“1 will not be back until late—treasure hunting, locating links of evidence. Alec is off to Washington for one link. If you need me, call my answering service or Judge McCampbell’s chambers.
“I’ve instructed Jefferson Billings to let you draw against your petty expenditures account—about four hundred thousand in it, 1 believe—on your old signature and new thumb print. He’ll pay drafts and hold them and I’ll countersign until you make out a new signature & thumbprint card—he says he knew Eunice Branca by sight, no problem. If you wish, he will call on you with a new sigprint card—we assume that your signature is now somewhat changed.”
(Boss, I guess Jake doesn’t know that I sign your signature better than you do.) (I don’t think anyone knows, dearest. I don’t know how that would figure in court—for us, or against us?)
“If you need more pocket money, let me make you a personal loan rather than have it show in my conservator’s report. Your ‘Brother Mac’ is most helpful, but the financial end of this nonsense should appear ultraconservative until such time as he can, with full justification, relieve me as your conservator. Caesar’s wife, you know.
“Speaking of Caesar’s wife, I told you a chuckle about two of our friends. This morning I phoned one of them and the other answered and, after the usual query as to sight & security, they seemed unworried about what I saw or heard or might infer. I was flattered. Little imp, if you must misbehave, you can trust them—for they have your welfare at heart. Sorry I was stuffy yesterday.”
(I’m glad to learn that, Boss.) (Eunice, I can’t see that it’s our business what Alec and Mac do in their spare time. Jake shouldn’t gossip about them, even to us.) (No, no, Boss! Jake is telling you that he was being a cube yesterday—and he’s sorry—and now he’s granting you absolution in advance. We had best marry Jake—nevertheless I’ve fretted that Jake might be jealous. Possessive. His age, his background. Could be doom, twin—as you are a tart at heart and we both know it.)
(Oh, nonsense, Eunice! I would never rub Jake’s nose in it—and anyhow you’re wrong. A smart man—which Jake is—doesn’t get excited over a go on the tiles; what worries him is fear of losing a wife he values. If Jake marries us, I will never let him worry about losing us.) (I hope you can make that stick, Boss honey.) (With your help I’m sure I can. Let’s finish his letter—)
“Don’t count on me for dinner, as what I must do today is urgent—more urgent than something that seemed dreadfully urgent yesterday. And was. And will be, I hope.
“This was meant to be a love letter but I’ve had to mention other matters—and other people, so I must urge you to tear it up and flush it down the W.C. It is no accident that 1 am thumbprinting the seal and will hand it to Cunningham with a promise to have his head on a platter if it leaves his person before it reaches you. I’ve learned to like Cunningham; he’s an ‘honest thief.’
“My love to you, dearest, and the biggest kiss possible—so big that you can break off a piece and deliver it to Winnie when you thank her for me. She’s a charming girl, and I’m pleased that she’s mothering you so well.
“J”
(Why, the horny old bastard. Joan, Jake has his eye on Winnie’s pretty tail while he’s patting ours.) (She’ll have to stand in line!) (Jealous, twin?) (No. But I repeat—I’m going to scalp him first. Darn it, Eunice, I had him all set yesterday—and it’s been a long struggle. Not the WhimWham-Thankee-Ma’am you managed with him. And all it got me was a spanking. I do hope he comes home tonight.)
(Three hurdles even if he does, twin.) (Three?) (Hubert… and Winnie. . . and that ‘implant.’ Boss darling? You’re not going to do me out of having your baby by letting Jake get at you first—are you?) (Of course not, little stupid. I was coping with intrigues without getting shot long before your grandmother was born. Mmm—I’ll need cash.)