That’s one thing I liked about Peppi. He didn’t waste time getting to the point.
“That’s the question I was going to ask you,” I said, looking up at him from my chair.
It was certainly a smart idea when I grabbed Lydia. I had no idea that both the butler and Peppi would start running round in circles.
Peppi drew a hissing breath through his teeth and controlled himself with an effort. “I’m talking about Miss Brandt,” he said, his small hands clenched at his sides. “Where is she?”
“And I am talking about Miss Shumway. Be your age, Peppi, this won’t get us anywhere. Turn Myra over to me and you can have Lydia. I’m just trying to even the odds.”
“I see,” he said, and suddenly smiled. “Very clever of you, Millan, very clever.” He drew up a chair and sat down. “You are taking a chance on getting me mad, but I think we can come to an agreement.”
“I hope so,” I returned, watching him carefully. The change round was a little too sudden.
“You haven’t hurt her?” There was an anxious note in his voice.
“I tell you what I haven’t done,” I said, looking at him coldly, “I haven’t framed her for murder. So you’re still one up on me.”
He examined his finger nails, “No one’s been framed for murder,” he said. “You still haven’t answered my question.”