“Okay. Save it. I may as well admit that the boss will pay for the drinks. I also admit it’s handy your knowing so many Sams in so many bars. I’ll be back pretty soon.”
I hopped out, went to the corner and entered a drugstore, found a phone booth, and dialed a number. A familiar voice said hello.
“This is Archie, Fritz. Give the plant rooms a buzz.”
“Mr. Wolfe isn’t up there.”
I glanced at my wrist watch and saw 10:05. “What are you talking about? Certainly he’s up there.”
“No, really, Archie. Mr. Wolfe has gone out.”
“You’re crazy. If he told you to say that — who does he think he’s kidding, anyhow? Ring the plant rooms.”
“But, Archie, I tell you he went. He received a telephone call and went. He gave me messages for you — wait — I wrote them down — First, Saul reported and he arranged to have Orrie relieve him. Second, that owing to your absence he would have to ride in a taxicab. Third, that you are to go in the sedan to the residence of Mr. Hawthorne, deceased, on 67th Street.”
“Is this straight, Fritz?”
“Honest for God, Archie. It took my breath.”