“I’d like to have a little talk with you.”
Kane sent a glance at Sperling, but it didn’t reach its destination because the Chairman of the Board had taken another piece of paper from his pocket and was looking at it. This one was unfolded, oblong, and pink in color. As Kane stood hesitating, Sperling stepped to Wolfe and extended his hand with the paper in it.
“You earned it,” he said. “I’m glad I hired you.”
Wolfe took the paper, lowered his eyes to it, and looked up. “Indeed,” he said. “Fifty thousand dollars.”
Sperling nodded, as I nod to a bootblack when I tip him a dime. “Added to five makes fifty-five. If it doesn’t cover your damage and expenses and fee, send me a bill.”
“Thank you, I’ll do that. Of course I can’t tell what expenses are still to come. I may—”
“Expenses of what?”
“Of my investigation of Mr. Rony’s death. I may—”
“What is there to investigate?”
“I don’t know.” Wolfe put the check in his pocket. “I may be easily satisfied. I’d like to ask Mr. Kane a few questions.”