A light now burned in the living room. To Penny’s astonishment, the door was opened by Mrs. Botts.
“Good evening,” she greeted the visitors pleasantly.
Detective Fuller flashed his badge. “We want to ask you a few questions,” he said. “May we come in?”
With obvious reluctance the woman stepped aside, allowing the party to enter the living room. Penny’s gaze roved to the center table. The telegram which she had opened no longer was there.
Mrs. Botts did not offer chairs to the callers. Glaring at Penny with undisguised dislike, she said coldly: “I suppose I am indebted to you for this visit. What is it you want?”
“I understand you have a roomer here,” began Detective Fuller.
“A roomer?” Mrs. Botts echoed blankly.
“Yes, a man by the name of Lester Jones.”
“Ridiculous! You don’t seem to realize that this is the Deming estate.”
“Are you an employee here?”