Dead Man's Diary & A Taste for Cognac Read Online Free

out all right on the farm. I expected Leon to come back any time and was sure he’d need that money, fourteen thousand in all, to keep him out of trouble.”
    Shayne drew in a long breath. After a moment of silence, he asked, “What sort of a man was your husband?”
    “Leon was a good man,” she answered promptly. “I never knew him to do anything wrong. That’s why I didn’t understand any of this. I’m sure he loved me and the children. Naturally, there have been times when I was bitter against him, and that didn’t help me bear up under the strain. I would’ve been content just to go on waiting if Mr. Groat hadn’t phoned me. I begged him to tell me whether Leon was alive and all right, but he wouldn’t. It’s the uncertainty that has me upset, Mr. Shayne.”
    “Did Groat say anything about money?” Shayne asked bluntly.
    “No, he didn’t.”
    “Did you have a feeling that he expected you to pay him for his information? Did he intimate that that was his reason for wanting to see you in person rather than telling you about it over the phone?”
    “I can’t say. I was too excited, I guess, and he hung up right away.”
    “How many people know about the money in the bank?”
    “No one,” she said emphatically. “I’ve never told anyone about it.”
    “The police are already looking for Groat,” Shayne said slowly. “Any information you have might help them.”
    “No!” The word was a sharp cry. Fear was suddenly stark in her eyes. “That’s why I came to you, Mr. Shayne,” she said rapidly. “Miss Hamilton said you wouldn’t have to go to the police. Don’t you see, I can’t tell them about Leon. I don’t know what he might have done two years ago—or what he’s been doing since then. Can’t you find out without going to the police?” Her brisk manner was gone, but there was no sign of tears.
    Shayne’s eyes narrowed. “Let me get this straight. Your only interest in having me find Groat is your hope that he’ll be able to clear up the mystery about your husband? And you want me to do it rather than the police so you’ll have a chance to get this information and prevent it from being made public?”
    Mrs. Wallace recovered her poise and stiffened her spine. “That’s what I thought. I was thinking of the possible disgrace to the children.” She paused for a long moment, then went on calmly: “I want you to find Leon. No matter how much it costs. I feel that I can use some of that money he’s been sending me toward finding him.”
    Shayne nodded. “Will you stay in town for a while?”
    “I can’t do that. I left the children with a neighbor and I’ll have to take the afternoon train back.”
    Shayne considered her answer. “That will probably be best,” he agreed. “I’ll get in touch with you the moment I have something to report. Give Miss Hamilton your telephone number.”
    Lucy said, “Shall I—”
    “There won’t be any retainer right now,” Shayne interrupted. “I’ll check a few angles, and if I’m able to accomplish anything I’ll send you a bill.” He got up and stood behind his desk while Lucy and Mrs. Wallace went to the reception room.
    Lucy’s brown eyes were dancing when she returned alone. “I’m going to expect a cut on this case, Mr. Shayne—after dragging you into it by your bristly red topknot.”
    Shayne grinned. “Anything new on Groat?”
    “Nothing. Mrs. Groat has practically collapsed.”
    “Does Mrs. Wallace know about the sea rescue and Groat’s hookup with Albert Hawley?”
    “No, I’m sure she doesn’t. And Mrs. Groat doesn’t know anything about Leon Wallace except that he has been missing two years. Mrs. Wallace told her about Groat’s telephone call. What do you suppose it’s all about, Mike?”
    “God knows,” he groaned. He rumpled his hair vigorously and drew a sheet of paper in front of him.
    Lucy sat down and watched with interest the illegible marks Shayne made on the paper.
    Shayne said, “We’ve got