‘Ten,’ I said, took out a cigarette and lit it. ‘Don’t exhaust yourself. I don’t have to be in bed until midnight.’

He gave me a cold, blank stare, and went around to the back of the car. I kept my eye on the spinning dial just to be sure he didn’t short-change me.

After a while he reappeared and shoved out a grubby paw. I paid.

‘Where’s Ferris?’

The green eyes shifted to my face and away.

‘Out of town.’

‘When will he be back?’

‘Dunno.’

‘Mrs. Ferris about?’

‘She’s busy.’