‘I’m running short of dough,’ Baird said. ‘Anything around for me?’
‘Yes,’ Rico said, leaning forward. ‘Something big. You’ve arrived in time. Another three days, and it’d have been too late. This is a big job; worth ten grand to you.’
Baird lifted his head sharply.
‘Ten grand? You been drinking?’
Rico rubbed his hands together excitedly.
‘The guy who’s behind this is Preston Kile, the financier. He’s offering ten grand for a guy who’l do a job for him. I told him you were the only one I’d trust to handle it.’
‘What’s the job?’ Baird asked suspiciously.
‘I don’t know. Kile wants to see you first. He’s acting awful cagey. Says he wants to talk to you before he spills any details, but it’s okay, Baird. Kile’s a big-shot. He’s got a front that’l knock your eye out, and you want to see his girl. Used to be with the Follies. Everything about Kile is big. Getting in with him is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.’
Baird didn’t seem impressed.
‘You’re sure about the ten grand?’