“He’s a detective, isn’t he?”
“That’s right.”
“Are you a detective too?”
“Yes, I work for Mr. Wolfe.”
“It’s simply fascinating. Of course there have been two men here asking questions — no, three — and Saturday more of them at the District Attorney’s office, but they’re really only policemen. You’re truly a detective. I would never have thought a detective would be so — would dress so well.” She made a pretty little gesture. “But here I am babbling along as usual, and you want to discuss something with me, don’t you?”
“That was the idea. What Mrs. Fromm said to Mr. Wolfe.”
“Then you’ll have to tell me what she said. I can’t discuss it until I know what it was. Can I?”
“No,” I conceded, “but I can’t tell you until I know how much you want to hear it.”
“Oh, I do want to hear it!”
“Good. I thought you would. You see, Mrs. Horan, I was in the room all the time Mrs. Fromm and Mr. Wolfe were talking, and I remember every word they said. That’s why I thought you would be extremely curious about it, so I’m not surprised that you are. The trouble is, I can’t afford to satisfy your curiosity as a gift. I should have explained, I’m not here representing Nero Wolfe, that’s why I said it’s rather private. I’m representing just myself. I’ll satisfy your curiosity if you’ll lend me five thousand dollars to be repaid the day it rains up instead of down.”