Fenner shifted restlessly. “I’m glad to know you, Mr. Lindsay,” he said, “but I couldn’t be any help to you.”
Lindsay looked disconcerted. His eyes wandered to Paula and then back to Fenner.
“Won’t you sit down, Mr. Lindsay?” Paula said.
Fenner shot her a hard look, but Paula wouldn’t see it.
Lindsay hesitated and then sat down.
Paula went on with a show of manners that almost embarrassed Fenner. “Mr. Fenner’s a very busy man, but I’ve never known him to turn down anyone who was in trouble.”
Fenner thought, “This little smartie’s goin’ to get smacked when we’re alone.” He nodded his head at Lindsay because he had to. “Sure,” he said. “What’s bitin’ you?”
“Mr. Fenner, I’ve read about how you found the Blandish girl when she was kidnapped. I’m in the same trouble. My little girl disappeared yesterday.” Two tears ran down his thin face. Fenner shifted his eyes. “Mr. Fenner, I’m asking you to help find her. She was all I had, and God knows what has become of her.”
Fenner finished his whiskey and put the glass down on the table with a click. “You’ve told the police?” he said abruptly.
Lindsay nodded.