Free The Bamboo Blonde by Dorothy B. Hughes

golden-bedding it with?" Dare shook her head. Con's eyelids dropped. "Could it have been Mannie Martin?"
    "No." It was Kew who answered. "He lived alone and played the field. That's been doubly checked."
    "Shelley would insist on steady employment," said Dare. "And get it." She looked at her mouth in an enormous circlet of mirror and white jade. It was early, barely midnight. But she said, "I'm tired. Take me home, Kew." She stood.
    Kew covered her with the flaming wool.
    She laid her gems against Con's cheek. "Busy tomorrow?"
    "Yes. Tied up all day."
    Kew grinned deliberately. "Lunch tomorrow, Griselda?"
    Her answer was as deliberate: "Delighted. It's going to be awfully dull tomorrow at the Satterlees."
    Even Con laughed. But he put his arm about her in possession. "She is stuff, isn't she, Kew? Don't blame you for wanting her. But she's posted, you know."
    They all laughed again. But Con wasn't laughing as they trailed the others to the street. He was ironical. "You don't think Kew's asking you out because of your bellissima eyes, do you, baby?"
    She looked at him curiously. It wasn't like Con to be obvious about anything, even jealousy.
    He wasn't smiling. "It's to keep tabs on me," he said.
    He started to help her into the shabby car while Kew was helping Dare into the far from shabby one parked in front of theirs. But Dare was hesitant. She waved her escort aside, came along back to Con.
    She said quietly, "I'm going to Avalon tomorrow. There was a wire at the apartment."
    Con didn't say anything but his look was significant. Griselda put two with two and the answer left her shaken. Dare wasn't mixed up with Shelley's death alone; Major Pembrooke was returning to Catalina the night of the murder; he had mentioned waiting guests; Dare had been on the island. Dare's lashes unveiled the green eyes. "Why don't you come along? Albert George would welcome a diversion. Although he won't be there until evening."
    "What about Kew?"
    "I'm not telling him." Her mouth was small. "I don't want an argument tonight. He's always so particular about what I do. And he doesn't care for the major."
    Con yawned. "Regrets to the deah fellow but Mr. Satterlee is in partial custody to that worthy son of the sea and land, old Cap'n Thusby."
    Dare laughed, "You want me to relay that?"
    Con threw back his head and crowed. "Don't care if you do. Or tell your friend I'm honeymooning and don't like crowds."
    Griselda murmured, "You'd never guess it."
    Con grinned at her.
    Dare asked, "You mean you won't go?"
    "I mean that. Doesn't interest me." Griselda froze as he belied the truth. "Where is said house party held?"
    "On his elegant yacht, The Falcon. Lying at anchor just off the coast of Catalina—St. Catherine's Landing. Manned by the duckiest Oriental navy. The kind that fine-comb your luggage—so sorry."
    Con's mouth pursed. "If I should run over to the St. Catherine for the week end, how do I get hold of you?"
    "Telephone from the hotel." She turned, hesitated. "I've been thinking about it. Shelley might have been killed because she was with you. It might have been to put you away safe for a couple of months."
    Con's face was dark. Then he rejected. "No one would kill an innocent girl to strike at me." He was looking at Griselda, staring at her. If it had been anyone else she would have said there was horror dawning on his face.
    Dare said, "I'm sending Bing to Hollywood tomorrow. He needs a vacation."
    Griselda wouldn't let Con send her away; she didn't want to be safe if he weren't. Without further words, Dare wheeled abruptly, returned to Kew. Con watched the big car slide away. He had that scowl still between his brows as he took her arm, put her in their car.
    She spoke urgently, "Con, Con, you don't have to be in on this, do you? You don't know anything about that girl?" If he'd only be willing to leave now, tonight.
    He stepped on the starter. "It's a dirty trick on you, angel, but we'll get that honeymoon yet." She knew by his voice