5 o'clock
He pictured her and Gibson together at all sorts of places , on a yacht cruising around Catalina island , on the links at a country club , a ball at the Ambassador , racing along the coast road to Santa Barbara in Gibson 's expensive car , at the opera and supper later . Then thought of the patch on his own trousers . Oh , what a fool he had been ! When he returned to the office -- it was after 5 o'clock -- he found it deserted except for Brennan and P. Q. Brennan was squatted on the city editor 's desk . P. Q. was leaning back in his swivel chair , his feet perched on the desk before him . `` Well , son , how did you enjoy your afternoon in society ? '' he asked as John handed in the typewritten sheets given him by Mrs. Randolph 's secretary .