“Sean, I’m in trouble,” she said.
“Okay, kid,” he said. “That’s why you have me. What can I do?”
She drew in a deep breath of relief. It was so comforting to have someone as powerful as him behind her. She felt no matter what the emergency might be he would take it in his stride. His confidence in himself to cope with any situation scared her sometimes.
“Louis Manchini has just left. Johnny got Fay’s address from him last night. Manchini is trying to blackmail me. I’m supposed to take him back to my apartment tonight or he’ll tell the police about Johnny.”
“What are you worrying about, honey?” O’Brien asked, his voice deceptively mild. “You’re not in trouble; Manchini is. I’ll take care of it. Just forget about him. You won’t be bothered by him any more. Is he in the club?”
“He’ll be at the stage door in an hour’s time.”
“Fine. Just relax. I’ll be along as soon as you’ve finished your act. We’ll leave by the front entrance. Just forget Manchini.”
Because of his deadly calmness she was suddenly frightened.
“You won’t have him hurt, Sean? He’s dangerous. If he told the police…”
“That’s okay,” O’Brien said smoothly. “I know how to shut his mouth. Forget about him, kid. I’ll be along,” and he hung up.