Chapter 21 Summary

Marlowe returns to his office and calls the Sternwood house in order to let the General know that the case is closed. Marlowe only speaks with the butler who is very happy to hear that the news of the blackmailing has not reached the papers and that Marlowe will be destroying the photographs.

Marlowe knows that he should let the entire case drop but he calls Eddie Mars and sets up a meeting with him. Marlowe is not trying to find Rusty Regan; however, he doesn't want to miss the possible lead that Mars can provide.

After a few pleasantries, Marlowe asks Mars about the lead on Regan that he offered. Mars tells Marlowe that he already got the information from Captain Gregory, giving Mars nothing new to offer. He mentions that Marlowe could get a full time job working for General Sternwood...