“Business from my standpoint, or your own?” inquired Madame Victoria, still smiling. “In other words, Detective Carter, does your visit relate to your business or to mine?”
“The business is ours,” said Nick pointedly.
“Ah, sort of a mutual interest,” laughed the woman, with a captivating glance at him.
“Precisely.”
“Then, since you have not called to consult me professionally,” said the madame, “I shall feel free to drop my usual mental attitude, that of holding myself susceptible to outward impressions, and receive you more conventionally. About what do you wish to see me, Detective Carter?”
Nick instinctively felt that he was already being headed off by the woman, and he saw, with half an eye, if he had not seen it before, that he was up against a remarkably shrewd and clever character, one who was nearly his equal in diplomacy and cunning.
Nick briefly set aside the motive with which he had called, therefore, and reverted to the business which primarily had sent him to Madame Victoria’s rooms.
“I wish to ask you a few questions,” said he.
“About what?”