‘That’s okay,’ Dal as said, surprised to be paid, and thinking Gillis must have put a pretty hard bite on his sister. ‘What’s ten bucks between friends? Come and have a drink.’
Gillis shook his head.
‘Not tonight. I’m expecting a blonde: one of those wild, wool y and wanton females I specialise in.
She should be waiting at the bar if she isn’t going to be late. See you some other time.’
Dallas watched the tall, thin figure walk into the bar. Then he went into the cloakroom, parked his hat and returned to the lobby. He decided he would see Zoe right away, and then keep an eye on Gillis. Zoe would be on duty in ten minutes. He would have to hurry to catch her in her dressing-room.
He went down the stairs that led to the rear of the building, along the passage to Zoe’s room. The door stood ajar. He knocked and pushed it open. The lights were on, and Zoe’s silk wrap lay across the divan. There was a smouldering cigarette end in the ash-tray. But there was no sign of Zoe.
Absently, Dallas stubbed out the cigarette, and then went back along the passage to the restaurant.
Luigi, the Captain of waiters, came to meet him.
‘Good evening, Mr Dal as,’ he said. ‘Your usual table?’
‘Not at the moment,’ Dal as said, looking beyond him into the crowded restaurant. ‘Miss Norton around?’