In the Best Families

“Impossible. No place would be safe-except one. There is only one circumstance under which any man is granted the right to an extended period of undisturbed privacy, either by deliberation or on impulse. We need a woman. You know all kinds.

“Not all kinds, I objected. “I do draw the line. What kind do we need?

“Fairly young, attractive, a little wanton in appearance, utterly devoted to you and utterly trustworthy, and not a fool.

“My God, if I knew where to find one like that I'd have been married long ago.

Also I would be bragging-

“Archie, he snapped. “If after all your promiscuous philandering you can't produce a woman to those specifications, I've misjudged you. It's risky to trust anyone at all, but any other way would be still riskier.

I had my lips puckered. “Ruth Brady?

“No. She's an operative, and known. Out of the question.

“There's one who might take this as a substitute for a trip to Norway, which is now out. I could ask her.

“What's her name?

“You know. Lily Rowan.

He made a face. “She is rich, intemperate, and notorious.

“Nuts. She is well-heeled and playful. You remember the time she helped out with an upstate murderer. I have no further suggestions. Do I phone her?

“Yes.

“And tell her what?

He explained in some detail. When he had answered my three or four questions, and filed my objection by asking if I had something better to offer, I pulled the phone to me and dialled a number. No answer. I tried the Troubadour Room of the Churchill; she wasn't there. Next in order of priority was the Flamingo

Club. That found her. Asked my name, I said to tell her it was Escamillo, though she hadn't called me that for quite a while.

After a wait her voice came. “Archie? Really?

“I prefer Escamillo, I said firmly. “It's a question of security. How high are you?

“Come and find out. I'm tired of the people I'm with anyhow. Listen, I'll wander out and meet you in front and we'll go-

“We will not. I'm working, and I'm on a spot, and I need help. You're just the type for it, and I pay a dollar an hour if you give satisfaction. I'm offering you a brand new thrill. You have never earned a nickel in your life, and here's your chance. What mood are you in?

“I'm bored as the devil, but all I need is six dances with you and-

“Not to-night, my colleen bawn. Damn it, I'm working. Will you help?

“When?

“Now.

“Is it any fun?

“So-so. Nothing to brag of.

“Are you coming here for me?

“No. I'm going-you must get this straight. Now listen.