Free The Drowning Pool by Jacqueline Seewald

disinterested facade.
    “Do you know if Ms. McNeill made up with Bradshaw after the incident at the pool?”
    “Yes, as far as I know.”
    “And he promised to marry her?”
    “That’s what she told me.”
    “Did you speak to Bradshaw at any time after that? If so, did he confirm the story?”
    “I didn’t see him, so I really don’t know.”
    “What about Miss Nevins? Did Bradshaw break off with her after the pool incident?”
    “They had a fight. I’m not exactly certain who did the breaking off. Probably it was a mutual thing. But I know it didn’t end on a friendly note. April was bitter.”
    “Did she say why?”
    “I told you everything I know.”
    Her coldness didn’t deter Gardner; he kept after her. “Was Bradshaw seeing any other women besides those two?”
    “None that I’m aware of, but then I don’t qualify as an expert on the life and times of Richard Bradshaw.”
    “Do you think Bradshaw might have confided that kind of information to your husband?”
    “Hardly. Martin is a blabbermouth. Rick was only open with people when it suited his purpose. I’ll admit we were both curious, but Rick kept his personal affairs pretty much to himself. Unlike my husband, he was discreet. I consider that sensible, don’t you?”
    “Mrs. Walling, your husband mentioned being in debt. To your knowledge, did he ever borrow money from Mr. Bradshaw?”
    She sat up straight in her chair, posture stiffening visibly.
    “No, he didn’t owe Rick anything. I’m the one he always pesters for money. I think there’s something I ought to explain about my husband, since he does tend to give people distorted impressions. When we first married, I paid some of the outstanding bills. For example, I took care of the phone bill and had the line re-opened. Also, the utilities were in arrears. Martin’s salary is quite satisfactory. He doesn’t have to be in debt. He’s just totally irresponsible with money. He claims I’m stingy, but the truth is, he’s extravagant.”
    “Extravagant in what respect?”
    She was reluctant to answer, but Gardner wouldn’t let up. God, the guy was a regular pit bull!
    “For instance, does he like to visit Atlantic City or the track?”
    Mrs. Walling eyed Gardner sharply. “He doesn’t have a gambling problem, if that’s what you’re implying. Sure, he might play a little too much when he’s down there, but that’s typical of most people.”
    Loses money he can’t afford to lose, Bert thought to herself. Walling’s financial situation opened all kinds of speculation. Money was always a strong motive for murder, maybe even more compelling than passion. Joan Walling looked nervous now, as if realizing that she’d told them too much.
    “Could you go? I’m very tired. I really don’t have anything more to tell you about Rick.”
    As they proceeded back through the apartment, Martin Walling grabbed Gardner’s arm with his fat, sweaty hand.
    “I don’t want you getting a bad impression of me and Joan or thinking that we don’t get along. What I mean is, we have these little spats from time to time. I’ll take her out to dinner and she’ll forgive me. I know I shouldn’t dig her about being cheap, but it’s been eating at me. You understand how it is, don’t you? Anyway, I hope you find out who murdered Rick. He was one hell of a guy. And if I can be of any further help to you, just let me know.” He shook Gardner’s hand in a final effusive gesture.
    The beefy paw did not extend to Bert, as if maybe Walling thought the darkness of her hand was caused by dirt that might just rub off on him. Prejudice took many forms, subtle and otherwise. Bert knew most of them well, but then wasn’t she just as prejudiced against the Wallings of this world? She wasn’t about to beat up on herself over it though. Walling deserved it. But she knew this was a form of rationalization. Prejudice didn’t need to be logical and rarely was.
     

SIX
     
    Back at headquarters, Gardner