Page 66 (1/2)

“Okay, okay There’s good news and there’s bad I got to thinking about that portfolio you told me your old pal Clarence dropped outside the Brown Derby I called the Derby, said I had lost a portfolio Of course, Mr Sopwith, the lady said, it’s here!”

Sopwith! So that was Clarence’s name

“I was afraid, I said, I hadn’t put my address in the portfolio”

“It’s here, said the lady, 1788 Beachwood? Yeah, I said I’ll be right over to get it”

“Cruenius!”

“Not quite I’ from the Brown Derby phone booth now”

“And?” I felt my heart jump

“The portfolio’s gone Soot here ahead of ave a description It wasn’t Clarence, the way you said When the lady asked for identification, the guy just walked out with the portfolio The lady was upset, but no big deal”

“Ohod,” I said “That means they know Clarence’s address”

“You want o and tell him all this?”

“No, no He’d have a heart attack He’s scared ofcould happen 1788 Beachwood?”

“You got it”

“Crum, you’re the cat’s pajamas”

“Alas,” he said, “alas Strange to report the folks down at the Venice station expect o The coroner phoned to say a custo, you help Who else in the studio ht trust? Someone who’s lived the studios’ history?”

“Botwin,” I said instantly, and blinked, amazed at my response