I said, “All right, do you want to meet Hale with me?”
“Do you think I should?”
“Yes.”
“All right, lover, whatever you say.”
I stretched, yawned. “Well, I have a few odds and ends to do. I’ll meet you here at seven-forty-five on the dot.”
“I’ll be here,” Bertha promised. “I want to wait for the afternoon mail. I’m expecting a package. When it comes, I’ll show you something. You’ll see Bertha’s a smart buyer. Merchandise you can’t get any more, and I’m getting it cheap — real silk hosiery. You’ll be surprised.”
I went to the public library and put in the rest of the afternoon reading an old file of newspapers — the ones that dealt with all the activities of the petting-party stick-up man — and I paid particular attention to the Craig case.
I came out about 5:30 and started for the hotel, but stopped at a shoe-shine place on Fifth Street. I picked up an afternoon paper and settled down to read while my shoes were being shined.
I turned to the personals.
Rob. Am here in Los Angeles. Must talk with you at once. Regardless of what anyone has told you, I have your interests at heart. Telephone Helman 6-9544 and ask for me. Edna C.