“I hadn’t.”
“How did she know where to reach you?”
“I don’t understand that either,” Drake confessed.
“Be careful,” Shayne warned harshly. “Be damned careful, Drake. This isn’t any time for covering anybody or anything up. Your life or someone else’s may depend on the truth.”
“What are you driving at?” Drake twanged nervously. “Are you suspecting me?”
“Why not? Mr. Little has told us frankly that he suspected you might harm Barbara to get your hands on that insurance money. Fifty grand makes a hell of a good motive.”
Drake laughed shortly. “You’ve forgotten something. My dear brother-in-law also told you that not one penny of that money goes to me. My wife’s death before Barbara’s nullified the effect of the policy.”
“But, were you aware of that technicality?”
“Of course I was aware of it. Do you think I’m a complete fool?” Drake asked testily.
“No,” said Shayne, “I don’t think that. Knowing that provision in the policy, it meant a difference of fifty grand to you if Barbara died before your wife. Isn’t that so?”