HE CRANKED UP the car and we chugged off.
There were a few more people hurrying home. A river of umbrellas flowed down the sidewalk, eddying at the stop lights.
Jack pulled up in front of the house on D’Arcy Street. We both went to the door and I rang the bell. To my surprise, Miriam Cohen herself answered. She didn’t look pleased to see me. I smiled at her just the same.
“Miss Cohen, this is Detective Jack Murdoch. We wondered if we could have a word with you.”
“Why? I’ve gone through everything I know with the other fellow.”
Jack lifted his hat. “Detective Arcady has come down with the flu and I’ve taken over the case. There are a couple of loose ends we thought you might be able to help us with. I don’t think it will take too long.”
She looked a little mollified, but didn’t invite us in. “My mother is about to serve our supper. Can it wait?”
“I’m afraid not. It concerns Miss Ruby Robertson. I believe you are acquainted.”
“Slightly. We work at Superior Clothes.”
“We were talking to somebody at Georgina House and we were told she has left there and has returned to her home town. You helped her I believe?”
“That’s not a crime is it?”
Her tone was belligerent; this was a different Miriam from the one who had presented such an alluring face to Arcady. Was it the difference in the two men or had something occurred in the meantime to make her change her approach?
“Not necessarily, Miss Cohen, unless you are knowingly aiding and abetting a criminal.”
“What? Don’t be ridiculous. Ruby isn’t a criminal.”
A woman’s voice called from inside the house. “Mimi. Your dinner is getting cold.”
She called over her shoulder. “Be right there, Mama.”
She stepped forward and pulled the door part way closed behind her.
“I can’t speak to you right now. It’s out of the question. Can you come back in about an hour? I’ll be able to then.”
“Of course,” said Jack.
Miriam glared at me. “You as well?”
I smiled back at her. “Me too.”
She stepped back into the house and Jack and I headed for the car.
“I’ll pick you up in an hour at the café? All right?”
“Sounds good.”