The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1936-01-24


George before it's too late" He
opened a drawer of his desk and took
out several typewriter sheets
clipped together. Ever read q detec-
tive agency report? Very detailed.
Makes it interesting. This Is the re-
port on the search for you when
LAMAR was pulling his blackmail
stunt. Take a look at it-page four
particularly"
He pushed it across the desk to
her.
Ray. I'm not interested"
"All right, III read 1t to you my
SELF" He picked up the report, ruffied
through to certain page. and leaned
back. 81 had them looking for Will
lett" he explained. 81 thought he
could give some clue to your where
abouts. This is an excerpt:
'Willett was located in the afore-
mentioned hotel at six-forty in the
evening. All signs pointed to the
presence Of a woman in the room.
WiIlett admitted the fact. but denied
that it was the party sought. On Mr..
George Fox's advice and RESPONSE
bility the investigation was not
pressed. A woman's cigaret case was
taken, however, for Identification
and possible evidence.
He paused. you never knew that,
did your"
81 DON'T" she said deliberately.
believe it. You and your damn de-
tectives." s.
"No?" He rummaged in the drawer
again and brought out a thin gold
cigaret case. !
you'll find this described In the
back of the report under detailed;
evidence. This Is the one they found.
1t was left with me and | didn't know
who owned it. But" lie added posi-
lively. now that think about it, |
could give pretty good guess. You
see. we got in touch with Willett
through Puff Harrington"
CHE started.
- Carolyn! Say. you're a fool.
That little"
Chaser" he finished. well. we'll
see."
He rang for Blythe and gave direc-
tions to see If Miss Harrington had
arrived as yet and if so to ask her
to drop in and see him right away.
Then he put the case in prominent
view on, the desk. He was getting set
for Field Day. Allaire sat numbed
through all these elaborate stage
preparations. And Fox had been so
non-committal about how Terry Will
lett came to be mixed up in the
LAMAR business. But then. Fox was
friend of Terry's.
Puff came in shortly afterward
with cocktail glass in each hand.
Hello. Ray beloved" she greeted.
Hello. Allaire. Look what I've
brought"
A sense of repugnance at seeing
her trapped swept over Allaire. She
picked up the cigaret case and held
it out to Puff.
did you lose this. Carolyn" she
said impulsively.
Puf's eyes widened In delight.
"Why. where on earth did you find
that? l wondered where l lost it."
She set down a glass and took it
gratefully. Thanks so much,
Allaire."
Allaire knew her fathers eyes
were on her ironically.
II understand" she said calmly,
that you know a friend of mine
Terry Willett."
Terry" exclaimed Puff. Her eyes
rested on Allaire. first in surprise,
then in quick alive Renaissance. ct
should say l do know Terry. He and
l did the rounds, had a big time in
New York. Did the rounds and ended
up in Night Court at dawn. He can
fight like anything"
"Yes." said Allaire absently, like
anything"
She bit her lip. thensqAhpla e8f
cused herself and left the room. , =
What's the matter with herr"
Puff inquired. H..
Ray seated himself on the edde IL
the desk.
Don't worry about Allaire," he,
advised. "And thanks. Putt. l9a4Te
saved her from making fool of her
self. But, baby" he grinned and
shook finger under her nose, what
know about you"
Luckily. dinner under Rays roof,
although beginning formally, seldom
stayed that way. People were always
dropping in. and those at the table
would get up and wander out be-
tween courses like intermissions be-
tween dances. Allaire thanked her
stars for that.
She appeared at dinner to take her
place at her fathers wifeless board,
but having started things OF, she
found it no great task to leave the
dining room and go up to her apart
ment.
She dropped into a chair and
stared out Of the window. Hum Of
conversation from the terraces be-
low. the sound Of motors in the drive
and laughter-and Puff Harrington
dancing from one man to another.
Copyright. 1855. By Ddvtd Garthl
Monday, Allaire again takes to
the air.