“Except if it was someone in the family, it would reduce the number of suspects from about a hundred to five,” Eli said.

“I think Quinn’s got a point,” I said. “The fact that it did happen at the party makes a case for why it probably wasn’t a member of the family.”

“So we’re back to square one,” Eli said. “Who did it?”

“Beats me,” Quinn said. “I don’t envy Bobby. He’s got a personal as well as a professional stake in this one since Kit works for the Trib.”

“I guess we’ll just have to wait and see,” I said.

SETH HANNAH’S SECRETARY SAID he was busy when I called at 9:01, so I asked if she would give him a message. Eli was gone, off to meet his client. I knew he didn’t want to be around for this phone call, but he did ask me to let him know how it went and what happened when I went to see Seth.

“Please tell Seth I’m calling about my father’s safe-deposit box,” I said to the secretary. “And that I’d like to talk to him about it. In person.”

“Mr. Hannah is tied up in meetings today and his calendar is quite full for the rest of the week,” she said.

“I discovered the existence of this safe-deposit box by accident,” I said in a calm voice. “Last night. I also have the keys. I thought Mr. Hannah might be able to explain why he kept it a secret all these years since my father passed away.”

“I see.” Now she sounded flustered. “Can you hold for a moment, please?”

Ten seconds later she was back on the phone. “Mr. Hannah asked if you could come by at ten o’clock. This morning.”

“Absolutely. No problem. I’ll be there,” I said and she hung up.

“What was that all about?” Quinn asked.

“Seth Hannah suddenly became ‘unbusy’ when I pushed his secretary on why no one at the bank ever told me about Leland’s safe-deposit box. He’ll see me at ten.”

“Great,” he said. “By the way, you were going to ask me something before Eli walked in. Something about Frankie.”

Would you dress up as Santa Claus for the Christmas party?

“It can wait. I’d better get moving or I’ll be late for my appointment with Seth.”

“If you say so.” Quinn looked me over. I was still wearing the sweatshirt and sweatpants I’d slept in. “Are you going dressed like that?”

“Probably not.”

“You’d better change, then.”