Rex Stout_Nero Wolfe 07 by Over My Dead Body Read Free Book Online Page A

conceded the point without reservation or qualification. “I am Mr. Driscoll’s counsel. I thought it best to come personally—this regrettable affair—extremely regrettable—will you kindly introduce me to Miss Tormic? If you will be so good …”
    That was done by Miltan, who looked a little bewildered. The lawyer’s bow was courteous and respectful, as was his verbal acknowledgement; Neya stood motionless and silent. He turned. “These people—are these the persons whom Mr. Driscoll—before whom he accused Miss Tormic—”
    Miltan nodded. “We’ve been waiting for him, to—”
    “I know. We’re late. My client was reluctant tocome, and I had to persuade him that his presence was necessary. Miss Tormic, what I have to say is addressed primarily to you, but these others should hear it—in fact, they must hear it, in justice to you. First for the facts. When Mr. Driscoll left his home yesterday morning he had in his pocket a pillbox containing diamonds which he intended to take to a jeweler to be set in a bracelet. From his office he phoned the jeweler and discussed the matter. His secretary took the box of diamonds to arrange for their delivery. They are at the jeweler’s now. Here, later, Mr. Driscoll, lamentably and inexcusably, but innocently, forgot that his secretary—”
    A clatter of comment from all corners interrupted him. He smiled at Neya but got nothing in return. Driscoll had a handkerchief out, wiping his brow, trying to find a place to look without meeting a pair of eyes. Miltan sputtered:
    “Do you mean to say that this infamous—this irresponsible—”
    “Please!” The lawyer had a hand up. “Please let me finish. Mr. Driscoll’s lapse of memory was inexcusable. But he was honestly convinced that he had seen Miss Tormic with his coat—”
    “It was my coat,” Ludlow snapped. “Of the same pattern. I have it on.”
    “I see. Well. That explains that. Was it in the same locker?”
    “The one adjoining.” Ludlow was severe. “But Mr. Driscoll should know that before making a grave accusation—”
    “Certainly he should.” The lawyer conceded everything again. “Even the coincidence of the coats is no excuse for him. That’s why I insisted on his coming, to make his apology to Miss Tormic in the presence of allof you. His reluctance is understandable. He is extremely embarrassed and humiliated.” He eyed his client. “Well?”
    Driscoll, gripping his handkerchief, faced Neya Tormic. “I apologize,” he mumbled. “I’m damn sorry.” The mumble became abruptly and surprisingly an outraged roar. “Of course I’m sorry, damn it!”
    Someone giggled. Nikola Miltan said grimly, “You certainly should be sorry. It might have been disastrous, both for Miss Tormic and for me.”
    “I know it. I’ve said I’m sorry and I am.”
    The lawyer put in smoothly and sweetly, “I hope, Miss Tormic … may we hope for an expression from you—of forgiveness? Or … er … quittance?” He took an envelope from his pocket. “In fact, I thought it would be as well for you to have Mr. Driscoll’s written apology to support his oral one, so I brought it along”—he got a paper from the envelope—“and I brought also a quittance, just an informal sentence or two, which I’m sure you will want to sign for him in return—”
    “Just a minute.” It was me entering on my cue. “I represent Miss Tormic.”
    The way he went on guard like lightning, facially, was a treat. He demanded, “Who are you, sir? A lawyer?”
    “Nope, I’m not a lawyer, but I speak English and I represent Miss Tormic and we’re not before a court. She isn’t signing anything.”
    “But my dear sir, why not? Merely an informal—”
    “That’s the trouble, it’s too informal. For instance, what if Miltan here gets sore about this fracas, though it’s not her fault, and she loses her job? Or what if this thing had been turned loose around town and she can’t catch up with it? Nothing doing on the