His mouth drew into a narrow line. "There's something funny here," he said. "Is it blackmail?"
"No!" She stood up, spilling her drink, and the flare of temper showed him how overwrought she was. "He just happens to be the man I love. That's enough out of you, good-bye, Mr. Fraser."
He sat watching her go. Presently he took up his drink, gulped it barbarously, and called for another.
2
JUAN MARTINEZ had come from Puerto Rico as a boy and made his own way ever since. Fraser had gotten to know him in the army, and they had seen each other from time to time since then. Martinez had gone into the private-eye business and made a good thing of it; Fraser had to get past a very neat-looking receptionist to see him.
"Hi, Colin," said Martinez, shaking hands. He was a small, dark man, with a large nose and beady black eyes that made him resemble a sympathetic mouse. "You look like the very devil."
"I feel that way, too," said Fraser, collapsing into a chair. "You can't go on a three-day drunk without showing it."
"Well, what's the trouble? Cigarette?" Martinez held out a pack. "Girl-friend give you the air?"
"As a matter of fact, yes; that's what I want to see you about."