“In my New York office.”
“Suppose we find her, then what?”
Hale said, “Frankly, I doubt if you will. It’s a cold trail, and a tough assignment. If you do find her — I shall be very much pleased. You will, of course, let me know at once. I feel certain my client will make some substantial acknowledgment by way of a bonus.”
Hale looked around cautiously. “I feel that I should tell you: Don’t do any talking. Make your inquiries casual. If you have to ask direct questions, ask them in such a way as not to arouse suspicion. Pose as a friend of a friend. You happened to be coming to New Orleans, and your friend suggested you should look up Roberta Fenn. Make it casual and entirely natural. Don’t be too eager, and don’t leave any back trail.”
Bertha said, “Leave it to us.”
Hale looked at his watch, then beckoned the waitress. “The check, please.”
Chapter Four
Bertha Cool looked around the apartment, peering here and there into odd corners as a woman will.
“Darn good antique furniture,” she said.
I didn’t say anything, and after a moment she added, “If you like it.” She walked over to the windows, looked out on the balcony, turned back to look at the furniture, and said, “I don’t.”