I want that girl, and the sooner the better.”
“Indeed.” Wolfe was doing slow motion. “You want a girl?”
“You know I do.
Goodwin saw the warrant.”
“Yes, he told roe he saw a warrant.
Larceny, he said it was.
But isn’t this unusual, Mr. Cramer?
Here it is nearly midnight, and you, an inspector, in a vindictive frenzy over a larceny—”
“I’m not in a frenzy.
But I want that girl, and I know you’ve got her there.
It’s no use, Wolfe.
Less than half an hour ago I got a phone call that Clara Fox was at that moment in your office.”
“It costs only a nickel to make a phone call.
Who was it?”
“That’s my business.
Anyhow, she’s there.
Let’s talk turkey.
If Heath goes back there now, can he get her?
Yes or no.”
“Mr. Cramer.” Wolfe cleared his throat. “I shall talk turkey.
First, Heath or anyone else coming here now will not be permitted to enter the house without a search warrant.”
“How the hell can I get a search warrant at midnight?”
“I couldn’t say.
Second, Miss Clara Fox is my client, and, however ardently I may defend her interests, I do not expect to violate the law.
Third, I will not for the present answer any question, no matter what its source, regarding her whereabouts.”
“You won’t.
Do you call that cooperation?”
“By no means.
I call it common sense.
And there is no point in discussing it.”
There was a long pause, then Cramer again:
“Listen, Wolfe.
This is more important than you think it is.
Can you come down to my office right away?”
“Mr. Cramer!” Wolfe was aghast. “You know I cannot.”
“You mean you won’t.
Forget it for once. I shouldn’t leave here.
I tell you this is important.”
“I’m sorry, sir.
As you know, I leave my house rarely, and only when impelled by exigent personal considerations.
The last time I left it was in the taxicab driven by Dora Chapin, for the purpose of saving the life of my assistant, Mr. Goodwin.”
Cramer cussed a while.
“You won’t come?”
“No.”
“Can I come there?”
“I should think not, under the circumstances.
As I said, you cannot enter without a search warrant.”
“To hell with a search warrant.
I’ve got to see you.
I mean, come and talk with you.”