The Anatomy of Deception: A Novel of Suspense by Lawrence Goldstone

Author:Lawrence Goldstone [Goldstone, Lawrence]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-0385341356
Publisher: Random House
Published: 2014-10-01T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 16

We passed an agreeable evening with the Gilmans, and then retired early. The return trip to Philadelphia, late Sunday after another round with the Hopkins staff, was more subdued than our ride south, both the Professor and I retreating to our thoughts.

At the hospital on Monday, Simpson was curious about the visit to Baltimore, but I could not spare the time. She was matter-of-fact as I hurried off to discharge my duties, but she nonetheless seemed insulted at my avoidance. I did not want to cause her distress, but I was preoccupied by what I must do that evening.

After I had finished for the day, I once more made my way across the city. I arrived soon after six and Mike stepped aside to let me pass, even venturing a small smile. I was now, it seemed, an accepted member of the Fatted Calf family.

Haggens also seemed pleased to see me. “Well, Doc," he said with a grin, “welcome back. Didn't expect to have the pleasure again so soon." His affability, as always, was offset by the sly squint that he never seemed able or willing to suppress. “I'd like to think you came because of our classy decor," he went on, “but I figure it's because you want something."

“True enough, Haggens," I replied. I discovered I was becoming more comfortable in his company. There was a freedom in Haggens' world that was absent in mine: I was finding it held great appeal. I had also come to understand that, so long as I did not betray him, there was little threat of arbitrary violence. “The last time I was here, you offered me your associate's services if I ever needed to wander about alone down here. I was hoping the offer was sincere."

His brow furrowed slightly as he calculated the implications of my request. Haggens was as accomplished in the science of survival as was the Professor in the science of medicine. After a few seconds' consideration, he smiled once more and turned his hands palms up, the universal protest of innocence. “Why, of course I was sincere, Doc. Just where is it that you want Mike to escort you to?"

“Wharf Lane."

The grin vanished. “Turk's place? You found it?"

“Not exactly." I related the finding of the key. I made a point of mentioning where Turk had hidden it, deciding that Haggens would appreciate the irony.

“Plado?" he asked. “Some old Greek?" Haggens shook his head at the wonder of it all. “But how do you know what door the key fits?"

“I don't," I replied. “But I believe you said that Wharf Lane is only one block long. Turk certainly did not do his business out of a storefront, so I assume the key must fit a door that leads somewhere else. There can't be too many possibilities—upper floors or back rooms. I thought I would just try all the locks, until I found the correct one."

“Oh, you did, did you? Just kinda mosey down Wharf Lane tryin' locks. People down there don't take kindly to strangers sticking keys in their doors.

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