“Yes.”
“When did you see it last?”
“This afternoon.”
“It was Carl’s gun?”
“Yes.”
“How long has he had it?”
“About two months. When he started carrying large sums of money with him, he thought he needed a gun for protection.”
Mason said, “I happen to know that your husband has been in touch with Evelyn Whiting, the nurse. I think he’s tried to reach some agreement with her so she wouldn’t disclose his real identity. I don’t know what she told him. It’s a fine situation for blackmail-if she’s that type. Do you suppose he could have gone to meet her — and taken a gun with him?”
“I don’t know.”
Her hand clutched his arm. “Mr. Mason,” she said, “I want you to promise me that you’ll stand by me, will you? Please, for Belle’s sake.”