“No, only a friend.”
“You needn’t be so icy about it,” he rebuked. “Any friend of Mrs. Hodges’ is a friend of mine.”
“I never make friends easily,” Penny replied. “For that matter, I don’t mind telling you that I have advised Mrs. Hodges not to rent you these rooms.”
“Oh, you have?” inquired the man, his eyes hardening. “And what business is it of yours?”
“None, perhaps. I merely am not going to allow her to be taken in if I can prevent it!”
“Oh, indeed. Do you mind explaining?”
“It’s perfectly obvious that you’re one of these fake spiritualists,” Penny accused bluntly. “Your nickname should be Six-Raps Al!”
“A little spit-fire, aren’t you?” the man retorted. “But you have style. Now I may be able to use you in my business.”
“You admit that you’re a medium?”
“I am a spiritualist. Not a fake, as you so crudely accuse. And I assure you I have no intention of deceiving or taking advantage of your dear friends, the Hodges.”