Page 69 of Death at the Deep Dive

“I can’t stay,” Ellery said. “I’m on my way to meet James Franklin at the Deep Dive.”

Kingston said, “Ah.Well, in that case. My information does concern the Franklins. Douglas had a criminal record for assault and battery. However, that was after he left the military and before his marriage to Josephine. He didn’t have any further run-ins with the law after they married.”

“Perhaps that’s because no one called the cops on him,” Nora said.

“Does Jack Carson know you’re going to the Deep Dive?” Mrs. Nelson interrupted. Her expression was disapproving.

“Yes. Why?”

“You’regoing to the Deep Dive?” Nora gave her cohorts a pointed isn’t-this -wonderful? look. “What a coincidence.We’regoing to the Deep Dive too!”

“We are?” Mr. Starling sounded uneasy. “When did we decide that?”

Nora said blithely, “Earlier.”

“I’ve always wanted to go to the Deep Dive.” Mrs. Ferris clapped her hands together.

“Me too!” Mrs. Clarence said.

Ellery broke in, “Nix. Nyet. No.No, you’re not going to the Deep Dive. That is no place for you guys.”

“It’s no place for you either,” Mr. Starling put in. He added, “Er, at least, from what I’ve heard.”

“After all, you can’tstopus, Ellery,” Mrs. Clarence said. “We’re not children.”

“No. I can’t stop you. But I’m asking you not to—or rather, I’m asking you to pleasepostponeyour visit so that I can, um, conduct my own operation without interference.”

Nora seemed a little hurt. “We’re not going tointerfere, dearie. We’re going to provide backup.”

“I know, Nora, and I appreciate that, but—”

“Ellery’s right. The Deep Dive is not the place for us,” Mrs. Nelson broke in. “The drinks areoutrageouslyoverpriced, and the food isverygreasy. According to my husband.”

“We’re not going there for dinner, dear.”

“We can’t sit in there and not eat or drink. They need the tables. They’ll throw us out.”

“Pshaw. At this time of year? They need the business.”

“But we wouldn’t begivingthem business, Nora.”

“We’ll each order one drink and nurse it.”

Mr. Starling said grimly, “I’m going to need a hell of a lot more than one drink to get me through this!”

“Can I just interrupt for a second?” Ellery pleaded. “It’s going to be very distracting if you all show up there. If you really want to help—”

“Very well. Kingston and I will go,” Nora announced.

Kingston cleared his throat. “My dear, I really don’t think the Deep Dive is a suitable—”

“No, you don’t, Nora Sweeny,” Mrs. Nelson exclaimed. “You don’t get to take overourcase.”

“I give up,” Ellery said. “Come on, Watson.”

He continued out the door and down the walk, leaving the Silver Sleuths to battle it out. He sincerely hoped he wouldn’t be seeing all—or any—of them that evening, but that was probably require divine intervention.

Footsteps hurried down the walk after him. Kingston called, “Ellery?”

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