“A nice little thing,” I said, under my breath. “She knows how to use her eyes.”
Maxison was also sweating. “She’s dangerous,” he said.
“I’ll say,” I agreed, and stepped over to the door. I opened it, peered into the passage. There was no one about. “Well, here goes,” I went on, closing the door. I took off the long black overcoat and shoved it in the receptacle under the towel the doctor had used. I took off my spectacles and removed the rubber pads in my mouth. “You know what to do,” I said to Maxison. “Get the false bottom out and hide it under the box. Take your time about preparing the body, but be ready to finish quick when I get back.”
He nodded, his eyes popping.
“Watch your step, Maxison,” I went on. “No funny business.”
The mad woman upstairs began to laugh again, hysterical and unhurried. The sound gave me a chill down my spine.
I went to the door and peered into the passage again.
Mitchell was out there, waiting. He nodded to me.
“Okay?” I said.
“So far,” he returned. His eyes were bright with excitement and fright. “For Gawd’s sake be careful.”