The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1936-01-17
Chapter %
TENSE MOMENT

CldDIer -
TENSE MOMENT
TT WAS around fifteen minutes
l later that there was a knock on
the door and the knob was ratified
imperatively. Puff jumped up quick
ly, her lips forming the words: "Who
is it?"
George Fox, l guess" he said
looking at her in surprise.
She skipped discreetly across to
the door of the bath. touched her
lips with her forefinger in warning,
and then closed the door behind
her.
wiIlett smiled slightly. Murray
for the United States Senate; he'd
forgotten about that. Her action
made him feel a party to backdoor
intrigue.
He went over and opened the
room door. Fox and two other men
were standing there.
"Hullo. George!" he greeted. "This
is surprise. The Ambassador from
Wayback! How are you. boy?"
They grinned tensely at each
other and shook hands. The other
two men brushed by Willett and
went into the room.
They looked keenly around and
suddenly one of them uttered a
triumphant exclamation and picked
up Puff's cigaret case from the
table. 1t was thin gold thing with
a small vanity mirror set in plati
mum on the cover.
Terry regarded them unfavorably
"Who are those birds. George?"
Fox closed the door behind him
They're private detectives
Terry. They want to ask you few
questions. Allairs West has disap
peared. and her father has An idea
you know something about it"
"And he does" said one OF the
men, holding up the case. This is
no mars trinket. There's been 8
woman here. Where is she. buddy?'
'Wait a minute" ordered Fox
He turned to Terry.
Don't get angry. son. Allaire''
been missing two days. Have vol
any idea-where she is?"
"Disappeared?" repeated Terry
Something seemed to chase up anC
down his spine. Disappeared"
The detectives were inspecting
the room. One of them started FOL
the bathroom door. Willett acted
swiftly and headed the man off
Puff had put him in a rotten position
Hold on" he said. who asked
you in?"
ooh! So that's where she isl"
TERRY" 1t was Fox's voice
despairihg. disappointed. the voice
Of a man stricken.
1T isn't Allaire." said Willet
steadily.
yeah? Wen believe # when W.
see her."
at isn't Allaire," repeated WiIlet
steadily. Il give you my word"
well then, what's the harm if W.
see who 1t is?"
Because" said WilIett. "it's non,
Of your damned business.
THAT don't suit me-" begaI
the detective. but Fox stepped in
Il know Mr.. Willett and he's {
straight shooter. n he says IT ism
Miss West-it isn't. I'll take the re
sponsibility with Mr.. West"
There was a brief discussion
Clearly. the operatives thought
their duty to make certain. but q
nally they left.
Pardon it. Terry. We're all wor
ried sick. Allaire disappeared RICH
after you left the house the othel
night and Ray had an idea 20,
knew something about It You don't
so we'll have to start over again
Let's go. You're needed"
IN THE taxi Fox explained swiftly
i He'd come to New York to war;
Ray West that LAMAR was contem
plating blackmail. He found LAMAR
had already seen him.
THAT business at the docks ha.
come up. LaMarr's threatening t
release the story"
What kind OF story?"
"Hildez died of his wounds. Terry
That changes things. And nobod!
could prove why Allaire shot Blu
you"
"The hell he diedi He pulled
through. Probably back double
crossing everybody right and lef
again"
But. Terry - how could yov
known"
Il don't get it."
"You left town. Hildez was still
drifting with death then"
"oh." said willett That's right