‘Seven and a half.’
We closed at eight.
I gave him the money and he sat down again.
‘She’s a reefer-smoker, see? Barratt keeps her in weeds. You ain’t got a chance.’
I thought this over, and decided perhaps I hadn’t, but there was no harm trying.
‘Give me her address.’
The extra money persuaded him to break the rules.
‘274 Felman Street: it’s one of those rooming-houses.’
I stood up.
‘Keep this under your bowler, Maxie. If anyone asks you, you’ve never seen me.’