aCall it what you like. Iave got to be careful. Are you sure youave taken care of this suicide business?a aThat angleas all right, but thereas another angle that may hit the headlines tomorrow. Roy had a secretary, a girl named Mary Savitt. She also committed suicide last night.a Beaumontas eyes bulged.

aGood grief! Why?a English smiled grimly.

aMaybe she was also overworking.a aDo you think anyoneas going to believe that? What were these two to each other? Was it a suicide pact?a aThatas what it could be called, but thereas no proof. If we get a break, no oneas going to connect the girl with Roy. Morillias leaning over backward on my side. He cost me five grand this morning.a Beaumont swallowed convulsively. His Adamas apple flopped about like a frog on a hot stove.

aYou gave Morilli five thousand? Suppose he tells the commissioner? This could be a trap, Nick. Bribing a police officer is a serious charge. Thatas the kind of charge they would love to hang on you. Itad finish you.a aDonat be so dramatic,a English said curtly. aMorillias all right. Heas got ambitions, and he knows by sticking with me, he stands a chance to get somewhere. Anyway, he canat prove Iave given him anything. I paid him in cash, and the bills canat be traced. He pushed back his seat. Well, Iave got to get back to the office. Donat worry your brains about this. Itall blow over.a Beaumont got to his feet.

aBut what made these two kill themselves?a he asked. aThere must have been some reason.a English signed the check the waiter laid on the table and left a liberal tip.

aSure, thereas a reason,a he returned. aAnd I intend to find out what it is.a VI.

A few minutes after six oaclock, the same evening, and after English had finished dictating the last letter of the day, Lois put her head around the door to tell him Sam Crail was waiting, and wanted to see him.

English glanced at his wrist.w.a.tch, frowning. He had promised to take Julie to a movie, and then drive her to the Garden of Eden Club where she sang. He had promised to pick her up at half past six.

aSend him in,a he said, aand get off home yourself. You should have been gone hours ago.a aYes, Mr. English,a Lois said, and turned to beckon to Crail, who was impatiently waiting behind the barrier.

aCome on in, Sam,a English said as he caught sight of him. aYouad better ride down with me. I promised Julie Iad take her to a movie tonight, and I donat want to be late.a aI donat imagine youall want to go to any movie when youave heard what Iam going to tell you,a Crail said, lowering his bulk into an armchair. aSorry, Nick, but you may even want to call Julie and break the date.a English stared at him.

aItall have to be pretty important for that. This is the second time Iave stood Julie up this week. What is it?a aIave opened Royas deposit box,a Crail said. aThereas twenty thousand dollars in it - in cash.a English gaped.

aTwenty thousand?a aYep, in hundred bills. How do you like that?a aWell, for G.o.das sake! Where did he get it from?a Crail shook his head.

aSearch me. I thought youad want to know right away.a aYes.a English stood staring down at the carpet, rubbing the back of his neck with his hand while his eyes brooded, then, shrugging, he went over to the telephone, lifted it and said, aGet me Miss Clairas apartment, will you, Lois?a Crail reached out and helped himself to a cigar.

aI could do with a drink if thereas one within sight,a he said. Iave had quite a day.a English motioned to the big cellarette that stood against the wall.

aHelp yourself.a Then into the telephone he went on, aJulie? Nick. Iam held up again. Yeah, Iam sorry, but I canat make that movie. Thatas the way it is. Samas just come in with some news - about Roy. Iall tell you later. Sorry, Julie. I seem to be always standing you up. What are you going to do? Look, would you like Harry to go with you? Heas still in the office, and head be tickled pink.a He listened for a moment, frowning, then said, aWell, all right. I thought maybe you would like a little company. Iall meet you at the club at nine. So long for now.a He hung up with a little grimace.

Crail pa.s.sed him a whisky and soda.

aYou know your business best, Nick,a he said, abut Iall be d.a.m.ned if Iad let an attractive girl like Julie go to the movies with Harry Vince; heas far too good looking to take a chance like that.a English stared blankly at him.

aWhy not? It would have made a change for Julie.a Then he smiled. aYou donat think Julie would run off with a kid like Harry, do you? Donat talk nonsense. Whatas Harry got to offer her? The trouble with you, Sam, is youave got a mind like a cesspit.a aI guess thatas right,a Crail admitted and laughed. aBut it pays off in the long run. Is she going with him?a aItas none of your business,a English returned, sitting down, abut to put your mind at rest, she isnat. She prefers to wait until I can take her.a aYouare a lucky guy,a Crail said enviously. aWhenever I take a girl out I have to give her a mink coat before sheall come.a aYou want to get some of that fat off,a English said brutally. aYouare not cut out for romance. What else did you find in the deposit box?a Crail lit his cigar and blew carefully on the lighted end.

aLooks as if he was ready to skip,a he said. aThere were two air tickets to Los Angeles, the money, his will and a gold and platinum wedding ring.a aHow the devil did he manage to lay his hands on all that money?a English asked, frowning down at his snowy blotter.

aWhy the devil did he commit suicide?a Crail said. aThatas the important question.a English nodded. He sat silent for several moments, then asked abruptly, aHow did Corrine react, Sam?a Crail grimaced.

aIt hit her where she lives, but she finally toed the line. Iam sorry for that girl. All right, sheas dumb, but I didnat like telling her about Roy. It was like killing a mouse with a sledgehammer. She wouldnat believe it until I showed her some of the letters, then she went to pieces. I guess she doesnat like you a lot. Youad better keep an eye on her. If she could do you dirt, sheall do it.a English lifted his broad shoulders.

aShe and twenty thousand other people. So what? Did the coroner take it all right?a aSure, but then heas so dumb he doesnat know his base from his apex. All he wanted was a good reason, and I gave it to him - nervous depression brought on by overwork.a English reached forward and took a cigar. He lit it and tossed the match into the trash basket.

aMary Savitt was murdered, Sam.a Crail stiffened.

aWhat makes you say that?a aI had a visit from Lieutenant Morilli. You know Morilli? Heas worked it out as murder,a English said, and went on to tell Crail about the bloodstain on the carpet.

aWas it Roy?a Crail asked, his fat face alarmed.

aWhy do you say that?a aI donat know,a Crail returned, frowning. aThe idea automatically jumped into my mind. Let me see - these two were lovers. They were going away. Maybe the girl suddenly decided it wasnat good enough. Roy was married. She would be left out on a limb. She says sheas not going at the last moment. Roy loses his temper, and strangles her, then makes it look like suicide. He goes down to his office, gets cold feet and shoots himself.a English smiled; his eyes turned frosty.

aYou worked that one out fast enough.a aAnd so will the D.A.,a Crail said soberly. aThis is bad, Nick.a aNot as bad as it sounds. Morillias agreed to keep his mouth shut. To save his conscience I gave him five thousand.a Crail whistled softly.

aThat copper has big ideas.a aAnyone worth a d.a.m.n has big ideas. I donat begrudge the money. Heas pulled me out of a nasty jam.a aDo you think it was Roy?a English shook his head.

aNot a chance. Not a chance in h.e.l.l. Roy wouldnat kill anyone. I knew him as well as I know myself. And another thing - Roy wouldnat kill himself either.a He got to his feet and began to pace the floor. aIf Mary Savitt was murdered, Roy was murdered, too. How do you like that?a aWhy, thatas crazy! The police say Roy shot himself. His prints.a aBe your age, Sam. Someone faked Mary Savittas suicide. Someone also faked Royas suicide. It was easy enough. All he had to do was to get hold of Royas gun, shoot Roy with it, put Royas dead fingers around the b.u.t.t, and walk out.a aWho would want to kill Roy?a English spread out his hands.

aA lot of people, Sam. Roy wasnat an endearing type.a aThatas right, but who would want to kill him and the girl? Why the girl?a aI donat know. Maybe Roy was blackmailing someone. Maybe Mary Savitt knew the details. They worked together in the office. Maybe the killer thought head be safe and wipe them both out. It could be, Sam.a Crail took a drink of whisky.

aHow about Corrine?a he asked. aThe outraged wife angle. She has the motive if those two really were murdered.a English shook his head.

aNo. Corrine wouldnat have had the strength to have hoisted that girl up against the bathroom door. It isnat the kind of setup a woman would tackle.a aMaybe she got someone to do it?a Again English shook his head.

aYouare forgetting the twenty thousand. That could be blackmail money, Sam. Suppose Roy had been blackmailing someone in a big way, and decided to make a final killing before he went away. Suppose he turned the screw too far. Suppose the guy he was blackmailing decided head stop Roy once and for all, and while he was about it, stop Mary Savitt, too. If youare looking for a theory, try that one on for size.a Crail scratched the side of his fat neck with a carefully manicured fingernail.

aAre you going to talk to Morilli about this?a aNo. Do you think I want my brother branded as a blackmailer?a Crail shrugged.

aMaybe the killer figured the thing would be hushed up for just that reason. If he did, heas played it smart.a English showed his teeth in a mirthless smile.

aI wouldnat be surprised. Have you told Corrine about the money, Sam?a Crail shook his head.

aI thought Iad better talk to you first.a aYou did right. Sit on that money for a while. Keep it in the safe deposit. In the meantime go ahead with that insurance idea of mine. See Corrineas fixed up, and let me know what I owe you. If that money turns out to be proceeds for blackmail, Corrine mustnat have anything to do with it.a aOkay. Iall fix it,a Crail said. aOne thing more, Nick. Iave had an offer for the business. Four thousand, cash down. Want me to sell?a English paused in his pacing and turned around.

aWhoas the buyer?a Crail shrugged.

aItas come through Hurst. He wouldnat give the name of his client.a aHeas a lawyer, isnat he?a aThatas what he calls himself. I have another name for him.a aFour thousand?a aThatas right. Corrine wants to sell.a aHow does she know about it before I do?a aHurst went direct to her. He phoned her at nine o clock this morning. He didnat want to deal with me. Fortunately, Corrine was still having a weep. She put him onto me. I told her to wait a few days. I said we were certain to get a better offer.a aWho would want to buy a business like that for four thousand without even asking to check the books?a aThe world is full of crazy people. Iave given up wondering about them.a aWell, I havenat,a English said grimly. aWhen someone offers that amount of money for a business that hasnat had a client in nine months, I think the buyer knows more about the business than I do. Tell Hurst the business isnat for sale. Iall find a buyer for you, and the price is seven thousand. Tell Corrine, and give her your check. Do it first thing tomorrow morning.a aWhoas the buyer?a Crail asked, staring.

aHis nameas Ed Leon. Heall call on you some time tomorrow, give you his check, and all the details you want,a English said. aAnd remember, Sam, I donat know Leon, and he doesnat know me. Understand?a aNow wait a minute, Nick. Donat keep me in the dark. What exactly are you planning?a English came over and stood in front of Crail.

aSomeone killed Roy. Someone wants to buy Royas business in a hurry. I want to find out if the killer and the buyer are one and the same. Thatas called working a hunch. Ed Leonas the guy to find out for me. Thatas what Iam planning to do.a aWell, you know best, but what can you do if you do find out who killed Roy?a Englishas cold, brooding eyes stared at Crail for a long minute.

aThis is a personal matter. Someone killed my brother. I donat like that. If the police canat take care of it, then Iall bury my own dead. Thatas what I can do about it.a Crail got to his feet.

aWatch out, Nick,a he said seriously. aThat kind of talk is dangerous. If you took my advice, youad let it lie. You have too many commitments to start a caper like that. Letas face it. Roy didnat mean a thing to you. If you start to dig up his past, you may unearth something you canat bury again. Suppose he was a blackmailer? Wouldnat it be better to forget about it? Youave got your career to think of.a English slapped Crail on his broad back.

aI know you mean well, Sam, but even if Roy was a louse, he was my brother. No oneas going to murder him and get away with it. Iall work it so it remains a personal and private matter between me and the killer. Take care of Corrine, and Iall take care of Royas killer.a When Crail had gone, English went into the outer office. Lois was still there, amid the empty desks, sitting at the switchboard, busily writing up Englishas appointment book from a batch of letters she held in her hand.

aFor the love of Pete! Didnat I tell you to go home hours ago?a English said, coming over to her.

aI guess you did, but I thought Iad stay on until you were ready to go.a aI donat know what Iad do without you, Lois,a English said, standing beside her and looking down at her glossy dark head. aIf I had come out and found you gone, I guess Iad have felt like a man with no arms.a She smiled, pleased.

aIt wouldnat have been as bad as that, Mr. English. Is there anything I can do?a aSee if you can get Ed Leon on the phone. Heas in Chicago some place. I donat know his number.a aIall get him for you,a Lois said, and turned briskly to the switchboard.

English went back to his office and closed the door. He began to pace up and down, his face thoughtful. Ten minutes later, his telephone rang and he picked up the receiver.

aMr. Leonas on the line now, Mr. English,a Lois told him.

aGood girl. Put him on, will you?a There was a click, and English said, aThat you, Ed?a aWell, if it isnat, some other louse is wearing my suit,a a voice said in his ear. aYouare interrupting a session with a blonde. Itas taken me two solid months to persuade her to come up and look at my etchings, and now you have to bust in at the psychological moment. Whatas on your mind?a aI want you,a English said. aCatch the first plane out tomorrow morning. I have a job for you thatas right up your street.a aI donat want a job. I want to be left in peace,a Leon said, his voice alarmed. aIf thatas all you want Iall hang up before this frill breaks her way out with an axe.a aI said I want you,a English snapped. aThis is a big job, Ed. Something right up your street or I wouldnat have called you. When you reach town, give me a call. Iall meet you somewhere. I donat want anyone to know you and I are working together. Do you understand?a aNot a word, Leon said, sighing, but if itas like that, I guess Iall have to do something about it. Is there any money in it for me?a aFive grand,a English said.

Leon gave a long, low whistle.

aThe buzzing you hear in your ears is my helicopter landing on your roof,a he said excitedly and hung up.

CHAPTER THREE.

I.

Julie had long ago learned never to keep English waiting, so she was dressed and ready to leave when he telephoned to tell her their movie date was off.

When he hung up, she slowly replaced the receiver, and stood staring at her reflection in the mirror above the mantel. Absently she told herself that she was looking at her best, and the green scarf she had knotted at her throat set off her eyes and her copper-coloured hair with even more effect than she had imagined. She was also pleased with the way her tight camelhair coat accentuated the width of her shoulders, and looking down, she thought her new reverse calf shoes made her feet look even smaller than they were.

English had said he would have dinner with her at the club at nine oaclock. She looked at her strap watch. It was now fifteen minutes past six. She had nearly two hours before she joined him.

She picked up the telephone and dialled Englishas office.

Lois answered, and Julieas mouth tightened. She disliked Lois intensely. Anyone could see Lois was in love with English, except English himself, but then he would never notice a thing like that. The way Lois allowed English to make her his tame slave infuriated Julie. Besides, Julie knew Lois also disliked her. She was sure that Lois considered she wasnat good enough for English, and whenever they met, Lois always seemed able to make Julie feel uncomfortable. Her cool, serene eyes seemed to be saying, aYou have nothing to be proud of. You only sleep with him, any good-looking, brainless woman could do that, but I work with him and I help him, and I have known him much, much longer than you have.a aOh, Lois, this is Julie,a Julie said brightly. aIs Harry there? I wanted some tickets for the show.a aYes, heas here,a Lois returned, her voice cold. aHold on a moment, Miss Clair.a It was always Miss Clair, although Julie had repeatedly asked Lois to call her by her Christian name.

There was a click on the line, and Harryas voice said, ah.e.l.lo, Julie. I was just going. Anything I can do?a aI want two tickets for the show on Sat.u.r.day, Harry,a Julie said, trying to speak calmly. aI was going to ask Nick to bring them, but our dateas off. He wonat be free until nine oaclock, and Iam meeting these people before then. Can you leave them at Nickas club, and Iall pick them up?a aOf course. Iall be glad to. Iam on my way home now. Iall put them in an envelope for you with your name on it.a aThanks so much, Harry,a Julie said, and hung up.

Moving quickly, she picked up her handbag and gloves and left the apartment. She rode down in the elevator, and asked the night porter to get her a taxi. While she waited, she lit a cigarette, and was annoyed to see her hands were shaking.

aWhere to, madam?a the night porter asked, coming into the lobby.

aThe Athletic Club.a He opened the taxi door, put his hand on her arm to help her in, and told the driver where to go.

The taxi made fast time through the evening traffic, and as the driver was about to turn into Western Avenue, Julie leaned forward and said, aIave changed my mind. Drive me to 5th and 27th Street, please.a aOkay, miss,a the driver said, and looked over his shoulder at her, grinning. aMy old man always said itas because dames change their minds so often that theyave got cleaner ones than us men.a aHeas probably right,a Julie said, and laughed.

After ten minutes fast driving, the driver slowed down and pulled up.

aHere we are, miss.a Julie paid him, thanked him, and set off briskly along a quiet, dimly lit street that eventually led to the river. Every so often, she glanced over her shoulder, but the street was deserted, and she saw no one. Suddenly she slowed her pace, stopped and turned.

She looked quickly to the right and left, then up at the dark buildings opposite. Satisfied that no one was watching her, she went down a narrow, dimly lit alley that led to the waterfront.

A thin white mist was coming off the river, and as she moved along in the dark shadows, a tugboatas siren hooted dismally from the other side of the river. Again she paused; again she looked to the right and left, then she stepped into the doorway of a tall, narrow building, pushed open the door and stepped into a dark lobby. She moved without hesitation through the darkness as if she had been here so often she knew exactly where to go.

She heard a door open near her.

aJulie?a aYes.a She stepped into a dark room, and the door closed behind her. Then the lights sprang up, and she turned, smiling, as Harry Vince caught her in his arms.

aWhat a bit of luck, darling,a he said. aI was resigning myself to a dull evening. I thought he was taking you to the movies.a She put her arms around his neck, and pressed her face against his. aSam turned up at the last moment,a she said. aOh, Harry, it seems such a long time. Kiss me.a Harry kissed her, holding her to him while his heart hammered against his side.

aWe have such a little time, darling,a she said, pulling back and looking up at him. aDonat letas talk now. Donat let us waste a minute.a aIave been waiting as impatiently as you for this moment, too,a Harry said. aLet me take your coat. Thereas a fire in the other room. Letas go in there.a She slipped out of her coat and going ahead of him entered the comfortable bedroom where a blazing fire greeted her. The room was lit only by the warm orange flames, casting shadows and firelight, giving the room an intimate atmosphere she had grown to love.

aDonat turn on the light, Harry.a He closed the door and leaned against it, watching her. It fascinated him to see how quickly she slipped out of her clothes. She pulled a zip here and a zip there, and in a moment she was standing naked and lovely before him.

aJulie, you are the most beautiful thing,a he said with a catch in his voice.

She knelt by the fire, her back to him, her hands going out toward the blaze.

aOnly you can say that to me, Harry, and make me believe it.a He went over to her, and kneeling beside her, slipped his arm around her, turning her and pulling her against him.

aThese are the only moments I live for,a he said. aItas as if the world has stood still, and only you and I are left alive.a She looked up at him, her arms slid around his neck, and pulling his head down, she crushed her mouth against his.

The clock on the mantel struck eight, and Julie half sat up.

aDonat move, darling,a Harry said out of the darkness, and his arm went around her. aYou have an hour yet.a aNo, only half an hour. I mustnat keep him waiting.a aJulie, we canat go on and on like this,a Harry said, his face against hers. aCanat you talk to him? Canat you tell him you donat want to go on with him anymore?a He felt her stiffen, and there was a note of alarm in her voice when she said, aWhy, Harry, what are you saying? Nick would never give up. You know that. Besides, how would we live? Donat letas go over this again. You know it never gets us anywhere.a aBut this is dangerous. If he ever found out . . .a aHe wonat find out,a Julie said.

aBut he may. Heas no fool. For all we know he suspects us now.a aOf course he doesnat. Why, tonight, he even suggested you should take me to the movies.a aGood Lord! What did you say?a aI told him I didnat want to go to the movies with anyone but him.a Harry remained silent for a moment. He stared across the room at the flames of the fire that cast dancing shadows on the ceiling.

aIf he ever found out,a he said, voicing a fear that had been haunting him for weeks, ahead kill us. He wouldnat stop to think. Head kill us first and let Crail fix it afterward.a aOh, darling, youare talking nonsense,a Julie said, touching his face. aNick wouldnat do a thing like that. Heas far too wrapped up in his own career to risk ruining it. Why, he told me he wants the hospital named after him. Of course he wouldnat.a Harry wasnat convinced.

aIam not so sure. If he caught us.a aBut he wonat. Please donat be silly about this, Harry. He wonat find out - not now.a Harry half sat up.

aWhat do you mean - not now?a aNow Royas dead.a aWhatas Roy got to do with us?a She hesitated, then speaking rapidly as if to force out the words, she said, aRoy knew. Heas been blackmailing me for the past six months.a Harry stiffened, and cold fear clutched at his heart. He realized then how frightened he was of English, and how much he dreaded English finding out that Julie and he were lovers. He got off the bed and slipped on a dressing gown, then he turned on a shaded lamp.

aRoy knew about us?a he repeated, and in the light of the lamp Julie saw he had gone white.

She turned on her side, her hands covering her b.r.e.a.s.t.s.

aYes, he knew. Now heas dead I can tell you.a Harry felt sick.

aWhy didnat you tell me before?a he said, his voice going up a note.

aI was frightened of losing you. I know how you feel about Nick. I understand it. If you thought Roy knew, you might have stopped seeing me, and I couldnat have borne that, Harry.a Harry moved over to a cellarette and poured himself a stiff whisky. His hand was unsteady.

aWill you have one?a he asked, suddenly realizing he should have asked her before pouring his own.

aNo, darling. Donat look like that. It really is all right now Royas dead.a Harry drank the whisky, then lit a cigarette and came over and sat on the bed. He gave Julie a cigarette, and not trusting his shaking hand, he dropped the lighter beside her.

aWhen did it happen? You say he was blackmailing you?a She nodded as she lit the cigarette.

aItas been h.e.l.l, Harry. I thought Iad go out of my mind. One day, Roy came to see me. It must have been six or seven months ago. I couldnat understand why he should have come. As you know, I scarcely knew him. He didnat beat about the bush. He said, You are to come to my office every Friday with two hundred dollars, Julie. I canat make you come, of course, but I can tell Nick youare having an affair with Harry Vince. Are you going to pay me or am I to tell Nick? Thatas all there was to it. I was so frightened I didnat even ask him how he had found out. I said I would pay, and every Friday since then Iave paid.a aThe louse!a Harry said furiously, clenching his fists. aSo it is true. Theyare saying he was a blackmailer. The dirty, rotten louse!a aYou canat imagine how relieved I was when Nick told me he had shot himself,a Julie said. aItas been a nightmare these past months. Having to go to that beastly little office and hand him the money while he sat at his desk and grinned at me, and that cheap b.i.t.c.h of a girl of his grinning at me, too.a Harry was scarcely listening. His mind was seething with alarm.

aDo you think he told Corrine?a he asked. aSuppose she goes to Nick?a aWhy should he tell her?a Julie said a little impatiently. aIt wasnat anything to be proud of. Besides, Corrine would have told Nick before now if Roy had told her. Iam sure only he and that girl of his knew, and theyare both dead. Iam sure of it, Harry. I wouldnat have told you, but if you only knew what a relief it is to tell someone.a aYou poor darling,a Harry said, taking her in his arms. aYou should have told me before. Anyway, Iam going to pay you back. How much did he get out of you?a aPlease, Harry, I donat want to talk about it. I managed with the money I earned. Letas forget it. She slid off the bed. Iave got to get dressed.a aBut I canat let you lose all that money,a Harry protested.