“Who are you?”

“The name’s Mason.”

“Who’s the guy with you?”

“His name’s Drake.”

“Well, what’s your racket?”

“Believe it or not,” Mason said, “we don’t have any. I thought I’d let you know about that check. Of course, Phyllis knows all about it.”

“Oh, she does, does she?”

“And Emily,” Mason observed.

For a split second, all trace of color left the girl’s face. Her eyes darkened with apprehension. “Emily knows about it!”

“Yes, Emily Hodgkins,” Mason went on.