“We’re wasting time,” I said. “I want Myra and you want Lydia. That’s all there’s to it. Do we make a deal?”
“If I had Miss Shumway, then, of course, we’d make a deal,” he said smoothly. “But she got away.”
“Then maybe Lydia will get away, but I doubt it,” I said, not believing him.
“I could call the police,” he said, moving restlessly.
That was a joke. Peppi going to the police was like a snake dropping in to see a mongoose.
“You could do that,” I said, lighting a cigarette. “They might be glad to see you.”
“If you found Miss Shumway,” he said, “what would you do with her? She’s wanted by the police.”
“I’ll look after that when you turn her over,” I said, “and look, Peppi, I’m getting impatient.”
Then the door opened and Lydia Brandt walked in.
It was a shock, but I managed to smile at her. It looked like the breaks were not in my favour in this game.