by Jack Usher
He nodded and she turned and went up the walk to the hospital entrance. A faint odor of cosmetics lingered in the car, and the side of his face was damp where she’d kissed him. He sat quietly for a moment. Even nice girls sweat in this country.
Pelchek felt the full heat of the day strike Las Milpas as he drove back to the hotel. The last lingering remnants of early-morning coolness had vanished. Rising heat waves, pulled from the asphalt pavement, caused the horizon to shimmer before him.
He sought shelter in his air-conditioned cottage only long enough to change into swimming trunks, then made for the pool. After an invigorating fifteen minutes in the water he found a deck chair and relaxed, watching the other bathers.
Shortly a bellboy approached, carrying a telephone receiver and length of cord. The boy looked around for a moment, spotted Pelchek and came to him. He plugged the line into a convenient receptacle.
“It’s for you, sir,” he said, handing Pelchek the phone.
“Yes?”
“Mr. Pelchek?” It was a woman’s voice, crisp and contained.
“Right.”
“This is Christine Baker.”
He hesitated a moment. “All right. What do you want?”
“I’d like to talk with you.”
“I didn’t recognize your voice. You must be sober.”
There was silence at the other end of the line, then:
“I suppose I deserved that. I still wish to talk with you.”
“Listen, I told you—”
“Yes, you did, Mr. Pelchek. You told me you didn’t like me. I made a scene yesterday and you’re angry. I apologize. It won’t happen again. Now, will you talk with me?”
He waited a moment, then answered:
“Okay. Where?”
“How about my place?”
“Where do you live?”
“At the top of Rutherford Hill Road. It’s the only house up there. Go east on Birch Street and you can’t miss it. Birch becomes Rutherford further out.”
“I’ve got it.”
“What time will you be here?”
“Sometime after I eat. Will eight-thirty do?”
“Eight-thirty will be fine,” she said and broke the connection.
CHAPTER 9
IT WAS the largest house in Las Milpas. The lights in the driveway were on, although it was still light enough to drive without illumination. The house was of California ranch-house style, sprawling on several levels as it hugged the crown of the hill. Flat roofs, slightly canted, and large expanses of plate-glass windows gave it a look of airy spaciousness. Pelchek couldn’t judge the number of rooms it held.
Chris opened the door herself and, as he stepped into the entryway, pointed to his jacket.
“Take it off,” she ordered. “No one wears a coat in this weather.” A pink dirndl skirt and white peasant blouse softened her features, made an effective contrast to the brittle-appearing girl he’d seen at the hotel.
He shrugged out of the coat and handed it to her. She led the way into a large living room that had French doors opening onto a patio. Through them, in the gathering dusk, a patch of turquoise indicated a pool.
“We’ll sit out there,” she said, following his gaze. “Go on out and make yourself comfortable while I put your coat away.” She turned to go, called over her shoulder, “It’s hot enough for gin and tonic. All right?”
“Fine,” he said, and walked through the French doors.
In a short while she joined him, carrying two frosted glasses in a metal holder. Setting the drinks down, she seated herself at the end of the outdoor couch he’d chosen, tucking a ballerina-slippered foot beneath her. She picked up her glass.
“Better than fighting, Mr. Pelchek?” she asked, sipping her drink.
“If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. Is that it?”
Her face wasn’t clear in the partial darkness, but he thought she flushed slightly.
“That’s not it at all,” she said. “I really want to talk with you. First, there’s something I’d like to say. Will you listen?”
“Shoot.” He settled back.
“I’ll do my best to make it short,” she said. “When this trouble came I was living in New York. I admit I went there principally because I was upset over Cal’s marriage. I still feel it was an unfortunate marriage and a mistake in this part of the country. At any rate, I didn’t want to live in the same town with it, so I left.
“When Cal’s trouble came up, I made arrangements to close my apartment and come back. Allen wired to wait until I had spoken with him. He flew to New York the next day and talked me out of it. Promised to do everything that could be done and told me I’d only add to Cal’s problems.”
“How’d he figure you’d do that?”
“He didn’t say. Anyway, I waited. When Cal was found guilty I panicked, I suppose. Can’t you see why? I thought with Allen and Baker Land behind him he couldn’t possibly be convicted unless he was guilty. Anyway, I wasn’t able to face my friends, so I went to Europe.”
“Why did you come back?” Pelchek asked bluntly.
“Ashamed, I imagine. Besides, time was running out for Cal and it preyed on my mind a great deal. I had to come back.”
“Why were you waiting for me at the Casa?”
“When Allen heard you’d been to see Cal he came out here to see me. He seemed quite upset, so I decided to see for myself.”
“Do you know of any reason for him to be worried about my being here?”
“No. Except that Allen is sort of funny about things that affect the family. He probably feels your being here will stir it all up again.”
“Why hasn’t he tried to see me and tell me this himself?”
“He’s stayed out of your way, I expect. He’s at the home place now and says he isn’t coming into town until everything is all over.” She scowled. “He says he’s been embarrassed enough by Cal’s actions and friends.”
“He’s been what?” Pelchek exclaimed.
The girl bit her lip and started to speak. She was interrupted by an elderly Mexican woman who came into the patio, carrying a tray. She placed a bowl of ice cubes, a bottle of gin and several bottles of tonic water on the low table near the couch, then straightened up and waited. “Thank you, Josefina. That will be all for tonight.”
The woman nodded and left. When she’d passed from sight the girl got to her feet. She took his empty glass and went to the squat table.
“Listen, Mr. Pelchek,” she began, mixing both of them a fresh drink, “I’m not responsible for my brother’s reactions. I followed his advice because I wasn’t here to see things for myself, and I had no reason to believe it wasn’t good advice. Now I’m not so sure.” She handed Pelchek his drink, sat down. “Can you really help Cal?”
“Maybe.”
“How?”
“I can’t tell you that.”
“You mean you won’t?”
“I mean I won’t.”
“Did you tell Elena?”
“She’s his wife.”
“And I’m his sister.” She set her glass down by the side of the couch and leaned toward him. “We’ve gotten off to a bad start, Mr. Pelchek. You took me by surprise at the hotel, and I suppose I showed it. I know I said some things I shouldn’t have said, and didn’t mean. I didn’t expect you to be quite so… so aggressive.” She shrugged. “Most of the men I meet aren’t.”
“What does that mean?” he asked.
“Nothing, I guess. But until yesterday I never doubted Cal’s guilt very much. They all said he killed Arthur Walker in a fight over Elena, and I allowed myself to believe it. It seemed to vindicate my belief about his marriage, and with Cal’s temper, I knew he could get angry enough in a fight to hurt someone.”
“Are you sure you weren’t on the jury?” Pelchek asked.
“You don’t have to remind me I’ve been wrong,” she said, flushing. “I’ve been small and foolish and know it. But since I’ve been back I’ve heard enough to make
me believe there’s something wrong. I want to know what it is, and I want to help my brother,” she said. “Will you let me?”
He looked at her, set his drink on the table.
“No, Miss Baker,” he said flatly. “I won’t. I won’t buy it.”
“You won’t buy it?” She jumped to her feet, eyes narrowing angrily as she surveyed him. “I’ve apologized for my behavior and I don’t usually do that. What more do you want me to do?” She strode to the edge of the kidney-shaped pool, whirled and stood glaring at him.
“I don’t want you to do a damned thing,” he said, getting to his feet. “Maybe you’ve leveled with me, but I can’t take the chance. For six months you’ve allowed Cal to ride this thing all by himself. Now in a half-hour you’re going to undo all that and join the team. Uh-uh, Miss Baker, it won’t wash.” During the latter part of this speech she had walked toward him until she was close enough to touch him. Her hands were clenched and she was trembling.
“I don’t believe it!” Tears of anger caused her eyes to glisten in the darkness. “It must be more personal than that. I hear your wife ran out on you. Does that put me in the same category? Because I ran out on my brother?”
“That’s none of your business. Besides, she ran to a man, not a bottle,” he said quietly.
She slapped him, tears running down her ashen cheeks. “Get out of here, Pelchek! Get out!” she said chokingly. He looked at her for a long moment, his face stinging and hot.
“Come here.”
“What do you want?” she said, not moving.
“Just come here.”
“You must be crazy,” she whispered as he grasped her shoulders and pulled her close, dipped his head until their lips met.
Warm lips parted under his and he felt arms slide under his sports shirt, fingers digging his bare back. When he let her move her head she buried her face in the front of his shirt and clung to him.
“Dear God, Pelchek!” She was shaking.
He put a finger under her chin and lifted her face.
“Could that be your problem? Is that it?”
“No,” she said harshly. She placed both hands behind his head. “But do it some more.”
Warm breasts burned through the thin blouse and he kissed her again. He dropped his hands to her waist and she leaned back to face him.
“What’s all this about?” she asked huskily.
“I don’t know. Nothing, maybe.”
She nodded, pulled a handkerchief from a pocket in her skirt. “It doesn’t change anything?”
“Not a thing.”
“Maybe when you like me better?”
“Maybe.”
She was silent for a moment, dabbing at her eyes. Then she pushed her face into his chest again. “Pelchek?”
“Yes?”
“I’m hungry.”
“They usually are,” he said dryly.
“They?”
“Women. After an emotional crisis they’re either hungry or sick.”
“Where did you learn that?”
“University of Wisconsin. Elementary dating.”
She threw back her head and laughed. “Pelchek, you surprise me. You may even be human.” She took his hand and pulled him toward the end of the patio. “Come on. Let’s see if Josefina has anything in the kitchen.” As they made their way through the living room, she explained. “I only opened this house a few days ago. She may not have had time to put in much of a supply.”
In the kitchen he leaned against the sink, watched as she investigated the large refrigerator.
“Don’t fix anything for me.”
“Nothing?”
“Nope. I ate just before I came.” He glanced around the kitchen. “It’s a hell of a house. Your husband build it for you?”
“No.” She found some slices of cold chicken and made a sandwich. “Baker Land and Mining built it for me. A wedding present. They built my husband, too,” she added quietly.
“What happened?”
“I suppose I drove the poor man crazy. After eight months he just picked up and went to California.”
“How come the ‘Miss Baker’?”
“My father was alive then and arranged for an annulment.”
“Do you hear from your ex-husband?”
“No. Just about him. He’s married again. Has a comfortable wife, three healthy kids, and a job that doesn’t depend on being married to the boss’s daughter.” She picked up her sandwich and came to lean against the sink, next to him. “Let’s not talk about it.”
When she finished eating she placed the plate in the sink and led the way into the living room.
“There’s one thing—”
The sound of musical chimes interrupted her. She excused herself and went to the door, returning shortly with the stocky blond man who had been her escort at the Casa Camino bar.
“I think you gentlemen know one another,” she said. “At least, you saw each other at the Casa. This is Mr. Pelchek, George.” She turned to Pelchek. “George Marlin. Our chief accountant.”
The men shook hands.
“George came by to see if I’d gotten settled in all right,” she explained.
“Yes,” Marlin said. “It’s quite remote up here and we like to keep our eye on Chris. Did I hear you offer me a drink?” He turned to Chris.
“No, you didn’t, but how would gin and tonic do?”
“Gin and tonic would do just fine.”
“The liquor is out in the patio, George. I’ll be right back.” The girl left the room and the two men sat down.
“I understand you are responsible for getting Calvin that stay of execution, Mr. Pelchek. Fine work, fine work.” Marlin leaned forward in his chair as he spoke.
“Your boss doesn’t seem to think so, Mr. Marlin.”
“McCreery? Yes, I saw you as you left his office. Well, he’s sort of hidebound, Pelchek. But I don’t think he’ll interfere with you.”
“I hope he doesn’t. What do you think of this case, Marlin?”
“Terrible thing, sir. It would have killed the old man.” Marlin shook his head. “The reason they give for Walker’s murder never has satisfied me.”
“Someone killed him,” Pelchek said.
“Yes. Of course, he and Cal did argue over the housing improvements. I may be somewhat responsible for that.”
“How?”
“I advised Cal there was enough money and that there wouldn’t be much difference in anyone’s income as a result of the expenditure.”
“Have you been with Baker Land and Mining long, Marlin?”
“A little over ten years.”
“Have you any ideas about what might have caused the trouble leading to Walker’s death?”
“I don’t know what to think. The Bakers have never been involved in anything of this sort before, and it has been a shock to Chris and Allen. Have you met Allen? No? Well, he’s been affected a great deal by this.”
“Brother Allen sounds like a slob,” Pelchek said.
“He’s done a lot of drinking lately,” Marlin admitted. “It seems that after Cal got married things began to happen. Nothing was quite the same. Chris left town and Allen started drinking, neglecting the office,” he said, then added: “No big things, Pelchek. Nothing overt. Just… things,” he concluded.
“You think this marriage had something to do with the murder?”
“No, no. I don’t mean that at all,” Marlin said. “However, there are people who think Cal should have married a girl more in his own class. Not that I do,” he assured Pelchek. “I like Elena and think she’s a fine girl. In fact, I stood up with Cal at their wedding. No, I don’t think his marriage had anything to do with Art’s murder. I believe a mistake has been made somewhere, and I hope you’ll be able to find out what it is.”
“I intend to.”
“Good, Pelchek. I wish you all the luck in the world, and—” He broke off suddenly.
Chris Baker had re-entered the room, looked around, and gon
e on through to the patio. She returned, carrying a tray. She handed the men their drinks, took hers, and sat down next to Pelchek on the divan.
“I was just telling Mr. Pelchek I hope he can do some good for Cal,” Marlin said to the girl. He drank some of the gin and tonic, glancing from her to Pelchek over the top of his glass.
“We all hope so, George,” she said. “Have you seen Allen today?”
“No, I haven’t. He phoned this morning, but he hasn’t been in his office for a couple of days.” He turned to Pelchek. “Allen gets upset over unpleasantness, Pelchek. Your arrival seems to have set him off,” he said.
“So I’ve heard,” Pelchek commented dryly.
Marlin looked at his watch, drained most of his drink and stood up. “No…” He held up a hand. “Don’t get up. I can let myself out.”
“You didn’t finish your drink, George.”
“Plenty, Chris. Plenty. I have an appointment in town. Just dropped by to see how you were doing.” He turned to Pelchek. “Glad to have seen you again, Pelchek, and as I said before, lots of luck.”
Pelchek rose. The men shook hands, then Marlin nodded to the girl and went out.
Pelchek picked up his drink and walked to the open doors leading to the patio. Chris joined him, slipped an arm through his, leaned her head against his shoulder.
“I can’t seem to get enough of this,” she said.
“Enough of what?”
“Head on your shoulder and all that stuff,” she replied. “I’ve been running so fast the last couple of years I forgot what it was like.”
“How about George?” he asked. “Do we throw George away?”
“George?” She shook her head. “George has been coming around ever since my marriage folded. In fact,” she added, “some years ago when I first came home from school, he sort of proposed to me. At least, I think it was a proposal. He’s quite inept with women. Anyway, I said no and I’m afraid I used him pretty roughly.”
“You probably did. You hit hard when you try.”
“My training, I suppose,” she said lightly. She looked into the dark patio.
Pelchek put a finger under her chin, turned her head so she faced him. “That scene in the patio was kind of basic. Do we do something about it?”