Murder in E Minor

22

The phone was out of control all that morning, with newspapers wanting quotes and TV stations begging to bring cameras and crews into the brownstone. I fielded them all, giving the papers a crumb here and there but leaving the electronics guys out in the cold. The most interesting call came just after Wolfe had come down from the plant rooms.

“Archie, we’re putting together the second-day stuff on the Stevens case, along with a sidebar piece on you and Wolfe,” Lon Cohen said. “And yeah, yeah, we’ll use those updated photos of both of you again. But what I want is a quote on whether Wolfe is getting back into the detecting business again.”

“That’s one you’ll have to ask him yourself,” I said. Cupping the mouthpiece, I spun to face Wolfe. “It’s Lon; he has a question for you, one I can’t answer.”

He pursed his lips, nodded, and picked up the receiver, while I stayed on the line. “Good morning, Mr. Cohen. What can I do for you?”

“Good morning, sir. First off, congratulations on the case. And we really appreciate the exclusive.”

“Thank you. You were a help to us as well, and as I’ve said, I like to keep our mutual-assistance relationship in balance.”

“Yes, well, I hope what I’m going to ask won’t throw it off too much. The Gazette would like to know — for attribution — if you’re going back into active practice again.”

“I’m not sure how you would define active practice,” Wolfe said.

“I’ve always viewed investigative work as an integral part of my existence. And at the present time I have no plans to terminate my existence.”

There was silence on Lon’s end. “I take it this means you’re returning to work?” he finally said.

“Mr. Cohen, I see no need to elaborate. Again, I thank you for your recent aid. I must leave for another appointment now. Good day, sir.”

Wolfe and I cradled our receivers in unison and I looked at him with what was probably a smirk, but said nothing.

“I seem to remember that you’re somewhat behind on the germination records, Archie,” he said. “I would hope that by day’s end they will be current.”

I could have given him any one of several answers, but I chose instead to go to the kitchen for a glass of milk. Besides, I was about to break out laughing, and I didn’t want to do it in front of the big ham.