The Madman Theory by Ellery Queen Read Free Book Online Page A

flushed, started to speak, caught himself. Then he said, “He did not oppose my courtship of his daughter.”
    As Collins started to ask another question he made an impatient gesture. “I’ll explain the situation once and for all. I was a teaching assistant at Stanford when I met Jean. We became engaged. Earl, far from disapproving, put me to work after I got my M.A. About three months ago Jean and I—well, for one reason and another we called off the engagement. It made no difference to Earl; in fact he was about to put me in charge of a new Westco outlet. Not that Earl was softheaded; if I hadn’t cut it he would have fired me, potential son-in-law or no potential son-in-law. That’s how the situation stands as of today.”
    Collins opened his notebook. “Your address?”
    â€œ2660 Viola Way, San Jose.”
    Collins wrote, looked up. “You seem to have been the first one to spot the man who was following you. Can you describe him?”
    Buck James shook his head. “I caught a glimpse of him out of the corner of my eye. The trail swings back and forth up the hill, and I saw him just as he stepped out of sight. He was about—oh, a hundred yards away, too far to make out features. I think he had on tan pants, but that’s all I can tell you.”
    â€œMr. Genneman didn’t seem worried?”
    Buck reflected. “That’s hard to say. Let’s say he seemed puzzled. All of us wondered why the man behind didn’t overtake us. We were just plodding along.”
    â€œWhat will you do now?” Collins asked suddenly. “This new Westco outlet presumably won’t go through, with Mr. Genneman dead.”
    â€œI’ll probably be going back to school. Maybe law school. I certainly don’t plan to sell drugs the rest of my life.”
    â€œWill you ask Mr. Vega to step in, please?”
    Bob Vega came like a man in a dream. He smiled wanly at Collins; a gold tooth glittered with a personality of its own.
    â€œSit down, Mr. Vega,” said Collins. “I’m hoping we can get to the bottom of this tragedy, and I need your help.”
    Vega nodded with dignity as he seated himself. “A thing like this is completely beyond my experience. I can’t understand it, I’m totally confused; in fact, when I think of the whole terrible thing it’s like a nightmare. One minute Mr. Genneman is walking in front of us, the next minute—ugh.” Bob Vega swallowed.
    â€œIt must have been pretty bad. As I understand it, you were directly behind him when the shot was fired?”
    â€œNo. Earl was first, then Mr. Retwig, then me, then Mr. Kershaw, then Buck.”
    â€œWhat did you see?”
    â€œAbsolutely nothing. There was just this explosion; I was stunned. I couldn’t believe my eyes.”
    â€œYou were probably as intimate with Mr. Genneman as anyone. Did he ever mention anyone who might want him out of the way?”
    â€œNo, that’s what’s so confusing. Earl—Mr. Genneman—was a very definite man. Very forthright and emphatic. But he was fair. I certainly have no complaints; he was more than decent to me. I don’t know what I’ll do now.”
    â€œWon’t Genneman Laboratories continue in business, and with it Westco?”
    Bob Vega inspected his fingers. “I don’t know. People always need drugs. We supply a staple commodity. But what Mrs. Genneman will do—”
    â€œDoes Mrs. Genneman take an interest in the business? Will she be able to take over?”
    â€œI really couldn’t say,” Vega said.
    â€œThank you, Mr. Vega. Oh, one more thing. Your home address?”
    â€œ747 La Crescenta Drive, Cupertino.”
    â€œAnd your business address?”
    â€œYou mean Westco Pharmaceuticals?”
    â€œDo you have any other business?”
    â€œNo, of course not. Westco Pharmaceuticals, 1200 Emerson Street, San Jose.”
    â€œThank you.