“When do you expect him back?”
“I’m not sure.” There was a brief pause, then: “Can I help you?”
“I don’t know.” Shayne managed to sound a trifle uncertain and embarrassed when he added, “It’s — ah — a rather delicate assignment. I was given Mr. Ludlow’s name.”
“I understand.” The voice purred encouragement. “Who is speaking?”
“Mr. Bigelow, of the law firm of Barnes, Bigelow, and Carson,” he improvised swiftly. “It’s on behalf of one of our clients. I believe it would be better to speak directly to Mr. Ludlow. If you’ll have him call me?”
“I’m sorry, sir, but Mr. Ludlow is out of the city for a few days; but our Mr. Pilcraft is thoroughly discreet, and I suggest I have him call you.”
“I prefer to make this arrangement with Mr. Ludlow himself. If you will tell me where he can be reached out of town—”
“I’m sorry, but I really can’t say,” she said, the purring quality gone from her voice.
“Could you give me his home telephone number?” he persisted. “I might get the information there.”
“I can’t give out that information. If you’d like Mr. Ludlow to call you when he returns—”