Mrs. Parsons looked across the “den” to make sure that the door was closed. Satisfied on that point, she turned her attention to the inspector.
“I am anxious to have your bureau undertake a certain investigation for me,” she said. “I will gladly meet all expenses, no matter how large they may be.”
“Just a moment,” broke in Mitchell. “Do you mean a private investigation?”
“Yes, I suppose so,” somewhat doubtfully. “You might term it that. I want certain information about a—a person’s past career—”
She stopped as Mitchell shook his head.
“We are public officials, Madam, employed by the District Government,” he explained. “What you require is a private detective.”
“But are they not untrustworthy?” she questioned. “I was told they very often sold you out to the person you wished watched.”
“There are crooks in all trades, Madam,” replied Mitchell. “There are also honest men. You are not obliged to pick a crooked detective to work for you.”
“That is just it— Can you recommend a trustworthy person to—to—”