Anyway, Dad and Aunt Gallic will be sore as the devil, you know they will, you know how they went after me when I…Tuesday.”
Helen said,
“I don't care if they're sore.
It's not their money, it's mine. I'm doing this.
Of course I won't be of age until next month-does that matter, Mr. Wolfe?
Is that all right?”
“Quite all right.” “Will you do it?” “Will I accept your commission?
In spite of my experience with another Frost as a client, yes.”
She turned to her ortho-cousin.
“You do as you please, Lew.
Go on home and tell them if you want to.
But I…I'd like to have you…”
He was frowning at her.
“Are you set on this?”
“Yes. Good and set.”
“Okay.” He settled back in his chair. “I stick here.
I'm for the Frosts, but you're the first one on the list.
You're… Oh, nothing.” He flushed a little. “Go to it.”
“Thank you, Lew.” She turned to Wolfe. “I suppose you want me to sign something?”
Wolfe shook his head. “That won't be necessary.” He had leaned back and his eyes were half closed.
“My charge will be adequate, but not exorbitant.
I shan't attempt to make you pay for your cousin's volatility.
But one thing must be clearly understood.
You are engaging me for this job because of your affection and esteem for Mr. McNair and your desire that his murderer should be discovered and punished.
You are at present under the spell of powerful emotions.
Are you sure that tomorrow or next week you will still want this thing done?
Do you want the murderer caught and tried and convicted and executed if it should happen to be, for instance, your cousin, your uncle, your mother- or Mr. Perren Gebert?”
“But that…that's ridiculous…”
“Maybe, but it remains a question to be answered.
Do you want to pay me for catching the murderer, no matter who it is?”
She gazed at him, and said finally,
“Yes. Whoever killed Uncle Boyd- yes, I do.”
“You won't go back on that?”
“Good for you.
I believe you.
I'll try the job for you.
Now I want to ask you some questions, but it is possible that your reply to the first one will make the others unnecessary.
When did you last see Mr. McNair's red leather box?”
“His what?” She frowned. “Red leather box?”
“That's it.” pJever.
I never did see it.
I didn't know he had one.”
“Indeed. – You, sir, are you answering questions?”
Lew Frost said, “I guess I am. Sure.
But not about a red leather box.
I've never seen it.”
Wolfe sighed. “Then I'm afraid well have to go on. I may as well tell you, Miss Frost, that Mr. McNair foresaw-at least, feared-what was waiting for him.
While you were here yesterday he was at his lawyer's executing his will.
He left his property to his sister Isabel, who lives in Scotland.
He named me executor of his estate, and bequeathed me his red leather box and its contents.