Page 52 of The Girl Who Knew Too Much

“You’re Daisy Jennings?”

Another startled pause.

“How did you know my name?” Daisy demanded.

“I consulted a psychic.”

“Really?” Daisy sounded uncertain, half believing. “Which one? There are several in town.”

“We’re wasting time, Daisy.”

“I’ll tell you what happened the night that woman drowned in the spa, but not on the phone, understand? The money comes first. Then I’ll talk.”

“Why would you tell me anything about Nick Tremayne?”

“Because I need some money and I need it in a hurry. I’m going to leave Burning Cove on the morning train. Are you interested or not?”

“How much money?”

“A hundred bucks.”

“Forget it,” Irene said. “Who do you think you’re talking to? Rockefeller? I don’t carry that kind of money on me.”

She did have her emergency stash in her handbag. She could dig into it if necessary. But if Daisy had solid information to sell, Velma would be willing to cover the expense of purchasing it. She wouldn’t go as high as a hundred dollars, however.

“All right, all right, make it fifty,” Daisy said.

“My rate for useless information is zero,” Irene said. “But if I like what I hear, we can negotiate.”

“Twenty?” Daisy said quickly.

“I can manage that much if the information is good. When and where do we meet?”

“There’s a phone booth on the corner of Olive and Palm streets. Be there at eleven thirty tonight. I’ll call you and tell you where to meet me. Make sure you come alone or the deal’s off, understand?”

The line went dead before Irene could get in another question.

She closed her notebook and stood quietly for a moment, thinking. One thing was certain—she wouldn’t be making the drive to Los Angeles that day. If she got delayed for any reason—engine trouble or a road closure—she might not be able to get back to Burning Cove in time to make the rendezvous that night.

She picked up the phone and dialed Oliver’s office number. Elena put her through immediately. Oliver did not bother with the usual pleasantries.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

“How did you know—? Never mind. I’d like to talk to you privately as soon as possible.”

“I’ll pick you up in fifteen minutes.”

She hesitated. “That will probably cause more gossip.”

“Misdirection, remember?”

Chapter 21

“Have you lost your mind?” Oliver said. “A late-night meeting with an informant who wants cash? You can’t be serious.”

“Got a better idea?” Irene asked. “It’s not like we have any other leads. I wanted to talk to Daisy Jennings. This is my big chance.”

She was regretting her decision to tell Oliver about Daisy’s call. She was also starting to get mad.