‘Sell who out?’
‘Lute and Barratt.’
I took out my bill-fold. It felt very lean. I had only thirty dollars left. I took out a twentydollar bill and dangled it before her.
‘There’s more where this comes from. How much do you want?’
She leaned forward and snatched the bill out of my hand.
‘Five hundred and I’ll give you the works.’
‘What do you think I am—made of money? A hundred.’
She gave me a cold, fixed stare.
‘That’s my price; take it or leave it. I’m going to get out of here. I’ll give you a signed statement. It’ll blow the lid off their racket. Take it or leave it.’
‘I’ve got to know what I’m buying. You’ll get your five hun-dred if what you’ve got is what I want. Tell me.’