“Well, they’ve got a crust,” Bertha Cool said. “The answer to that is very simple, very short, and very sweet. I don’t accept collect calls.”
She had just started to hang up the receiver when Elsie Brand, who was also on the line, said, “I understand it’s a Mr. Kosling calling Mrs. Cool.”
Bertha had the telephone receiver almost an inch from her ear. She wondered if Sergeant Sellers had heard. He gave no sign of having done so.
Bertha said, “Well, under the circumstances, it’s okay. Put your party on.”
She heard a click, and almost immediately the peculiar, unmistakable voice of the blind man saying, “Hello, is this Mrs. Cool?”
“Yes.”
“Don’t let anyone know where I am. Don’t mention any names over the telephone, understand?”
“Yes.”
“I understand the police are looking for me.”
“Yes.”