Page 99 of The Girl Who Knew Too Much

“We go back a ways.”

Irene turned thoughtful. “He says you can read people as well as he can.”

“Bartenders in general are good at reading people. You could say it’s a job requirement.”

Irene met her eyes. “You probably know that I’m suspicious of Nick Tremayne.”

“Everyone who reads the newspapers knows that.”

“Care to give me your take on him?”

Willie chuckled. “Funny you should ask.”

“Why?”

“Because the boss asked the same question the morning your story broke inWhispers. I’ll tell you the same thing I told him. I think Nick Tremayne is very, very ambitious. I also think he’s got a temper.”

“Ever seen him lose it?”

“No. But the other day I happened to see that personal assistant ofhis after she came out of his villa. She looked shaken. Downright scared, I think.”

“Claudia Picton? I think she’s terrified of losing her job.” Irene took a sip and set her cup down on the saucer with a clink. “My intuition tells me she’s the weak link in this thing. I need to speak with her again. That means I have to get her alone.”

“The boss might not approve.”

“I’ve seen enough of Claudia Picton to know that she’ll never open up if Oliver is with me. He’ll intimidate her.”

“You’re probably right. It’s obvious that Miss Picton’s nerves are in bad shape. Wouldn’t take much to send her into a complete panic.”

“What else do you know about her?” Irene asked.

“Not a lot. She doesn’t come into my bar.”

“Maybe she doesn’t drink.”

“Either that or the studio won’t cover her bar tab,” Willie said.

“I didn’t see her in the restaurant last night but I guess that’s no surprise. Most women don’t like to be seen dining alone.”

“Maybe she went out to a local café,” Willie suggested.

“Who would know?”

Willie smiled. “The concierge, Mr. Fontaine. When it comes to the habits and preferences of the guests, a good concierge is better than a private detective.”

“Think Mr. Fontaine will talk to me?”

“Only if Mr. Ward tells him to talk to you.”

“I need to call Oliver.”

“There’s a house telephone behind the bar.”

“May I use it?”

“Help yourself.”

Irene moved around behind the bar and reached for the receiver.

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