“For a formality.” Archer nodded. “That’s all, a formality. I’ll commit myself to that now. I can’t see that any good purpose would be served by a charge and a prosecution. I’ll phone Gurran this evening and ask him to look up the motor vehicle statutes regarding an accident occurring on private property. It’s possible there will have to be a fine or suspension of driving license, but under all the circumstances I would prefer to see it wiped off.”
He extended a hand to Sperling. “No hard feelings, I hope?”
Sperling said not. Archer shook with Kane, with Wolfe, and even with me. He told us all that he hoped that the next time he saw us it would be on a more cheerful occasion. He departed.
Wolfe was sitting with his head tilted to one side, as if it needed too much energy to keep it straight, and his eyes were shut. Kane and Sperling and I were standing, having been polite enough to arise to tell Archer good-by, unlike Wolfe.
Kane spoke to Sperling. “Thank God that’s over. If you don’t need me any more I’ll go and see if I can get some work done. I’d rather not show up at dinner. Of course they’ll have to know about it, but I’d prefer not to face them until tomorrow.”
“Go ahead,” Sperling agreed. “I’ll stop by your room later.”
Kane started off. Wolfe opened his eyes, muttered, “Wait a minute,” he straightened his head.
Kane halted and asked, “Do you mean me?”
“If you don’t mind.” Wolfe’s tone wasn’t as civil as his words. “Can your work wait a little?”
“It can if it has to. Why?”