"I'm sorry," he said.
"So am I. I do want to see you, really."
"Have you met this creep before?"
"Oh, yes. Lots of times. He's quite harmless — just a bit dreary. But he might have a job for me, and I've got to earn an honest living somehow. Don't worry — I haven't forgotten what you told me about being careful. By the way, you'll be glad to hear Cookie called me."
"She did?"
"Yes. Very apologetic, and begging me to drop in and see her."
"What are you going to do?"
"I don't know. I hate the joint and I hate her, but she knows everybody in town and she isn't a good enemy to have. I'll see what happens tonight... What are you going to be doing later?"
"Probably carousing in some gilded cesspool, surrounded by concubines and champagne."
"I ought to be able to get rid of this creep at a sensible hour, and I would like to see you."