Stahl merely nodded. “In a way,” he said, “you might consider this a personal matter — personal to you. We want to get in touch with your daughter, Mrs. Carla Britton.”
Wolfe’s shoulders went up an eighth of an inch and down again. “Then do so. Her address is nine-eighty-four Park Avenue. Her phone number is Poplar three-three-oh-four-three.”
“I know. She hasn’t been there since Tuesday, three days ago. She left no word with anyone. Nobody knows where she is. Do you?”
“No, sir.”
Stahl passed a fingertip across the prow of his chin. “One thing I like about you, you prefer things put plain and straight. I’ve never seen the room upstairs, right above yours, that you call the South Room, but I’ve heard about it. You’ve been known to use it for guests, clients and otherwise, from time to time. Do you mind if I go up and take a look at it?”
Wolfe shrugged again. “It will be wasted energy, Mr. Stahl.”
“That’s all right, I have some to spare.”
“Then go ahead. Archie?”
“Yes, sir.” I went and opened the door to the hall and, with Stahl at my heels, went to the stairs and mounted the two flights. At the door to the South Room I stepped aside and told him politely, “You go first. She might shoot.” He opened the door and went in, and I crossed the sill. “It’s nice and sunny,” I said, “and the beds are first-rate.” I pointed. “That door’s the bathroom, and that’s a closet. A girl named Priscilla Eads once rented it for fifty bucks a day, but she’s dead. I’m pretty sure Mr. Wolfe would shade that for a prominent public servant like you...”
I saved it because he was moving. He knew he had drawn a blank, but he went and opened the door to the bathroom and looked in, and on his way back detoured to open the door to the closet for a glance. As he retreated to the hall I told his back, “Sorry you don’t like it. Would you care to take a look at my room just down the hall? Or the plant rooms, just one flight up?” I kept trying to sell him on the way downstairs. “You might like Mr. Wolfe’s own room better — the bed has a black silk coverlet. I’ll be glad to show it to you. Or if you want a bargain there’s a couch in the front room.”