Tux led the way below deck, along a passage to a cabin. He took a key from his pocket, unlocked the door and shoved it open. He walked in and O’Brien followed him.
Johnny Dorman lay on the bunk, one long leg hanging over the side. He opened his eyes as O’Brien came to stand at his side.
O’Brien looked at him, his face expressionless.
Johnny was uncannily like his sister, but without her strength of character. He had the same well-shaped nose and the green eyes, and his thick hair was the same shade as Gilda’s.
A good-looking weakling, O’Brien thought. My luck she has to have a punk like this for a brother.
“Hello, Johnny,” he said.
Johnny didn’t move. He stared up at O’Brien, his green eyes watchful.
“What’s the idea, Sean?” he asked. “Gilda’s going to love this when I tell her.”
O’Brien pulled up a straight-back chair and sat down. He waved to Tux, who went out, shutting the door behind him. Then he took out a gold cigarette-case and offered it to Johnny.
After a moment’s hesitation, Johnny took a cigarette and accepted a light.