The Galton Case (Lew Archer #8)

by Ross Macdonald

The woman groaned. “Don’t be an idiot all your life. What did he ever do for you, Roy?” “He’s my brother.” “Do you expect to hear from him?” I said. “I hope so.” “If you do, will you let me know?” “Sure I will,” he lied. I went down in the elevator and laid a ten-dollar bill on the counter in front of the room clerk. He raised a languid eyebrow: “What’s this for? You want to check in?” “Not today, thanks. It’s your certificate of membership in the junior G-men society. Tomorrow you get your intermediate certificate.” “Another ten?” “You catch on fast.” “What do I have to do for it?” “Keep track of Lemberg’s visitors, if he has any. And any telephone calls, especially long-distance calls.” “Can do.” His hand moved quickly, flicking the bill out of sight. “What about her visitors?”