The Case of the Stepdaughter’s Secret

Chapter Twenty-Six

Mason, Della Street, Paul Drake, Harlow Bancroft, Phyllis Bancroft and Rosena Andrews gathered in Mason’s office.

Mrs Bancroft said tearfully, “I can’t ever tell you how much what you have done means to me, Mr Mason.”

Bancroft, pulling out a chequebook, said, “I can’t tell you in words but I am going to try and write it on a cheque.”

Mason said, “I am glad, Bancroft, that you had the nerve, the decision and the manhood to stand up and make the statement you did in open court. You will find now that life is a lot better and a lot more livable as far as you are concerned.”

Mason came around the desk. “I am going to shake hands with you,” he said. “It is a pleasure to shake hands with a real man.”

The lawyer shook hands with Bancroft.

Rosena impulsively kissed the lawyer and then Phyllis Bancroft kissed him on the other cheek.

Mason, with lipstick on both cheeks, glanced with a smile at Della Street.

Della gently pursed her lips.

“We may as well make it unanimous,” she said.