We pulled up in front of Ashbury’s residence. There were three cars parked at the kerb. Lights were on all over the house. Ashbury had given me a key, but because of Bertha, I rang the bell and waited for the butler to let us in. He was up, all right. He looked at me with mild disapproval, and at Bertha with curiosity.
“Has Mr. Ashbury returned yet?”
“No, sir. Mr. Ashbury is not here.”
“Nor Miss Alta?”
“No, sir.”
“Robert?”
“Yes, sir. Robert is here. Mrs. Ashbury is very ill. The doctor and two nurses are in attendance. Robert is at her bedside. Her condition is critical.” He looked at Bertha and said, “And if you’ll pardon the suggestion, sir, there are no visitors.”
I said, “That’s all right. We’re waiting for Mr. Ashbury,” and we walked on in.
“Mrs. Cool will wait in my room,” I said. “When Mr. Ashbury comes, tell him that I’m up, and that Mrs. Cool is with me.”
“Mrs. Cool?”