‘What’s the matter with you? Kile’s a big shot. He’s rol ing in the stuff. He and I have worked together…’
‘How do you know he’s rol ing in it?’
‘How do I know?’ Rico stared. ‘What are you driving at?’
‘Do you imagine Kile’s the top man in this set-up?’
‘Of course he is.’
‘If you’re so sure,’ Baird said, ‘how do you know?’
Rico began to look uneasy.
‘What’s cooking?’ he asked, leaning forward to stare at Baird. ‘Sounds like you’ve found out something.’
‘I’ve found out plenty,’ Baird said. ‘The moment I set eyes on Kile I knew there was something phoney about him. I’ve been digging in his back yard, and does it stink! He owes money everywhere. He hasn’t paid for that big house on Roosevelt Boulevard. He’s hanging on by the skin of his teeth, and isn’t expected to last six months.’
Rico stiffened.