The Black Mountain Read Online Free PDF Page B

Fritz entered to announce, A man to see you,
    sir. Mr. Stahl of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
    Wolfe’s brows went up, he glanced at me, I shook my head, and he told Fritz to bring the man in. The hired help, including me, exchanged glances. An FBI man was no rare spectacle for any of us, but Stahl wasn’t just one of the swarm, he had worked up to where he gave more orders than he took, and the word was that by Christmas he would be occupying the big corner room down at 290 Broadway. He didn’t often go out to run errands, so it was quite an event for him to drop in,
    and we all knew it and appreciated it. When he entered and marched across to Wolfe’s desk and offered a hand, Wolfe even did him the honor of rising to shake, which showed how desperate the situation was.
    It’s been quite a while since I saw you last, Stahl observed. Three years'
    Wolfe nodded. I believe so. He indicated the red leather chair, which Fred Durkin had vacated. Be seated.
    Thank you. May we make this private'
    If necessary. Wolfe glanced at the trio, and they got up and filed out and shut the door. Stahl went and sat. Medium-sized and beginning to be a little short on hair, he wasn’t impressive to look at, except his jaw, which came straight down a good two inches and then jutted forward. He was well designed for ramming. He gave me a look, and Wolfe said, As you know, Mr. Goodwin is privy to all that I hear and see and do.
    Stahl knew no such thing, because it wasn’t true. I’d like to have a nickel - or make it a dime, with the dollar where it is - for every item Wolfe has withheld from me just for the hell of it.
    Stahl merely nodded. In a way, he said, you might consider this a personal matter - personal to you. We want to get in touch with your daughter, Mrs. Caria Britton.
    Wolfe’s shoulders went up an eighth of an inch and down again. Then do so. Her address is nine-eighty-four Park Avenue. Her phone number is Poplar three-three-oh-four-three.
    I know. She hasn’t been there since Tuesday, three days ago. She left no word with anyone. Nobody knows where she is. Do you'
    No, sir.
    Stahl passed a fingertip across the prow of his chin. One thing I like about you, you prefer things put plain and straight. I’ve never seen the room upstairs, right above yours, that you call the South Room, but I’ve heard about it. You’ve been known to use it for guests, clients and otherwise, from time to time. Do you mind if I go up and take a look at it'
    Wolfe shrugged again. It will be wasted energy, Mr. Stahl.
    That’s all right, I have some to spare.
    Then go ahead. Archie'
    Yes, sir. I went and opened the door to the hall and, with Stahl at my heels,
    went to the stairs and mounted the two flights. At the door to the South Room I stepped aside and told him politely, You go first. She might shoot. He opened the door and went in, and I crossed the sill. It’s nice and sunny, I said,
    and the beds are firstrate. I pointed. That door’s the bathroom, and that’s a closet. A girl named Priscilla Eads once rented it for fifty bucks a day, but she’s dead. I’m pretty sure Mr. Wolfe would shave that for a prominent public servant like you. …
    I saved it because he was moving. He knew he had drawn a blank, but he went and opened the door to the bathroom and looked in, and on his way back detoured to open the door to the closet for a glance. As he retreated to the hall I told his back, Sorry you don’t like it. Would you care to take a look at my room just down the hall'Or the plant rooms, just one flight up'I kept trying to sell him on the way downstairs. You might like Mr. Wolfe’s own room better - the bed has a black silk coverlet. I’ll be glad to show it to you. Or if you want a bargain there’s a couch in the front room.
    He entered the office, returned to his chair, focused on Wolfe, and inquired,
    Where is she'
    Wolfe focused back. I don’t know.
    When did you see her last'
    Wolfe straightened in his chair. Aren’t