“I have an idea Burt knows about you. It will be bad for us if he finds out about these call-houses of yours.”
“Thanks for reminding me,” O’Brien said, smiling. “I know the position as well as you do.” He got to his feet. “Well, Commissioner, I don’t want to hurry you away, but I have a whale of a lot of things to do this morning. Keep me in touch. I’d like to have a copy of all reports to do with the killing. I want them fast, too. Have someone bring them to me as soon as they are typed, will you?”
Howard hesitated.
“I don’t think our reports should leave headquarters: that would be contrary to regulations. Suppose I keep you informed personally?”
O’Brien’s eyes hardened although he continued to smile.
“I want the reports, Commissioner,” he said quietly.
Howard made a little gesture with his hands.
“All right. I’ll see you get them.”
“Thank you. You had better have a word with Fabian. Warn him Burt is almost certain to try to start something. It can’t be much if you find the killer fast. Play the girl down to the press. She can be a nightclub hostess.”
“Yes.”