Where There's a Will

by Stout Rex

“Yes, sir, and the missus should of woke me but she didn’t. Anyhow, now my head’s on my shoulders and I’m strung like a lyre. As I just told Orrie, I can do more—”

“Who told who?”

“Orrie Gather. I told him I can—”

“Where did you see Orrie?”

“Down at the corner just now. I—”

“What corner?”

“Out front. Across the street. I told him—”

“Be quiet.” Wolfe looked at me and snapped, “Go and find out.”

I hopped for the hall, trotted downstairs and on out to the street, crossed to the other side, and turned left. He was there at the exit of an areaway. As I passed I gave him a sign, and then went on and turned the corner. I waited, and he joined me.

“What do you mean,” I demanded, “chinning with Fred when you’re solo?”