‘I’ve seen Kile. I told him you’ve looked the ground over and you think you can pull it off. We can go ahead. He’s leaving al the arrangements to us. I’ve five grand to split between us. Pret y good, huh?’
Baird lit a cigarette and stared across the room.
‘What makes you think you rate anything?’ he asked casually. ‘Who’s doing the job — you or me?’
‘We’re both in it,’ Rico said, smiling ingratiatingly. ‘But if that’s the way you feel about it, I’m willing to take two and you three.’
‘Did you find out who the man is?’ Baird asked.
‘Sure. I’ve got al the necessary dope.’ Rico opened a drawer in his desk and took out a big envelope.
‘Don’t you keep that locked up?’ Baird asked sharply.
Rico stared at him.
‘It’s safe enough. No one ever comes into my office when I’m not here. What’s biting you?’
‘Nothing,’ Baird said, flicking ash on to the floor. ‘Who is he?’