A strong scent of rosewater struggled to cover some other less pleasant odors. There was a whiff of bleach and a tang of mold, along with a hint of a nameless, unwashed stench. Peter raised his head and found that he could not summon any surprise at the sight of Emerald Garland, even though Bobbi had told him she hadn’t set foot out of her house in years. She clutched her purse like a shield in front of her abdomen and hunched around it as if ready to spring.
“Mr. Goodkind?”
“Yes, Mrs. Garland.”
He rose and offered his hand. She patted him on the palm.
“I know you are a busy man. The secretary kept saying so.”
Peter seated himself. “What she meant is that I have an appointment shortly and then I am booked for the day. Perhaps I can come by after work and discuss this matter with you then.”
“It’s an emergency. I don’t want it to wait and I don’t think you ought to see Bobbi just now. She’s too upset.”
“Over what I said to her last night?”
“I don’t know about that but she and I both….we’re just beside ourselves over Bertie. “ She wagged her finger at him. “It doesn’t help, you know, that you tried to get between them. But I can forgive you because I need a lawyer and you’re the only one I know.”
“Bertie is…I’m sorry…who now?”
“My nephew. He’s been courting Bobbi. And now he’s gone missing.”
“You’ve talked to the police?”
Emmy scoffed and flipped her hand. “They just go on about how they think he’s a burglar and a drug dealer and so on just because he was wearing all black and had a fat money belt. That’s crazy! One even claimed he’s a cross-dresser too, just because my pearls went missing and turned up next door where they caught that crazy Oscar trying to kill some lady. They’re so confused. They keep telling me my own nephew’s name is something else, Jimmy or what have you. They say he’s mixed up with the death of some guy named Pink. You see, if they get to him, they’ll just want to question him. That’s not right to do without you have a good lawyer. I know our rights.”
Peter stood again, tapping a pen against his hand in thought. “You do know your rights, Mrs. Garland. Very good.”
“I hope you’re looking out for the Professor too. I’m sure he didn’t mean anything by throwing that lady cop into the backyard. “
Peter waved her towards the door and tucked his hand under her arm. “I will do my best by everyone, I promise. Let me give you some cab fare…”
“Oh, I don’t need that, Mr. Goodkind. Bertie left me a nice present in his money belt. He wouldn’t have left it behind if he didn’t mean for me to have it, right?”
The wad of bills in her hand was enormous.
