Read Online Pale Shadow by Robert Skinner - Free Book Online

in response he faded into a shadow. He remained there, listening as his eyes made a circuit of the area. He sensed a presence, but it was no more than that. He moved softly, threading a path through the clutter of parked vehicles to the entrance.
    He pushed through the doors, pausing just inside to let his eyes adjust to the soft lighting. A Negro in a white dinner jacket saw him enter and strolled unobtrusively toward him. Farrell made him for the bouncer by the width of his shoulders and his loose-limbed, flat-footed saunter. His right hand was clenched, no doubt hiding a roll of nickels, a weapon as effective as brass knuckles.
    â€œEvenin’, sir. Can we help you with somethin’? Maybe you’re lost.” At least he had a few brains. He was going to try being polite before he threw a punch.
    â€œI came to see Wisteria Mullins,” Farrell replied. “The name’s Farrell.”
    The bouncer nodded with recognition, but his expression said it didn’t bother him. “It’s mighty late, sir, and we gonna be closin’ up here in less than a half-hour.”
    â€œI won’t need very much of her time. It’s about her cousin, Linda, and Luis Martinez.”
    The man became rigid, and Farrell could sense him considering his next move. Just as suddenly he relaxed, his concern for his boss evident in his expression. “I’ll tell her, but I don’t know. She’s had a real bad day.”
    Farrell nodded sympathetically. “I’m not here to cause her any extra grief. I’m just trying to find Luis.”
    He considered for a second. “I’ll see what she says. Tell the barman I said to give you whatever you want.”
    â€œThat’s friendly of you. Thanks.” Farrell took off his hat and went to the bar. The bartender came close enough to catch Farrell’s order for a rye highball. Farrell had put about half of it away when the bouncer returned.
    â€œShe’ll talk to you. Follow me.” He led Farrell through a door and up a flight of stairs to the second floor. There was a door open up there, and through the door Farrell saw a willowy woman in a sea green evening gown. A cigarette burned in her right hand, and a tendril of blue smoke floated up past her handsome brown face. “Thanks, Terry. You can go on back to the floor now.” Her voice was like honey seasoned with pepper.
    Terry cut his eyes at Farrell. “You sure?”
    She smiled indulgently at him. “Mr. Farrell only wants to talk. He don’t have to beat women to get what he wants, do you, Mr. Farrell?”
    â€œI never want that much,” Farrell replied.
    Wisteria’s mouth flew open and a rich, full laugh escaped. Terry, seeing he was outclassed, turned and left.
    â€œDon’t mind Terry. He thinks he needs to protect me from people. Buy you a drink?”
    â€œNo thanks.” Farrell sat down in an armchair and put his hat on the floor by his feet.
    She sat down across from him and crossed her legs. “Terry said you’d come about Linda.”
    â€œI think Luis is in some kind of trouble and what happened to Linda is connected to that. I’m hoping you can tell me where he is so I can help.”
    She held her hands in her lap and looked down at them. “I like Luis—always did. But I knew he was trouble first time I looked at him. He’s too slick for his own good.” She was quiet for a long moment, and as she sat there, Farrell saw two tears escape from her eyes and flow soundlessly over the curve of her cheeks.
    â€œI’m sorry,” he said. “People said good things about Linda to me. Have you got any idea where Luis might be?”
    Wisteria Mullins’ eyes grew hard and her nostrils flared. “If I knew, I’d go after him myself. I want to slap his face and spit in it.” Her mouth gaped suddenly and she began to weep, the sobs like groans of agony. “All his talk about how much he