Page 21 of The Girl Who Knew Too Much

“I beg your pardon?”

“You’re here because you were assigned to handle Nick Tremayne’s little public relations problem. Some fixer at the studio made a phone call to the local police and offered a nice gratuity in exchange for the address of the reporter who broke the story of Gloria Maitland’s death. Obviously the helpful local policeman obliged.”

Claudia’s jaw tensed. “I did get a call from someone who represents the studio. But I’m here because Mr. Tremayne, himself, asked me to speak with you.”

“Did he? That’s very interesting. What is he going to offer me in exchange for dropping the story?”

“You don’t understand. He wants to give you an exclusive one-on-one interview.”

“That’s very generous of him. Why would he do that?”

“Mr. Tremayne feels there has been a grave misunderstanding concerning his prior association with Miss Maitland. He would like to clarify the nature of his relationship with her.”

“That should be interesting. Naturally I’ll be delighted to conduct an interview with Mr. Tremayne, provided he understands that everything will be on the record.”

“I’ll make sure he knows that before he meets with you.” Claudia paused. “You do realize that Mr. Tremayne was nowhere near the spa last night at the time of Miss Maitland’s death.”

Irene caught her breath but managed to maintain what she thought was a serviceable air of unconcern.

“Is that so?” she said.

“He was at the Paradise Club,” Claudia said. “It’s a popular nightspot here in Burning Cove. He was seen by any number of people. The police will be able to confirm that if they feel it necessary to do so.”

Damn,Irene thought. That was not good news.

“In that case, there is no reason for Mr. Tremayne to be concerned about an investigation into the death of Miss Maitland, is there?” she said.

“I hope you will try to understand his situation,” Claudia said. “Mr. Tremayne has no reason to be concerned about an appearance of guilt. But he and Miss Maitland were... acquainted.”

“Well acquainted, apparently. Can you confirm that they had a romantic liaison?”

“No, nothing like that. Mr. Tremayne considered Miss Maitland to be a friend, that’s all. And because of that friendship, he doesn’t want to see her reputation impugned.”

“Miss Maitland is dead. She is no longer concerned about her reputation.”

“I would hope you would consider her family’s feelings in this matter.”

“She has no close family,” Irene said. “I checked.”

Claudia leaped to her feet. She was thoroughly flustered now. “I think it would be best if Mr. Tremayne, himself, explained the nature of his association with Miss Maitland.”

“I agree. I’ll look forward to the interview. When and where?”

“Mr. Tremayne asked me to invite you to meet with him in his villa at the Burning Cove Hotel.”

Irene almost smiled. “I don’t think that would be a very good idea under the circumstances. Appearances, you know.”

Claudia froze. It was clear that she had not expected the invitation to be refused.

“You don’t want the interview?” she asked.

“I want the interview but I would prefer to conduct it somewhere other than Nick Tremayne’s private hotel suite.”

Claudia looked stricken. “I don’t understand. Surely you aren’t afraid of Mr. Tremayne?”

“Let’s just say that I would be more comfortable if the interview were conducted out in the open. I’d prefer a location where there will be other people around. That way if Mr. Tremayne tries to threaten me or offer a bribe, I can round up a couple of witnesses.”

Claudia was torn between shock and outrage. “That’s ridiculous. Mr. Tremayne just wants to tell you his side of the story.”