Falco’s voice rose angrily. “Think I need a gun to take care of her? I’ll stop her—”
“Unless she stops you first,” the woman informed him. “She and her brother came to the house this morning. Said they wanted to interview someone. I didn’t see them, but I heard them talking to Stanley. She wanted to meet someone of importance. Well, she’s met the great Falco. He’s someone of importance. Anyway, he thinks so.”
“None of your cracks,” the gang leader warned. “Is this true?” he demanded, turning to Judy. “Were you and your brother at the house this morning?”
“We were,” she replied fearlessly, “and so were the police.”
“They had a search warrant,” the woman put in. “I told them to go ahead and search the house. Naturally, they didn’t find anything. We’re friends of the Brandts, living in their house while they’re on vacation. It was as simple as that.”
“What about the fountain?” Falco demanded.
“They didn’t go near it. They only searched the tower. I showed them around myself when I saw them heading for it. And while I was there with them I turned on the fountain.”
“You turned it on?” cried Judy, unable to control her feelings any longer. “Then you’re to blame for what happened!”
“What did happen?” asked Falco.
“Nothing,” replied the woman, who, Judy realized, must be Mrs. Cubberling. “They thanked me and drove away.”