Джон Макдональд - Area of Suspicion [= My Brother’s Widow]

“Yes. The lower lobe of the right ear is missing. Why? That’s a funny thing for you to know.”

“Have you picked up Mottling?”

“He’s out. I’ve got two men staked out at the Atheltic Club waiting for him to come back. They’ll phone me when he comes in.”

“I think you can pick him up, officially.”

There was a long pause. “One witness?”

“One definite and one probable.”

“Can you get them over here?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll be here at the house.”

“Can I send them over instead of coming along myself?”

“Don’t you want to sit in on it?”

“Not tonight, Mr. Tancey. I’ve got other plans.”

There was another pause. “She’s a very pleasant girl. Congratulations.”

“Thank you, Mr. Tancey.”

I hung up. Maybe he wouldn’t be able to make anything stick. But Mottling’s effectiveness was over.

I went back to the lounge. From the doorway I saw my girl. I kept my eyes on her as I walked between the tables. She looked very good. Her smile was for me. I liked the way she sat. I liked the meaning she gave everything. I thought of her, and the work ahead, and how everything would be, and how the end of the day would be the best part. I walked faster. I put my hand on her shoulder. It was good to touch her. She seemed to lean against my touch. I sat down and faced Joan and for a moment I couldn’t decide what I should tell her first.