“Laurel, put that blamed thing back in your pocket!”
“No matter who it is.” Her green, brown-flecked eyes were bright.
The gun did not move. “Even if it turned out to be you, Mac. Even if we were married ― had a baby. If I found out it was you, Mac, I’d kill you, too.”
“And I thought Roger was tough.” Macgowan stared at her. “Well, if you find out it was me, it’ll serve me right. But until you do―”
Laurel cried out. The gun was in his hand. He turned it over curiously.
“Nasty little beanshooter. Until you do, Red, don’t let anybody take this away from you,” and he dropped it politely into her pocket, picked her up, and sat down on the bed with her.
A little later Laurel was saying faintly, “Mac, I didn’t come here for this.”
“Surprise.”
“Mac, what do you think of Ellery Queen?”
“I think he’s got a case on Ma,” said the giant. “Do we have to talk?”