“How long?”
“If the cord was good and tight, only a few seconds until she lost consciousness.”
Her hands were fists, and I suspected that the sharp nails were marking her palms. “What could a woman do if a man was strangling her with a cord and had it pulled tight?”
“Nothing except die if he meant business.” I got gruff. “You’re taking it too hard. If I had started strangling you when you started feeling it a minute ago, it would be all over by now.” I reached to mash the cigarette she had dropped into the tray. “Let’s go back and try again. When did you see Miss Eads last?”
She took a long deep breath with her lips parted, and her fists loosened some. “I don’t think I want to talk about it.”
“That’s just fine.” I was indignant. “You owe me three dollars.”
“What? What for?”
“Taxi fare here to take your husband’s place at breakfast, which was why you let me come. It will be more going back because I’ll have to stop at the Salvation Army to get rid of the hat and coat I promised to take. Three bucks will cover it, and I prefer cash.”
She shook her head, frowning at me. “Have I ever met you before?”
“Not that I remember, and I think I would. Why?”