“It probably wouldn’t be any particular help,” admitted Penny.
“Exactly! Despite your play-acting at the airport, I know you came here to get the low-down on Harvey Maxwell. But the minute he learns who you are you’ll not even get inside the hotel.”
“And that goes double, I take it?”
“No one at Pine Top except you knows I am a reporter,” went on Francine without answering. “So I warn you, don’t pull another boner like you did a few minutes ago. Whenever we’re around Fergus or Maxwell or persons who might report to them, just remember you never saw me before. Is that clear?”
“Moderately so,” drawled Penny.
“I guess that’s all I have to say.” Francine hesitated and started to walk off.
“Wait a minute, Francine,” spoke Penny impulsively. “Why don’t we bury the hatchet and work together on this thing? After all I am more interested in gaining evidence against Maxwell than I am in getting a big story for the paper. How about it?”
Francine smiled in a superior way.
“Thank you, I prefer to lone wolf it. You see, I happen to have a very good lead, and you don’t.”
“Well, I’ve heard about the Green Room,” said Penny, hazarding a shot in the dark. “That’s something.”