In the Best Families

He looked as if, during the seventy hours since I had last seen him, he had had at least seventy drinks. His face was mottled, his eyes were bloodshot, and his left cheek was twitching. Also his tie had a dot of egg yolk on it, and he needed a shave.

“A week ago Saturday, I said, “I think it was, one of my men described a girl you were out with, and it sounded like Miss Darrow, but I wasn't sure. I'm not leading up to something, I'm just gossiping.

He wasn't interested one way or the other. He asked what I would have to drink, and when I said nothing thank you he went to the bar and got himself a straight one, and then came and moved a chair around to sit facing me.

“Hell, I said, “you look even more scared than you did the other day. And according to my men, either you've started sneaking out side doors or you've become a home-body. Who said boo?

Nothing I had to say interested him. “I said I wanted to see you every day, he stated. His voice was hoarse.

“I know, but I've been busy. Among other things, I spent an hour yesterday afternoon with Arnold Zeck.

That did interest him. “I think you're a goddam liar, Goodwin.

“Then I must have dreamed it. Driving into the garage, and being frisked, and the little vestibule, and fourteen steps down, and the two sentinels, and the soundproof door five inches thick, and the pinkish-grey walls and chairs and rugs, and him sitting there drilling holes in things, including me, with his eyes, and-

“When was this? Yesterday?

“Yeah. I was driven up, but now I know how to get there myself. I haven't got the password yet, but wait.

With an unsteady hand he put his glass down on a little table. “I told you before, Goodwin, I did not kill my wife.

“Sure, that's out of the way.

“How did it happen? Your going to see him.

“He sent Max Christy for me.

“That son of a bitch. Suddenly his mottled face got redder and he yelled at me,

“Well, go on! What did he say?

“He said I may have a big career ahead of me.

“What did he say about me?

I shook my head. Til tell you, Rackham. I think it's about time I let my better judgment in on this. I had never seen Zeck before, and he made quite an impression on me. I reached to my breast pocket. “Here's your six thousand dollars. I hate to let go of it, but-

“Put that back in your pocket.

“No, really, I-

“Put it back. He wasn't yelling now. “I don't blame you for being impressed by