It was the coldest day of the year, and Sid Burton had forgotten his gloves.

If you’re going to let someone lie to you, Cape May is as good a place for it as any. The scenery’s terrific and the money’s not bad.

“For heaven’s sake, Shanks, try to behave yourself today.”

Marlena Foley had seventeen thousand dollars in the bank, saved up over the years and set aside for her daughter Janet’s college education. One day Marlena took every penny out and went shopping for a car.

“No, thank you,” I said firmly. “I know it sounds trite, but I’m too young to die.”

Dear Mr. Picknell; I know you murdered your wealthy philanthropist wife.

Tourists wandered through the Ramblas like sheep, waiting to be fleeced.

Otis Penfield was terrified, and he had his reasons.

“Do you believe in reincarnation, Victor?” asked Lieutenant Juarez.

Leopold Longshanks did not enjoy playing the fool.

When the sheriff walked into the diner Keegan was sitting at the counter, trying to decide if the scrambled eggs they served here were worse than those at the prison or just different.

I can’t remember what state we’re in.

Now, wouldn’t you think that if someone had been waiting twenty minutes for you they would be glad to see you when you finally arrived?

“I will not bite my nails. I will not bite my nails. I will–”

Bertie Pinch was a mystery.

I was sitting on a park bench, enjoying the Spring sunshine, and trying to guess what kind of cop was sitting next to me.

Ben liked to say that on the night Nils Partiner died he woke up, gasping for breath, heart thumping like a basketball.

It’s a good thing I don’t own a gun, because I sure would have used it that afternoon. I can picture myself cocking the trigger or whatever you call it and letting that joker have it right between the floppy drives.

“How do you feel about blackmail?”

The phone rang while I was bailing out my office.

Someone was shining a bright light in Leopold Longshanks’ eyes and asking him foolish questions.