The Wilmington morning star., 1940-09-20
CHAPTER

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT :.
Gould anyone have wanted your
life?" the commissioner had asked
Linda Just as she saw the initial
on the handkerchief which she had
retrieved from the floor of the
Office.
A small, hand-blocked initial ap'
reared in one corner. J. was an Old
English I'M" 1t might have stood
for Nina or it might have stood
for Markley or maybe It just repre-
sented a Margaret or a Mary.
She gazed at it, fascinated. Still
not answering the question, she
lifted the small squar,. to her nose
and the scent was stronger now.
She handed the object to the
commissioner. Il found this on the
floor Just now. I though; it was
mine until I picked it up"
An M" the man said. And
your name il Linda Avery and the
dead girl is Clarabell Alderman.
Do you know an ene1n. WIiose
name begins with Mp
Linda hesitated. If only she had
someone to guide her. If Ronnle
would come, or Rob had been pres
ent they would answer for her. 1t
was quite possible that the muir
dered had mistaken Clarabeu Ack-
erman for her, but that murderer
couldn't be Nina Nevins. She had
been on the air at the time Of the
murder.
Her hesitation was noticed by The
police. Better answer all ques-
tons, Miss Avery. 1t will be easier.
And simpler"
Gould I see you alone?" she
asked, and her voice sounded
small and tired even to her W
ears.
She dared not mention Nina
Nevins in front of these reporters.
some of them had gone, scamper-
ing to the nearest telephones to
tell their night editors to change a
page.
Whether the commissioner would
have said that he would talk to her
alone or not, Linda never knew,
for at that moment the door open
ed and a tall figure appeared.
.'Oh. Robert!" She was across
the room, and his strong arms
were steadying her, before tn e
words had left her lips.
There was peace and polse an
comfort in his presence. She was
so joyfully, tearfully glad that ne
had come.
Someone sent word to your
apartment that you were here. No
one was home, but I happened to
be passing" he said. "Of course l
came right away"
Briefly Robert vas informed OF
the events of the past hour. His
eyes sobered at the sight OF the
girl who slumped over the desk. No
move had been made to conceal
her or take her away.
Couldn't we have a conference,
commissioner" Robert asked.
You said that this murder might
De a case of mistaken identity. It's
quite true, and yet"
MAY I talk alone to Mr.. Bar
.on?" Lima asked. For just a mo-
ment, please?"
The man hesitated. From the
canyon of the streets below there
came the subdued sound of the
night traffic. The theaters were
long since out and the play spots
were gay and crowded, and the
taxicabs carried groups from n
to another.
The rain was growing steadier
and harder, and it beat against
the windows. Grateful as she was
for Roberts protection, Linda
wished a~nxiously that Ronnie
would come. Maybe he hadn't re-
ceived any message. And why did
MT the commissioner give his con-
sent?
Everything will come out in
The investigation and the coroner's
inquest" the official answered.
ANY light you may throw on the
happening now will save you en-
barrassment later. However, if you
wish a conference, the inner office
will do nicely. I'll stay on guard"
1t was Robert who answered. II
think you had better come with
us. I've a pretty good idea what
Miss Avery hesitates to say. It in
Bella LANAN-COURT RE