There Was an Old Woman [= The Quick And the Dead]

“Meanwhile, they could be doing... damage. No, we abandoned the idea of trying to commit anyone in the Potts family to a mental hospital. Later, perhaps, when this case is settled. Now it would be futile and even dangerous, as it might force someone’s hand.”

“Then there’s the possibility of throwing the lot of them in jail,” said Inspector Queen quietly. “We’ve considered that, too. We could hold them as material witnesses, maybe. Or on some other charge. Whatever the charge, I can tell you — and Charley as a lawyer will bear me out — that we couldn’t hold them indefinitely. Your mother’s money and pull would get them out eventually, and you’d be back where you started. We need more evidence before we can take that step, Miss Brent.”

“It doesn’t leave me very much except to order the latest shroud, does it?” said Sheila with a white smile.

“Sheila, please! Stop talking like that!” cried Charley.

“Meanwhile,” continued the Inspector, “everything’s being done that can be. Every member of your household is under a twenty-four hour guard. We’re doing all we can to dig into the background of this case, in the hope that we’ll find some clue to the truth. Yes, there’s always the danger of a slip. But then,” added the Inspector in a peculiar tone, “you could slip on a banana peel this afternoon, Miss Brent, and break your neck.”

“Now hold on, Inspector,” said Charley angrily. “Can’t you see she’s scared blue? I know you’re doing all you can, but—”

“Shut up, Charley,” said the Inspector.

Ellery glanced at his father quickly. This had not been on the agendum. Charley was shocked.

“How about Charley’s taking Sheila away somewhere?” asked Ellery innocently. “Out of range of any possible danger, Dad?”

The Inspector’s cheeks darkened to a crimson gray. “I think not,” he snapped. “No. Not out of the state, Ellery.”

Ellery drew, his horns in very quickly indeed. So that was it!

“I wouldn’t go, anyway,” said Sheila listlessly. “I won’t leave Dad. I didn’t tell you that my father doesn’t think he ought to leave. He says he’s an old man and he won’t start running away at his age. He wants me to go, but of course I can’t. Not without him. It’s all rather hopeless, isn’t it?”

“No,” smiled Ellery. “There’s one person who can put a stop to all this.”

“Huh?” The Inspector looked incredulous. “Who?”

“Cornelia Potts.”

“The Old Woman?” Charley shook his head.

“But Mr. Queen—” began Sheila.

“Ellery,” said Ellery. “You see, Sheila, your mother is the lord and the law in Potts Palace. At least to the three children of her first marriage. I have the ridiculous feeling suddenly that if she could be persuaded to issue an ultimatum—”

“You saw how hard she tried to stop the duel between Bob and Thurlow,” said Sheila bitterly. “I tell you she wants us Brents dead. She’s been happy about it in her own perverted way. She went to poor Mac’s funeral to gloat! You’re wasting your time, Ellery.”

“I don’t know,” muttered Charley. “I’m not defending your mother, darling, but that’s a bit hard on her, it seems to me. I think Ellery’s right. She could put a stop to all this, and it’s up to us to make her do it.”

“It’s an idea,” said the Inspector unexpectedly. But it was evident he was thinking of other fish to fry. “As long as Sheila’s mother is alive, she rules that roost. They’d quit on her say-so... Yes. It’s worth a try.”