“Nothing can stop you. Miss Keyes?”
“Yes.”
“Mr. Pohl?”
No answer.
“I must have a commitment on this, Mr. Pohl. If it proves to be Mr. Talbott you can pay extra. But in any case, I am hired to get facts?”
“Sure, the real facts.”
“There is no other kind. I guarantee not to deliver any unreal facts.” Wolfe leaned forward to press a button on his desk. “That is, indeed, the only guaranty I can give you. I should make it plain that you are responsible both collectively and individually for this engagement with me. Now if—”
The door to the hall had opened, and Fritz Brenner entered and approached.
“Fritz,” Wolfe told him, “there will be five guests at dinner.”
“Yes, sir,” Fritz told him without a blink and turned to go. That’s how good Fritz is, and he is not the kind to ring in omelets or canned soup. As he was opening the door a protest came from Frank Broadyke.