Read Online The Blue Movie Murders by Ellery Queen - Free Book Online Page B

finishing school girl.”
    He took a sip of water and grinned at her. “I’ll leave the chain off my door.”
    They left the restaurant and drove for a time in McCall’s car, heading out towards the Mann Photo plant. He had no specific destination in mind, unless it was perhaps back to his motel room with this strange and tempting girl.
    But he’d driven only a few miles when he realized there was a car on his tail. He reached up to adjust the rear-view mirror and said, “Someone’s following us. Can you get a look at him?”
    She glanced out the back. They passed a well-lit shopping centre, and she told him, “It’s a police car.”
    â€œCan you see who’s driving? Is it an officer or a plainclothesman?”
    She was silent a moment, studying the car behind them. Then she said, “I think it’s Lieutenant Powell.”
    â€œThat figures.”
    â€œI met him for just a few minutes out at the motel, but it looks like him.”
    McCall wheeled the car sharply to the right, into a side road that seemed to lead between two fields to some unseen and perhaps non-existent farmhouse. The police car slowed but went on by.
    â€œI think you lost him,” April said.
    â€œDon’t be so sure.”
    But he came to a stop about halfway along the road. She perked up almost at once and said, “You didn’t tell me you’d already staked out the local lovers’ lane.”
    â€œMiss Evans—”
    â€œApril.”
    â€œApril, in my job sex is irrelevant. In fact, I have a reputation in certain circles of being practically sexless.”
    She started to say something, but he cut her off at once. A car had turned into the road behind them, targeting them with its headlights. “Is that Powell again?”
    But she couldn’t see. The headlights were blinding them. “I can’t imagine what he wants with us.”
    McCall opened the door on his side. “If he’s trying to scare us he’s in for a big surprise.”
    The car’s headlights were still on as he walked towards them, and he heard doors slam. “Is that you, Powell?” he called out.
    â€œWell, well,” a half-remembered voice chuckled. “If it isn’t the Governor’s errand boy and his girl friend! Hope we didn’t interrupt anything.”
    McCall sucked in his breath. It was Carry Tanner, and he wasn’t alone. Shielding his eyes from the glare of the headlights, McCall could make out three others. Tanner stepped forward into the pool of light, and McCall saw the ancient black revolver in his hand.
    â€œPut that away, Tanner. You aren’t going to use it,” he said, but he didn’t quite believe his own words.
    â€œMike, be careful!” April called from behind him.
    Tanner gave a low mean chuckle. “We just came along to watch you and your girl, McCall. Go right on with what you were doin’.”
    â€œGo to hell!”
    â€œOr would you rather we took over for you? We’re mighty good at that sorta thing.”
    â€œI’ll bet. But if that’s what you’ve got in mind you’ll have to use that gun first.”
    Tanner barked a sharp command. “Hold him.”
    Jack Kozinski, the youth who’d shown him the way to Mann’s house, stepped forward to grasp McCall’s arms.
    â€œYou too, Jack?” McCall asked.
    Kozinski seemed pained by the words. “Some things have to be done. You’re on Mann’s side, against the strikers.”
    â€œI saw your brother today, Jack.”
    Kozinski hesitated, and turned back to Tanner. “Maybe we should let them go, Carry.”
    â€œHell, I’ll handle him myself!”
    McCall turned to April. “Start the car and get out of here. Drive across the field.”
    â€œNot without you.”
    Tanner passed the gun to the man at his side and moved in fast. Using his good left hand, he landed a quick blow to