Blood Money by Franklin W. Dixon

Poletti."
    Carew waved a hand in dismissal. "That's a load of garbage."
    Joe did a double take. "You don't think Poletti killed your son?"
    Carew shook his head. "Tommy Poletti? A killer? Never. The police will figure that out soon enough. If they don't, they're even bigger fools than I thought."
    Frank leaned back in his chair and exchanged a look with Joe.
    "I don't know where my father is," Frank said. "That's the truth. But you're wrong if you think he's had anything to do with the killings."
    "Your father's a man of principle - is that it? Well, we're talking about ten million dollars here, sonny," Carew said. "That much money buys a lot of principles."
    "Not my father's," Frank said firmly.
    "Or mine," Ned added.
    At that, Carew laughed harshly. "Hugh Nolan? Not interested in money? You don't know him very well - do you, sonny?"
    "What do you mean by that?" Ned asked angrily, rising from his chair. He was upset enough to attack Carew with his bare hands.
    The gang lord studied Ned calmly for a second, then shook his head. "Never mind. All right, you say you don't know where your fathers are. I'll accept that - for now." Now Carew looked directly at Frank. "But the next time you want to play detective, you play with someone else, okay?"
    "We don't play at being detectives, Mr. Carew," Frank said calmly. "Especially where our father's life is concerned."
    "And I don't play around when it comes to whoever killed my son!" Carew slammed his fist down on the desk. "You make sure you understand that."
    He glowered at Frank for a moment, then snapped his fingers. "Get them out of here."
    Terry and Monk escorted them down to the street.
    "Carew doesn't think Poletti did it either," Joe said, more to himself than anyone else. "Guess I'm beginning to believe the killer is still on the loose."
    "I told you," Frank said. "I'm going to see Emily Moran. You two coming?"
    Joe grinned. "You bet. Ned?"
    Ned shook his head slowly. "No, I don't think so." He was still clearly upset by Carew's accusation - an accusation Joe decided might be right after his discovery in the library.
    But in Ned's mind they were still just doubts - and Joe didn't want to upset Ned any further without real proof.
    "Well, we'll see you back at the apartment later," Frank said. "Come on, Joe - let's go play detective."
    ***
    This time, their reception at Emily's was slightly more pleasant. Emily Moran, even though she looked even more tired and upset than the last time they'd seen her, was happy to talk with them.
    "We appreciate your taking the time to see us, Ms. Moran - especially today," Joe said. Delaney's death had apparently enabled Emily to rid herself of the man's entourage as well. The house seemed deserted except for the three of them.
    She nodded distractedly. "Yes, I talked to Vance, and he said you were trying to find the killer." She forced a grin. "Besides, there's not much else I can do right now. The police are questioning Tommy again."
    "I hope you don't think this is rude," Joe began, "but - why did your father put Tommy Poletti into his will?"
    "Dad didn't exactly like Tommy," Emily said. "He was in jail of course when I first met Tommy, and he never approved of him. I think my dad wanted me to see someone who could help run his business." She stopped suddenly to look at her watch. "The police are supposed to call me when they're finished questioning him," she said, apologizing.
    "They take a long time sometimes," Joe offered sympathetically.
    "Don't I know it," Emily said, smiling. "You're talking to Josh Moran's daughter, after all." It was the first time Joe had seen her genuinely amused at something, and it made her look about five years younger.
    Suddenly Joe wanted very much for Tommy Poletti to be proven innocent.
    "I just wish there was something I could do to help him," Emily continued.
    "There may be," Frank said. "Announce that you've found a way to have your father's will nullified."
    Emily looked confused. "How will that help