The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1943-01-15
Chapter 81
s.Iust Nervous


ALL along Joyce had told her
"A self that Ward Allen could
not have killed Clarke, but this,
she realized now, was simply be-
cause such a conclusion was the
one she wanted to believe. There
was no logic in such a belief; she
was trying to reason with her
emotions. If Ward was found
guilty, Delia's happiness, her life
even, would be ruined; therefore
Ward was not guilty. And yet T..
Even if he did," Thorndike
was saying, "we're all going }
stick by him. Well see him
through this
eff he killed him he was justi-
fed" Della said resolutely. "He
must have had good reason to. /
won't believe he did and even if
I'm wrong it won't make any diff
ference. l love him"
well, it's no good worrying
about it yet" Thorndike said.
He pulled up in front of Delia's
apartment house.
Joyce and Della got out and
thanked him. When they entered
the foyer they found Jack Fenner
waiting for them. He looked very
neat and well-groomed, his hat
was in his hand, and his upward
slanting eyes observed them de-
liberately.
p 81 got here a little early" he
, said.
. they went upstairs, taking of
hats and coats and settling down
in the living room. Della got q
q. box of cigarettes and an ashtray
and put them on the table beside
Fenner's chair. and he watched
her move about, his smile of APP
prevail constant. -
Conversationally the going was
awkward for the next few min
utes. They talked of this and that
and Fenner asked Joyce where
Kent was. and she explained, anc
the quiet crept up on them again
you haven't told him?" Fen
ner asked.
"About this?" Joyce said. mo
l told you l wouldn't"
Della stood up and walked over
to the windows. Joyce and Fen
ner watched her and when she
became aware of their inspection
her face twisted in rueful smile
and came back.
"Just nervous, she said.
"That's okay," Fenner said
you've got a right to be-"
You'd like a drink. wouldn't
'you?" EtE 5Tf4.
"Now that you. mention it." saic
tFepner, grinhing, Il think
would"
: a can get it," Joyce said.
qIn one of thei lower cup
boards" Della said. ..t.,,-.
Fenner pulled himself from the
chair. 9Th go with you.P .si>s-''s
In the kitchen Joyce found 6
bottle of Scotch 'fFn get yot
some ice"
"Neverrrind,R Fenner said. "Ict
dilutes it." -.-----..
.. > - 9 - - ~ ~ - n ~ "a
: Long Wait
LIE poured whisky in the glass
IL and added. some water from
the faucet. He rolled some of the
mixture around in his mouth
said: ~Al1h," and drank, Leaning
against the sink. he held the glass
up and studied it.
''When're you going to tell me
the rest of it?"
The question brought Joyce up
with a start.
But I've already told you"
He looked at her. one brow up
Have your" he said; then, re-
moving the pressure of his glance.
"All right. Whenever you're
ready"
They went back to the living
room and found Della pacing the
floor. Joyce sat down and glanced
at her watch 1t was ten minutes
of twelve.
"You know what you're going
to say?" Fenner was watching
Della and she stopped pacing.
;"You have the envelope?"
"Ohi" Della put her hand to her
, mouth. "But IT haven't" She
looked at Joyce. 81 mean
Fenner stfffened and his eyes
struck sparks. wait a minute!
What is. this? You tell me-"