‘She’s dead?’ he asked without hope.
‘What do you think?’ Baird said. ‘I dropped her into the river. With any luck they won’t find her for months. Come on, let’s get out of here.’ He shoved Rico along the passage, under the archway to where the car was waiting.
‘I’ve got some news for you,’ Baird said as he paused to light a cigaret e. ‘That fella Dallas works for the International Detective Agency. He’s been hired by the insurance companies, who’re trying to find the stuff Hater cached. Dallas is on to you and Kile and me. We’ve been watched day and night for weeks. And listen, the top man’s Gil is, the guy who comes into your club. That red-head you were so sure about has been reporting every move you’ve made.’
Rico stood staring stupidly at Baird. He scarcely heard. The sound of the shot was still ringing in his head.
‘Kile’s going to unload the stuff when he gets it on the Rajah himself, who’s planning to gyp the insurance companies. A sweet set-up, isn’t it?’ Baird went on.
Groaning, Rico turned away and suddenly vomited.
With a grunt of disgust Baird got into the car and started the engine.
‘Come on, let’s get out of here,’ he said.
IV
Dallas found MacAdam in a bar opposite the Frou-Frou Club, where he had a good view of the main entrance of the club.