“You said you counted Birch in because of the pattern. Was there any other reason?”
“No.”
“Just to your old and trusted friend Goodwin. Any at all?”
“No.”
“Then I’ll do you a favor, expecting it back with interest at your earliest convenience. It’s triple classified. The cops have it sewed up that the car that killed Pete Drossos was the one that killed Birch.”
His eyes widened. “No!”
“Yes.”
“Sewed up how?”
“Sorry, I’ve forgotten. But it’s absolutely tight.”
“I’ll be damned.” Lon rubbed his palms together. “This is sweet, Archie. This is very sweet. Pete and Mrs. Fromm, the earrings. Pete and Birch, the car. That ties Birch and Mrs. Fromm. You understand that the Gazette will now have a strong hunch that the three murders are connected and will proceed accordingly.”