Exactly, Mason said. You assume that the box is intact but suppose someone should claim theres two thousand or five thousand dollars missing?
Yes, she said. I see your point.
Particularly in case that someone should want to discredit you, Mason said.
And why would anyone want to do that?
Because, Mason told her, apparently you have information about irregularities in the company. Under those circumstances some guilty party might very well try to involve you first.
Mason abruptly signaled the waiter. I think well get over to the Arthenium Hotel as early as possible, Mason told Susan. Even if Campbell should show up only five minutes early, that would give us an extra five minutes and we may need it.
Then youll... youll represent me?
Mason nodded. At least to the extent of looking into it.
She let her fingers close gratefully on his wrist. Oh, Mr. Mason, I cant tell you what it means to me. Im beginning to realize... Well, this could have quite a blow-up and I... Gosh, I am in rather a vulnerable position as far as that money is concerned.
Carleton is too young to have counted it?
Heavens, yes.
How much money would you say was in the box?
I dont know. It was a shoe box just crammed full of hundred-dollar bills. That could be quite a large amount, I take it.
Mason nodded. The waiter brought the check. Mason signed it and nodded to Della Street.
Its only a block, Mason said. Theres no use getting the car out, then trying to find a parking place at the Arthenium. Well walk.
They left the café and as they walked over to the lobby of the hotel Mason said, Now, when we walk in, introduce me to Campbell as your lawyer if hes there. If he isnt, introduce me to him as soon as he walks in and then let me do the talking.
Hell resent that, Susan Fisher warned.
I know he will, Mason said. But hes going to resent me anyway and I think you need someone to represent you right from the start.
But after all, Mr. Mason, Miss Corning is the real boss. Shes over Mr. Campbell. Shes over everyone. Shes the one who pays my salary. I thought I should explain that to him and then perhaps we should wait to see if he makes some accusation of
Thats not what Im thinking of at all, Mason said.
But thats the only reason I wanted you to be there to tell him that under the law I was not only entitled to do what I did, but obligated to.
Mason said, Im thinking of that shoe box full of money.
Well, its there in the safe and
And, Mason interrupted, if Endicott Campbell simply decided to go to the office, open the safe, take out the shoe box full of money and place it where it would never be seen again, you havent any way on earth of proving that the shoe box was ever there.
Do you think hed do that? she asked.
I dont know, Mason said, but when a man has a shoe box full of hundred-dollar bills in his closet I take rather a dim view of his integrity and the Department of Internal Revenue shares my doubts... Well, here we are. Lets go in.
Susan Fisher, speechless with apprehension, walked through the door as Mason held it open for her.
Della Street squeezed Susans arm with her fingers. Its all right, Miss Fisher, she said. Just have confidence in Mr. Mason. He was simply trying to tell you the reason he wanted to conduct the conversation.
But heavens, Susan Fisher said, he... Of course, Mr. Campbell wouldnt do a thing like that, but if he did...
Exactly, Della Street said. If he did, then what?
I dont know, Susan Fisher conceded.
See him here? Mason asked, as they looked around the lobby.
She shook her head.
Mason regarded his watch and frowned. Its a situation where we need every minute we can get... How is he generally on keeping appointments?
Quite prompt.
Well, Mason said, lets hope he gets here a little early.
Mason glanced at his watch, then began to pace the floor.
One things certain, Susan Fisher said. Hes going to have to be here right on the dot at eight forty-five. Thats the time Miss Corning said for him to be here and she explained she didnt want him even as much as a minute late.
They waited until eight thirty-five.
Mason said impatiently, I want to talk with him before he goes up to see her. I want to see what
Here he comes now, Susan Fisher interrupted, nodding her head towards the entrance to the lobby.
Mason studied the man who came striding towards the elevators: a figure in the late thirties with broad shoulders, a fairly slim waist, a powerful neck, a heavy jaw, thick eyebrows, and eyes that seemed strangely intent.
The man came walking towards them and apparently was so preoccupied that it wasnt until he was within a few feet of Susan Fisher that he noticed her.
Susan, he said, what in the world is the meaning of all this? I
I want you to know Mr. Perry Mason, the lawyer, Susan said, and his secretary, Della Street. Mr. Mason is going to be my lawyer.
If she had pulled out a gun and fired a shot point-blank at Endicott Campbell he couldnt have come to a more abrupt stop or seemed more dismayed.
An attorney! he exclaimed.
Exactly, Mason said, stepping forward and extending his hand. How are you, Mr. Campbell? Im representing Susan Fisher.