Read Online The Dragon’s Teeth by Ellery Queen - Free Book Online Page A

still smiling when he released her.
    â€œAnd what makes you think, Mr. Queen,” said Margo, “that I wanted you to do that?”
    â€œI’m psychic,” said Beau. He watched the curtain. It fluttered violently and then was still.
    â€œYou clever man,” murmured Kerrie’s cousin. “And the dear little thing is so jealous. Do come again—soon.”
    In the office of Ellery Queen, Inc., Confidential Investigations, Mr. Ellery Queen surveyed his partner sympathetically. Back from the Adirondacks, Mr. Queen, while leaner than usual, was browned and fit; but his partner was haggard, and two creases, like quotation marks, separated his gloomy eyes.
    â€œI always knew you were mercenary,” said Mr. Queen, “but I didn’t think you were a quitter.”
    â€œIt isn’t the dough, I tell you! All right, it wasn’t much of a job, and Goossens and De Carlos insist Cole’s retainer of fifteen grand, plus expenses, was ample to cover it—”
    â€œPrincely,” agreed Mr. Queen.
    â€œBut the job’s over! Our agreement was that we’d find the two women. That’s what we were hired to do, we’ve done it, and we’re through. What more do you want?”
    â€œI want,” replied Mr. Queen calmly, “to know why Cadmus Cole was so mysterious about the nature of our assignment. I want to know why he didn’t tell us the simple truth. I want to know what was at the back of his head.”
    â€œGo see a medium!”
    â€œDid he expect to be murdered? Was he murdered? And if so, who murdered him? And why? Cole may have hired us primarily to answer these questions, and for some obscure reason chose not to say so. But if that’s the case, we’re not through—”
    â€œAnd fifteen grand doesn’t begin to pay for the job,” growled Beau, “and try to get more out of Goossens and De Carlos. You feeling like John D. these days?”
    Mr. Queen said abruptly: “Beau, this isn’t like you.”
    â€œI don’t know what you’re talking about.”
    â€œThere’s a reason for your unwillingness to go on with this investigation, and I don’t think it’s money. What is it?”
    Beau glared at him. “All right, Master-Mind. There’s a reason, and it’s not money, it’s a dame. So what?”
    â€œAh,” said Mr. Queen. “Miss Shawn?”
    â€œI’m not saying!” shouted Beau. “Anyway, I think she—sort of took a shine to me, and I can’t hang around and ball up her life, that’s all! She—this girl can’t afford to fall in love!”
    â€œOh, I see,” said Mr. Queen. “Deplorable situation. Well, then, make it plain you’re not in love with her—or are you?”
    â€œNone of your business,” snapped Beau.
    â€œHmm. Well, sir, since you’re in love with her, sooner or later you’re going to crawl back, you know. So you may as well do it now. I can’t take over, because you’re supposed to be Queen, and exposing our little fraud would mean, for one thing, having to give back that fifteen thousand, for another possibly alarming some one who’d be better off unalarmed.”
    â€œBut what excuse would I have to keep going back there?” Beau looked sullen. “Goossens and De Carlos gave me the bum’s rush yesterday, Kerrie’s sore at me … Of course, there’s Margo—”
    â€œOf course there is,” said Mr. Queen. “A female who apparently enjoys your society. There’s no law against a young man calling on a female for social reasons. Just keep your eyes open. Hang around. Watch. I have a compelling feeling,” said Mr. Queen reflectively, “that there’s going to be trouble.”
    â€œTrouble? There’s plenty now! Say …” Beau looked alarmed. “What d’ye mean—trouble?”
    Mr. Queen smiled. “Beau,