The Mugger by Ed McBain Read Free Book Online Page A

friend.”
    “You’re a very pretty girl, Jeannie.”
    “So I’ve been told.”
    “A pretty girl can find herself in with the wrong crowd. A pretty girl—”
    “Is like a melody,” Jeannie concluded. “I’m not in with the wrong crowd. I’m fine. I’m a healthy, normal teenager. Leave me alone.”
    “Do you date much?”
    “Enough.”
    “Anyone steady?”
    “No.”
    “Anyone in mind for a steady?”
    “Do you date much?” Jeannie countered.
    “Not much.”
    “Anyone steady?”
    “No,” Kling answered, smiling.
    “Anyone in mind for a steady?”
    “No.”
    “Why not? I should think a hero cop would be in wild demand.”
    “I’m shy,” Kling said.
    “I’ll just bet you are. We haven’t known each other ten minutes, and we’re discussing my love life. What’ll you ask next? My brassiere size?”
    Kling’s eyes dropped inadvertently to the sweater.
    “I’ll save you the trouble,” Jeannie snapped. “It’s a thirty-eight, C-cup.”
    “I figured as much,” Kling answered.
    “That’s right, I keep forgetting you’re a cop. Cops are very observant, aren’t they? Are you the force’s prize detective?”
    “I’m a patrolman,” Kling said levelly.
    “Smart fellow like you, only a patrolman?”
    “What the hell’s eating you?” Kling asked suddenly, his voice rising.
    “Nothing. What’s eating you?”
    “I never met a kid like you. You’ve got a decent home, you’ve got looks any other girl would chop off her right arm for, and you sound—”
    “I’m the belle of Riverhead, didn’t you know? I’ve got boys crying for—”
    “And you sound as if you’re sixty years old living in a tenement flat! What the hell’s eating you, girl?”
    “Nothing. I simply don’t like the idea of a cop coming around to ask me questions.”
    “Your people felt you needed help,” Kling said wearily. “I don’t know why. Seems to me you could step into a cage of tigers and come out unscratched. You’re about as soft as an uncut diamond.”
    “Thanks.”
    Kling rose. “Take care of your beauty, kid,” he said. “You may not have it when you’re thirty-five.” He started for the door.
    “Bert,” she called.
    He turned.
    She was staring at the floor. “I’m sorry,” she said. I’m not usually a bitch.”
    “What is it?” he asked.
    “Nothing, really. I have to work it out for myself, that’s all.” She smiled tremulously. “Everything’ll be all right.”
    “Okay,” he said. “Don’t let it kill you. Everybody’s got troubles. Especially at seventeen.”
    “I know,” she said, still smiling.
    “Listen, can I buy you an ice cream or something? Take your mind off your troubles.”
    “No, thanks,” she said. She looked at her watch. “I have an appointment.”
    “Oh. Well, okay. Have fun, Jeannie.” He looked at her closely. “You’re a beautiful girl. You should be enjoying yourself.”
    “I know,” she answered.
    “If you should need anything, if you should feel I can help, you can call me at the 87th Precinct.” He smiled. “That’s where I work.”
    “All right. Thanks.”
    “Want to walk down with me?”
    “No, I have to wait for the sitter.”
    Kling snapped his fingers. “Sure.” He paused. “If you’d like me to wait with you…”
    “I’d rather you didn’t. Thanks, anyway.”
    “Okay,” Kling said. He looked at her once more. Her face was troubled, very troubled. He knew there was more to say, but he didn’t know how to say it. “Take care of yourself,” he managed.
    “I will. Thanks.”
    “Sure,” Kling said. He opened the door and stepped into the foyer. Behind him, Jeannie Paige locked the door.

Willis did not like working overtime. There are very few people who enjoy working overtime, unless they are paid for it. Willis was a detective 3rd/grade, and his salary was $5,230 a year. He was not paid by the hour, nor was he paid by the number of crimes he solved yearly. His salary was $5,230, and that was what he got no matter