They recognize that confession might lead to a stoppage of
supplies--the eventuality they most dread."
"Did you examine the contents of any of these flasks found on
dressing-tables?"
"I rarely had an opportunity; but when I did they proved to contain
perfume when they contained anything."
"H'm," mused Kerry, and although in deference to Margaret, he had
denied himself chewing-gum, his jaws worked automatically. "I gather
that Mrs. Monte Irvin had expressed a wish to see you last night?"
"Yes. Apparently she was threatened with a shortage of cocaine."
"Cocaine was her drug?"
"One of them. She had tried them all, poor, silly girl! You must
understand that for a habitual drug-taker suddenly to be deprived of
drugs would lead to complete collapse, perhaps death. And during the
last few days I had noticed a peculiar nervous symptom in Rita Irvin
which had interested me. Finally, the day before yesterday, she
confessed that her usual source of supply had been closed to her. Her
words were very vague, but I gathered that some form of coercion was
being employed."
"With what object?"
"I have no idea. But she used the words, 'They will drive me mad,' and
seemed to be in a dangerously nervous condition.
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