The Dust of Death

Chapter 23

"Henry Lime is not an adulterer," Flix said, "but he may be a thief!"

Flix heard Phalen catch his breath. The phone line was quiet.

"How do you know?" Phalen said, at last. "Did you catch him meeting with some shady character closing a deal?"

"No, of course not," Flix said. "You know our Mr. Lime is too clever to be caught in a situation like that with his pants down?"

"Then how?"

"It's in the papers," Flix said.

"In the papers!"

"Yes," Flix said. "Apparently, Mr. Lime doesn't know his business as well as his wife supposed. They've had Mr. Lime in their sights for some time. Complaints from investors. But it wasn't a problem until some big official started losing his shirt. Then, they started looking into him with a microscope. The papers say it was some kind of pyramid scheme. People were promised exorbitant returns on their investments. Mr. Lime was able to rob Peter to pay Paul, and his scheme worked for a while. But now, it looks like his luck has run out."

"Well, that might explain his 'saintly behavior.' If he knew the G-men were dogging his heels, he'd be sure to watch his p's and q's.

What about your Mrs. Lime?" Phalen asked.

"My Mrs. Lime has finally agreed to release us. We are no longer bound to keep her husband under surveillance."

"Good for us," Phalen said.

"Good for us."

"Must be a blow to her pride, though," Phalen said.

"I'm sure it is."

"I have a few days off, remember," Phalen said.

"Yes, with pay, of course," Flix added.

"Thanks. I appreciate that, but what are you going to do now that we've been fired?"

"Oh, don't worry about that. Believe it or not, there are a few interesting cases that have come across my desk. Mrs. Glenny is so efficient, that way."

"Well, thank you, Mrs. Glenny. Are you sure you don't want me to report back to work?"

"No," said Flix. "There is nothing pressing. The cases can be addressed in a few days. Enjoy your time off."

"Well, thanks, partner. Tell Baby not to chew any wooden shoes."

"Baby," Flix said, "prefers only the finest leather, I assure you."

"Nothing from Jessie?" Phalen asked.

"Not a typewritten telegram. I fear Jessie has been hijacked by pirates and will never return home."

"Naw," Phalen said. "She's just having the time of her life."

"And so is Baby! At this rate, I'll be ordering a whole closet full of new shoes!"

"I feel your pain, Cupid. I do. I'll catch you in a few days."

"Good-bye, then."

"Good-bye."