Part 13 (1/2)
He recognized the tall, good-looking guy who opened the door. He had been standing next to Parker at the bank.
Scared out of his wits, Donovan thought with s.a.d.i.s.tic satisfaction. d.a.m.n funny thing. I have only to ring a bell to frighten the life out of everyone in the house.
He shoved his heavy jaw forward aggressively.
”You Holland?” he growled.
Ken nodded dumbly.
Duncan was studying him, puzzled.
He looks as if he has robbed the bank and has the proceeds in the house, he thought. What the h.e.l.l's the matter with him?
”I want to talk to Parker. Where's he live?” Donovan demanded.
Ken opened and shut his mouth, but no sound came. He stared fixedly at Donovan.
”Where does he live?” Donovan repeated, raising his voice.
Ken made an effort, gulped, then said, ”Why, he's just in the next road. 145 Marshall Avenue.”
Duncan took out his notebook and jotted down the address.
”Did he tell you he was going to call his wife from the pay booth this morning?” Donovan demanded.
”He - he didn't say.”
”But you saw him go to the pay booth?”
”Why - yes, I did,”
”What time was that?”
”I didn't notice.”
Donovan glared at him, then he turned disgustedly to Duncan.
”Come on; we're wasting time.”
He strode down the path, jerked open the gate and crossed to the car.
Duncan followed him. At the gate, he turned to look back. Ken was still standing motionless in the doorway, staring after them. Then, seeing Duncan looking at him, he stepped back and hurriedly shut the front door.
chapter seven.
I.
When Commissioner Howard's car disappeared down the drive, Sean O'Brien walked slowly into the lounge and sat down. He waited, listening, and after a moment or so he heard footsteps. Gilda came into the room.
”Oh, he's gone, then,” she said, but the a.s.sumed surprise in her voice didn't deceive O'Brien.
”Yes, he's gone,” he said, and taking her hand, he pulled her down on to the arm of his chair. He put his arm around her waist and began to stroke her flank while he looked up at her.
Her great green cat's eyes were dark with anxiety.
”What did he want, Sean?” she asked. ”Or shouldn't I ask?”
”This is the first time he has ever been here,” O'Brien said, frowning. ”He's an odd guy” He leaned his head against Gilda's arm. ”He brought some bad news.”
He felt her stiffen.
”Do you remember Fay Carson?” he went on, and looked up at her.
Her finely shaped nostrils contracted and her eyes hardened.
”Of course I do. What has she . . .?”
”Your brother and she were lovers, weren't they?”
He saw her flinch.
”But, Sean, that's ancient history now. Why bring it up?”
He abruptly got to his feet and moved away from her, his hands behind his back; a set, hard expression on his face.
”Maybe it's not so ancient. Now look, Gilda, before I say anything more about Johnny, I want you to understand our position. I don't have to tell you I'm crazy about you, and I'll do anything for you. Always remember that. You're the only woman I've ever loved. Oh, mere have been plenty of the other type, but with you, it's different. You mean more to me than anything else in life. We are going to get married soon. As you know, I am in control of the administration of this City. It's important to me that I should remain in control. Politics is a dirty game, kid. Everyone is on the lookout to cut someone's throat. The quickest way to upset a political machine is to dig up a scandal that is big enough to hit the headlines. Then the voters take notice. Do you understand?”
She sat on the arm of the chair, her hands clenched tightly between her thighs; still, white-faced and frightened.
”Yes, Sean, but what has this to do with Johnny?”
He faced her.
”I told you Howard brought some bad news. Fay Carson was murdered last night.”
Gilda shut her eyes. An uncontrolled s.h.i.+ver ran through her.
For a long moment neither of them said anything, and only the busy ticking of the clock on the mantelpiece disturbed the silence. Then O'Brien said, ”Did you know Johnny came back last night? One of my men saw him at the Paradise Club. Did you see him?”
She hesitated, not looking at him, then she nodded.
”I knew he was in town,” she said, staring down at her clenched fists.
”Do you think he killed her?” O'Brien asked quietly.