“You certainly do play a wicked tune on that keyboard,” Bertha said.

“Thank you.”

“Do a lot of practicing?”

“I’m kept fairly busy.”

“Have a typewriter at home, I suppose?”

“Yes.”

“Portable?”

“Yes.”

Bertha Cool smiled. “Thank you very much.” Imogene Dearborne was watching her with steady, expressionless eyes as Bertha Cool pulled open the door and marched out of the office.

6