“It was his idea,” Maureen said. “All along it’s been his idea. He’s been gambling with the Trust. Janet found out. It was he who persuaded mother to lock Janet up in the sanatorium. If
it hadn’t been for Douglas, he would have had me locked up, too.”
“Be quiet!” Willet snapped, and his face hardened.
“I guessed it was something like that,” I said. “Someone to do with the Trust had to be in on it. I began to wonder about you when you were reluctant to report to the other Trustees. Then, when Janet was taken from my secretary’s apartment, I knew. No one except you and me and Paula knew Janet was there.”
“What does it matter?” he said impatiently. “If it hadn’t been for Sherrill and this mad woman it would have worked. But I don’t stand for murder. As soon as they started that game I made up my mind to stop her. And she can be stopped. Are you coming in with me? I’ll split the insurance money with you fifty-fifty.”
“Suppose I don’t?”
“I’m ready for a get-away,” he said. “I don’t want to go, but I will if I have to. I’ll have to keep you both here until I collect the insurance. It won’t be easy, but it can be done. But if you’re smart, you’ll come in with me.”
I looked at Maureen.
“Haven’t you anything to say to all this?”
“There’s nothing she can say,” Willet said impatiently.