Before she had reached the landing Randall was on his way down again. She stopped and looked up at him, her hand on the banisters.
Randall smiled, and came lightly down and flicked her cheek with one careless finger. “Suspicious little Stella!” he said softly. “You would like to know what I've been up to, my pet, wouldn't you?”
“Yes, I would,” said Stella slowly.
Just washing my hands, darling, just washing my hands!” said Randall.
An hour later he was back in his own flat, telephoning to Superintendent Hannasyde. “Oh—er, Superintendent!” he said apologetically. “Something I feel I must say to you. I'm so glad I caught you in.”
“What is it?” Hannasyde asked.
“The detective shadowing me,” said Randall plaintively. “Could he be told not to wear brown boots with a blue suit, do you think?”
Chapter Ten
“Well, I'll be damned!” said Sergeant Hemingway.
“Exactly,” said Hannasyde dryly, and picked up the paper, and once more read the notice on the front page.