“Yes. Here it is. Archibald Collington Smith, Lake-view Building, Michigan Boulevard, Chicago.”
“Room number in there?”
“No. That’s where I was confused. I knew I didn’t have the number, just the building.”
“You said he was in business there?”
“Yes. That’s an office building. I haven’t his home address.”
“What did you say his business was?”
“Insurance.”
“Oh, yes. I wonder if your friend might be able to tell me something about him.” I motioned toward the letter.
She laughed, and I knew she’d been baiting a trap. “I presume she could, but if you’re really looking for Mr. Smith to close an estate, I imagine Mr. Smith can tell you all you need to know about Mr. Smith.”
I said, “Doubtless he could,” and then added, “That’s one of the troubles we sometimes encounter, particularly when we’re dealing with a name as common as Smith. You know, a man will try to make it appear he’s the person you’re after, hoping he can get the money. That’s why we always like to investigate as many different angles as possible before we approach him directly.”