‘So what? Don’t you want the job done?’
‘I wouldn’t be offering you ten thousand unless I did,’ Kile snapped, flushing. ‘But it’s only fair to you to know what you’re up against.’
Baird stood up.
‘You don’t have to worry about me,’ he said. ‘I can do that better than anyone. This time next week I’l tel you if I’l do it or not. I’l want a hundred to cover expenses, and I’l want it now.’
Rico put in smoothly as he saw Kile hesitate.
‘As I know Baird, and you don’t, Mr Kile, perhaps you would let me take care of his expenses, and if he proves satisfactory, you could settle with me direct.’
Kile nodded.
‘Very well,’ he said, getting to his feet, ‘we’l leave it like that. If you’re in no hurry, Rico, perhaps you’l remain behind. I know our friend here is anxious to get away.’
Baird smiled jeeringly.
‘If I do the job,’ he said, looking at Kile, ‘I’l expect proof that the money’s there to pay me.’