Lady in the Lake Page #2

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I'm not selling the story, either, to you.|I'm not selling anything.

I have an allergy against getting mixed up|with tricky females...

who want to knock off the boss's wife|and marry him for themselves.

People don't talk to me like that,|Mr. Marlowe.

Maybe that's what's the matter with you.

Somebody should talk to you|like that sometime.

I'm leaving for the day, Adrienne.|Is there anything I can do?

Come in, Derry.|I'd like you to meet Phillip Marlowe.

Mr. Marlowe and I have been having|a little talk about a story he sent in.

This is Mr. Derace Kingsby,|president of our company.

Hi.

It's always nice to see|one of our writers, Mr. Marlowe.

Up to this point, Derry,|Mr. Marlowe isn't one of our writers.

He has just violently and indignantly|turned down an offer of $200 for his story.

The boys are writing these days|for a penny a word, and $200 is...

But this isn't the ordinary|blood and thunder yarn, Derry.

This has part of Mr. Marlowe's soul in it.

I would say it was worth $500,|as souls go these days.

- Well, if you say so, it's up to you.|- Thank you, Derry.

I congratulate you, Mr. Marlowe.|A writer who is also a businessman.

And a very well-known private detective.

- Detective?|- That's what makes the stuff so authentic.

So full of life and vigor and heart.|So full of...

- What would you say it was full of?|- Short sentences.

I see.

Is there anything you want|to take up with me before I go?

I don't believe so, Derry.

- Then I'll say good night, darling.|- Good night.

Mr. Marlowe, I'm glad to have met you.

I noticed you didn't do much talking|while the boss was in the office, did you?

When I made a quick $300|by keeping quiet?

We have a nasty little motto around here:

"Every man has his price."

Let us say we paid $200 for your story...

and the $300 you just made...

is a down payment|on your helping me find Mrs. Kingsby.

You don't need any help there, "darling."|Not you.

No?

Your lipstick's on crooked.

Vain female, aren't you?

Please don't be so difficult|to get along with. I need help.

Like I need four thumbs.

I wonder how it would be|to discuss this over a couple of ice cubes.

Would you care to try?

lmagine you needing ice cubes.

My, my, cozy little place you've got here.

Make yourself comfortable|while I crack some ice.

I won't be more than a minute.

- How do you like yours?|- Two lumps and cream and make it strong.

Sit down.

Thanks.

If you're going to take this case,|Mr. Marlowe...

the first person you should see|is Chris Lavery.

Who's he?

The handsome brute that Chrystal Kingsby|ran away with a month ago...

- or so we thought.|- A month?

Take him that long to get to El Paso?

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