“What is it?” Dot asked. “It must be darned important to spend all this money to call.”
“Dot, it’s too complicated to explain why I want you to do what I’m going to ask, so don’t ask why. I want you to go to a house called Eagletop, on Canyon Road in Beverly Hills, only don’t go in. I want you to find out, in whatever way you can, who lives there. Also, I’d like you to find out if they have a daughter and where she is.”
“And how am I going to do this without going in?” Dot asked. “And why can’t I go in, anyway? I could just ring the bell and ask—”
“No!” Peggy exclaimed. “That’s just what you can’t do. And I can’t go into the whys, as I said. I’ll write you a letter. Meanwhile, the important thing is to learn what you can, and not to let anyone in the house know that you’re asking questions.”
“Well, if you say it’s important to do it this way,” Dot answered, “I’ll do my best. But how...?”
“You’ll think of a way,” Peggy said cheerfully. “You’re a bright girl!”
“Thanks,” Dot said sourly. “Your compliment puts the whole thing on my shoulders ... which is what you had in mind, I guess.”
“Well, you know the city, and we don’t, and—” Peggy began.
“I know, I know,” Dot cut her off. “Don’t worry about it. I only have to know one thing more. What do you want me to do when I find the answers?”
“Call here,” Peggy said. “If I’m not here, tell Amy or Greta or May, but not one other person. Understand?”