"She's fine, Jonas, and very happy."
"Good," I said.
"I just wanted to tell you what a great job I thought you did on that stock bit.
Look, I don't feel right hanging around New York while I'm trying to get The Sinner ready. I'm going to shove off for the Coast."
"But, Jonas. I brought Bonner into New York."
"That's fine," I said. "But you get him back to the studio and tell him I'll see him there.
That's the only place to handle a picture."
"O.K., Jonas," he said, a faint disappointment in his voice. "You flying out?"
"Yeah. I think I can make the ICA two-o'clock flight.
That way, I'll be in California tomorrow morning."
"Give Rosa a call, will you, Jonas?
She'd be pleased to hear from you."
"I will, David," I said.
"By the way, how do I get in touch with that Jennie Denton?
I think I ought at least to meet the girl who's going to play the lead in The Sinner."
"She's in Palm Springs, at the Tropical Flower Hotel, registered under the name of Judy Belden."
"Thanks, David," I said.
"Good-by."
"Have a safe trip, Jonas."
It was 11:30 a.m., California time, the next day, when I parked my convertible in the driveway of the Tropical Flower Hotel in Palm Springs.
I checked at the desk and walked down to Cottage No. 5.
When I knocked on the door, there was no answer.
But the door was unlocked, so I walked in.
"Miss Denton?" I called.
There was no answer.
Then I heard the shower running in the bathroom. I walked through and opened the bathroom door.
I could see the outline of her body against the opaque shower curtain.
She was singing in a low, husky voice.
I closed the bathroom door behind me and sat down on the can. I lit a cigarette while I watched her through the shower curtain.
I didn't have to wait long.
She turned off the water and I could hear her sniff at the cigarette smoke.
Her voice, from behind the curtain, was calm. "If that's one of the bellboys waiting out there, he'd better go before I come out," she said, "or I report him to the desk."
I didn't answer.
She stuck her head through the shower curtain, groping for a towel.
I reached over and put one in her hand.
Through the curtain, I could see her wrap it around herself, then the curtain slid back and she stared at me. Her eyes were dark gray and unafraid.
"The bellboys in this hotel are the worst," she said. "They walk in on you at the oddest times."
"You could try locking your door."
She stepped out of the tub.
"What for?
They all have passkeys."
I got to my feet.
"Jennie Denton?"
"It's Judy Belden on the register." A questioning look came over her face. "You the law?"
I shook my head.
"No. I'm Jonas Cord."
She looked up at me, a slow smile spreading over her face.
"Well, hey! I've been waiting to meet you."
I smiled back at her. "What for?"
She came very close to me and reached up to put her arms around my neck.