The Methods of Maigret ( PDFDrive )

“Inspector Lucas. If he’s not there, Inspector Torrence.”
Several seconds later he had Lucas on the line.
“What’s the weather like with you, old man? Still raining? Showers? Good!
Listen, Lucas. Do your best to get me everything you can as soon as possible on
someone called Philippe de Moricourt. Yes. Lechat has seen his papers and says
it’s his real name. His last address in Paris was a furnished house on the Left
Bank, Rue Jacob, 17b… What do I want to know exactly? I’ve got no
preconceived ideas. Everything you can find out. I don’t think he’s got a dossier
in the files, but you can always check. Do all you can by telephone and then call
me back here. No number. Just Porquerolles. I would also like you to telephone
the police at Ostend. Ask if they know a certain Bebelmans who, I think, is an
important arms manufacturer. Same thing. Everything you can find out. That’s
not all. Don’t cut us off, mademoiselle. Have you any acquaintances at
Montparnasse? See what they say about a certain Jef de Greef, who is a sort of
painter and who has spent a certain amount of time on the Seine in his boat,
moored near the Pont Marie. Have you made a note of that? That’s all, yes.
Don’t wait for all the information before ringing me back. Put as many people
on to it as you like. Everything all right, at the office? Who’s had a baby?…
Janvier’s wife?… Give him my compliments.”
When he came out of the telephone box he saw Aglaé, without a trace of
embarrassment, taking the earphones off her head.
“Do you always listen in to conversations?”
“I stayed on the line in case it was cut off. I don’t trust the Hyères operator;
she’s an old cat.”
“Do you do the same for everyone?”
“In the morning I haven’t time because of the mail, but in the afternoon it’s
easier.”
“Do you take note of the calls made by the inhabitants?”
“I have to.”
“Could you make me out a list of all the calls you have put through in the last
few days? Say the last eight days.”
“Right away. It’ll take me a few minutes.”
“You’re the person who receives the telegrams as well, aren’t you?”
“There aren’t many, except in the season. I had one this morning which is sure
to interest you.”
“How do you know?”