She gave me a quick, worried smile.
‘I suppose I know you better. I wish you’d stick to our usual business, Vic, and cut out these dangerous jobs.’
‘I’m not doing this for fun. If Perelli hadn’t saved my skin, nothing would persuade me to stick my oar in this. He’s not much of a guy to take risks for but he took a risk for me. Barratt might easily have knifed me. I guess I have to go on until I square the score.’
It was half past one when I parked outside the apartment house in Jefferson Avenue.
Maxie was lolling against the counter of the reception desk as I walked across the lobby. There was no girl at the switchboard. The telephone harness was on the counter where he could reach it
‘Want some money?’ I said briskly. ‘I have some for you if you’re going to be co-operative.*
He eyed me suspiciously.
I never refuse money. What do you want?’
‘Your pass-key.’
If I had let off a shotgun he wouldn’t have been more startled.