In the Still of the Night

any information about himself and Walker is trying to find out more about him from Cecil Hoornart.“
    “How much can he know? He’s a critic of books, not an acquaintance of West’s. I got the impression last night that they’d never met.”
    Lily thought for a moment. “As Hoornart told me, he’s researched basic things about his life. Where and when he was born, what regiment he served in, where he’s lived. That sort of thing.“
    “How would knowing that help Walker’s investigation?”
    Lily shrugged. “I guess he’s just getting background on everyone and West obviously wasn’t cooperative. I wish I’d known what he was yelling about. I only caught one phrase about a small town police chief having no business grilling him.“
    “The man sure knows how to make himself suspicious.“
    “I’d guess Bud Carpenter smoothed it over. That seems to be his aim in life. To make life easier for West.“
    “That’s exactly the sort of wife I’d like to have someday,“ Robert said with a grin. “Somebody who would make excuses for my naughty behavior and fetch and carry for me.“
    “That kind of wife would eventually bore you senseless,“ Lily said. “You don’t think someone like Rachel Cameron would fill that role, do you?“
    “Why her in particular?“ Robert said warily.
    “Because you nearly drool every time you talk to her.“
    “I do not. But she is a sight for sore eyes.“
    “I thought you went for brains and beauty. I haven’t heard her say much of anything that seems terribly intellectual.”
    Robert thought for a moment. “I guess you’re right. Don’t worry that I’ll be smitten with her. But she is ornamental. Besides... I wouldn’t want to be Raymond Cameron’s brother-in-law.“
    “Why not?“
    “He’s a cold fish.“
    “He’s been very nice to me. Very considerate and sympathetic.“
    “Now who’s sounding gooey?“
    “I’m not. I just mean he’s a pleasant guest. And I know he’s very intelligent. At least he was when I knew him in school and I don’t think people get stupider as they age. And he’s rather ‘ornamental’ himself,“ she said with a smile. “And so is Howard Walker, come to that.“
    “Are you husband hunting?“
    “Good Lord, no! I have enough on my plate with you, this house, my bookkeeping and trying to remember all Mr. Prinney is trying to teach me about the estate. I haven’t time for going to the talkies, much less a husband hunt.”
    She thought for a moment. “Robert, if either of us were to marry, the person would have to live here with us.“
    “Then we better make damned sure we both like him or her,“ Robert said. “I’ve got to get back to looking for my keys.“
    “The ones that you’re jingling in your pocket?“
    “Was I? I better stop that. I’ll blow my cover.“
    “I don’t think anybody believes it anyway. Mrs. Prinney keeps finding things to do in the entry hall. I saw her moving some ornaments around, and even Mimi is doing a furious job of dusting out there. Bud is standing like a statue by the steps asking everyone if there’s anything he can do to help. The place is starting to look like Grand Central Station.”

    Mad Henry tapped on the door of Mr. Prinney’s office and came in on Walker’s invitation.
    “I haven’t put a box in here yet. Would this be a good time?“ Henry asked.
    “A box? Who are you?“
    “Henry Troer. I’m putting in a communication system.“
    “Please sit down, Mr. Troer. I’m Chief Walker. I’m investigating Mrs. Ethridge’s death.
    “It’s a terrible shame, isn’t it? But I really know nothing about it.“
    “Perhaps not, but I’d like to talk to you anyway. This communication thing of yours... can you hear what’s being said when the mysterious box is installed in a room?“
    “That’s the point, yes.“
    “And you’ve put these boxes in all the other rooms?“
    “Just the bedrooms and the yellow parlor and the dining room.“
    “And can you actually hear things from them. Did you hear things last night?“
    “Oh, yes. Most of them seemed to be working quite well.“
    “Tell me what you heard,“ Walker said firmly. “Lots of voices.“
    “I meant, what they were saying,“ Walker said. Was this strange young man too stupid or too bright to get his meaning?
    “I didn’t pay any attention to what was said. I was concerned with the sound quality.”
    Walker stood up and leaned across the desk menacingly. “Mr. Troer, think very hard. I want