Read Online Face to Face by Ellery Queen - Free Book Online

feel.”
    â€œI’m sure it is. And I’m sure you’re right,” said the Inspector. You’re a treacherous old hypocrite, Ellery thought admiringly. He caught Burke’s eye; the Englishman was trying not to grin. “And that was the sum and substance of your talk with Mrs. Armando?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œWhat time did you leave your aunt’s apartment?”
    â€œAbout 11:30, I should think.”
    â€œShe saw you out?”
    â€œYes, to the lift. I mean, elevator.”
    â€œDid she say anything about seeing you again?”
    â€œOh, yes. She asked me to telephone her next week, something about having a spot of lunch together at Sardi’s. I didn’t promise. I said I would if I could, and I left.”
    â€œLeft her alone—and alive.”
    â€œCertainly!”
    â€œWas there anyone in the lobby when you went down?”
    â€œNo.”
    â€œWhere did you go after you got downstairs?”
    â€œI went home.” The implications of Inspector Queen’s questioning had begun to make her angry; the pink flushing her cheeks was the color of anger, and the breasts under the sweater had risen noticeably. (Most noticeably by Carlos Armando, whose eyes quivered like mercury seeking a balance, never leaving her chest.) “Where else would I go at that hour, Inspector?”
    â€œJust asking,” the Inspector said. “I suppose you took a taxi?”
    â€œI did not. I walked. Is there anything wrong with that?”
    â€œWalked?”
    â€œAcross Central Park. I live on the West Side—”
    â€œThere’s something definitely wrong with that,” the old man said. “Hasn’t anyone told you that it’s dangerous for an unaccompanied girl to walk through Central Park at night? Especially near midnight? Don’t you read the newspapers?”
    â€œI suppose that was idiotic of me,” Lorette admitted. She has spirit, Ellery thought, and the quick temper that goes with it. Also, surprising in a girl of her age and background, considerable self-control; she was now speaking with great care. “But I was not so much upset as—well—stirred up. I’m afraid I wasn’t thinking clearly. I just suddenly felt like walking, across the Park was the direct route, and so I walked across. Inspector, I don’t see what any of this has to do with my aunt’s death—I mean, how I got home Wednesday night!”
    â€œDid you meet anyone you know on your walk?”
    â€œNo—”
    â€œOr in your building?”
    â€œ No .”
    â€œAnd, as I understand it, you live alone?”
    â€œThat is correct, Inspector Queen.” The blue eyes flashed. “As for what I did when I arrived at my flat—I’m sure that’s your next question!—I undressed, tubbed, brushed my teeth, said my prayers, and went to bed. Is there anything else I can tell you?”
    Ellery grinned at the expression on his father’s face. The Inspector liked to keep on top of his opponent during these wrestling matches, and this one wasn’t playing the game. The old man’s dentures showed in something like respect.
    â€œDid your aunt mention anything to you about her will?”
    â€œHer will? Why should she have?”
    â€œDid she?”
    â€œCertainly not.”
    â€œMr. Burke tells us that, as she was showing him out that night, Mrs. Armando said something about expecting her husband back a little past midnight.” Mrs. Armando’s husband shifted his attention for an instant from Lorette’s sweater to the old man’s mustache; then it went back again. “Did you hear her say that, Miss Spanier?”
    â€œNo, but she made the same remark to me after Mr. Burke left.”
    â€œBut you never did see Mr. Armando Wednesday night?”
    â€œI’ve not laid eyes on Mr. Armando until today.” Or vice versa? Ellery wondered. If it was true, Armando was