“By the way, I met a friend of yours tonight,” Mr. Parker said, stalling for time.
“That so? Who was he?”
“Webb Nelson.”
Mr. Cordell’s face did not change expression, but his eyes narrowed guardedly.
“Not a friend of mine,” he corrected carelessly.
“But I’ve seen him in your office,” Penny said.
Mr. Cordell looked her straight in the eyes and smiled as if in amusement. “That may be,” he admitted, “but all who come to my office are not my friends.”
He tried to pass again, but Mr. Parker stood his ground. “Say, what is this?” Mr. Cordell demanded, suddenly suspicious.
“I’m afraid I’ll have to ask you a few questions about your friend Webb Nelson. Suppose we go back to your office.”
“Suppose we don’t,” Cordell retorted. “I’m tired and I’m going home. If you want to see me, come around tomorrow during business hours.”