“I can’t,” Latimer confessed frankly. “Austin and Polly were engaged.”
“Were? Quite so.” John Hale’s laugh was mirthless. “The engagement was broken by Polly before his death.”
“How soon before his death?”
“Damn! What business is it of yours?” John Hale turned on him savagely.
Latimer rose. “None of my business—now,” he said. “You were the first to bring up the discussion. You are of course at liberty to express your views; I reserve the right to hold my own opinion. Good-morning.”
“Here, wait—” John Hale pushed Latimer back in his chair. “I spoke hastily—without thought—and I apologize. I’m a bit unhinged.”
Latimer regarded him with concern.
“Have you had any breakfast?” he asked.
“No—yes—coffee and rolls; all I wanted,” John Hale moved restlessly. “I must find Polly.”
“Have you reported her disappearance to the police?”