“Furthermore, he evidently knew that Todd would obey his instructions or his commands, which indicates that he may have had a hold on him of some kind. Otherwise, Todd might not have left his desk in business hours to keep the appointment.”
“True again, chief.”
“He referred to himself as Todd’s running mate, moreover, if the telephone girl heard correctly,” said Nick. “Plainly, then, they have been intimately related in some way, either in business or as friends, and Todd naturally would not have apprehended anything like assassination.”
“Surely not, chief,” said Patsy.
“We next must learn, therefore, with whom Todd was specially friendly, and whom he has been visiting in the Waldmere Chambers.”
“That’s the stuff, chief, for fair.”
“You set about it this afternoon, Patsy,” Carter directed. “Now, Chick, concerning Nellie Fielding. You have not seen her?”
“Not yet,” said Chick. “It was nearly one o’clock when I left the Alhambra, and I decided to report to you and have a bite to eat before seeking the girl. I warned Hewitt and his ticket seller not to communicate with her.”
“See her after lunch, then, and be governed by what she says and how she appears,” Carter directed. “It may be wise to shadow her, in case she is playing a deeper game than appears on the surface. If alarmed by your inquiries, she may attempt to warn others.”
“Possibly. I’ll keep an eye on her, chief, at all events.”