute. As you know, she had an appointment with Miss Arden which Miss Arden did not keep. That will be germane.'
'Germane to what?'
'To our discussion.'
'I don't want a discussion. I certainly don't want one with a police inspector. I told you what I want.'
'And you'll get it, sir, but the method and manner are in my discretion. I give you my assurance without qualification that I am acting solely in the interest of Miss Holt, that I expect to free her of any suspicion of complicity in the murder of Phoebe Arden, and that I shall not disclose what you have told me of your movements last evening without your prior permission. Confound it, do I owe you anything?'
'No.' His jaw was still working. 'I'd rather not bring my wife.'
'We'll need her. If you prefer, I'll arrange for Inspector Cramer to send for her.'
'No.' He breathed. He looked at me and back at Wolfe. 'All right. We'll be here.' He wheeled and went.
Method Three for Murder
