58
It didn’t take long for Jack to pack his things in the hotel room. He dialed Regan’s number on his cell phone. It rang three times before she picked up.
“Hey there,” he said after she picked up.
“Jack. Hi.” Regan’s voice sounded relieved.
“What’s the matter?”
“Where do I start? Well, let’s see. Someone came into the apartment last night when I was sleeping. They ran away when they realized I was here.”
Jack’s hand squeezed the phone tightly. “I had a bad feeling about that place.”
“And now I’m pretty convinced that Nat Pemrod was murdered.”
“I’m on my way back,” Jack told her.
“You are?” Regan’s voice lightened.
“I’ve finished here. And I found out something that might just add to the troubles at that club. A guy named Thorn Darlington, who heads the most famous butler school in England, is planning to open a school in New York. He doesn’t take kindly to anyone who tries to compete with his business.”
“Oh, great,” Regan said. “Maldwin will be thrilled to hear the news.”
“They’re getting more information on him for me. In the meantime, be careful around there.”
Regan smiled. She hadn’t told him the special significance that expression had for her. She’d wait till he got back. “I will. And I have other stories for you that you wouldn’t believe. Yesterday really took the cake. This morning the Settlers’ Club and all its woes are splashed on the front page of the New York World.”
Jack sighed. “I’m really glad I’m coming back tonight.”
“Me too. You know we have the club’s anniversary party.”
“Save me a dance.”
Regan laughed. “A lot of Lydia’s singles will be here. I’m sure the women will make a beeline for you.”
“Thanks but no thanks. I’ll tell them my dance card is full.”
The maid knocked on Jack’s door, then a half a second later, flung it open. “Oh, hello, love,” she said.
“It sounds like your dance card is already full,” Regan said.
“Very funny. I’ll see you tonight.”
Regan turned off her phone and smiled. Clara came up behind her. “Was that your boyfriend?” she asked.
“Yes,” Regan said, although she’d never called him that.
“Ya know, you’ve got the same look on your face that Nat got when he talked about Wendy.”
Oh, great, Regan thought. Let’s hope I don’t end up dead.