“When did you miss the keys?”
“While I was coming up in the elevator. I went to get them from my bag, and they weren’t there.”
“Why not downstairs on the sidewalk?”
“I didn’t look for them there. The night man was there with the door open.”
“And Parker didn’t go up with you.”
“No.”
“Okay. Don’t ring off. Keep that phone at your ear and mouth.”
“Why — what—”
“Nothing. A million to one it’s nothing — you lost some keys, that’s all. But after what happened Monday night I’m nervous about keys, and you might as well humor me. After the night man let you into the apartment, how long were you there before you phoned me?”
“I called you right away. I wanted to get you before you were asleep. What do you mean, you’re nervous about keys? You don’t—”