For a moment, it seemed that Peltham was about to put more cards on the table. His face twisted with expression as he leaned forward across Mason’s desk. “Look here,” he said, in a voice harsh with emotion — and then caught himself.
Mason waited.
Peltham took a deep breath. “Mr. Mason,” he said, “I wouldn’t do this if it weren’t absolutely necessary. For two hours now, I’ve been racking my brain trying to find some method of accomplishing what I want to accomplish without undoing everything in the process. If it were ever surmised by anyone that this woman and I had any connection, it would… it would… it would be absolutely ruinous to all concerned. I must keep her out of that at any cost — no matter what it costs. Do you understand?”
“I can’t understand the necessity for all this hodgepodge,” Mason said. “After all, you could afford to be frank with me. I don’t betray the secrets of my clients. I respect them. If this young woman wants to take off her mask and…”
“That’s impossible,” Peltham snapped. “I’ve worked out the only scheme which will give us all protection.”
“You don’t trust me?” Mason asked.
“Suppose,” Peltham countered, “that you happened to have information which the police considered vital evidence. Would you be justified in withholding it?”
“I’d protect the interests of a client,” Mason said. “I’m a lawyer. A client’s communications are confidential.”
Peltham’s voice was determined. “No,” he said shortly. “This is the only way.”
Mason looked at him curiously. “You evidently have made elaborate preparations for this interview.”