Life was now extinct, he felt sure, although as he opened the door of the theater from the West Corridor the surgeons and nurses still worked over the body. One who had lived was dead; and dead of violence. And deaths of violence were commonplace to a writer of mystery stories, an unofficial investigator of crime, and the son of a police Inspector. Unhurriedly he approached the nucleus of swirling activity. Janney looked up, frowned. “Have to stay out, Queen.” He turned back to the table, Ellery already forgotten. Minchen interposed. “Dr. Janney.” “Well?” Minchen spoke eagerly. “Queen is practically a member of the Police Department, Doctor. He’s the son of Inspector Queen, and he’s helped solve a lot of murder mysteries. Perhaps he’d—” “Oh.” Janney’s smoldering little eyes twisted toward Ellery. “That’s different. Take charge, Queen. Anything you want. I’m busy.” Ellery immediately turned to face the gallery. Every one had stood up. Dr. Dunning and his daughter were already hurrying up the steps toward the rear exit “Just a moment”
