I called a taxi. She turned to me. “I hope you won’t come back to the office,” she said quickly. “I hope you won’t do anything silly until you’ve thought about things. Find out who that woman is first.”
With a quick smile she climbed into the taxi, and I stood there and let her go.
From across the street, Earl Katz suddenly stepped from a doorway. He looked across at me, tossed a cigarette butt in my direction, and then walked slowly in the same direction as Mardi’s taxi had gone.
CHAPTER FIVE
I DIDN’T GET OFF to the Hotcha Club until late. After Mardi had left me, and Katz had made his unexpected appearance, I had a wander round and had a little brain exercise. It didn’t get me anywhere, but I did think maybe I’d wait a little while before exposing my hand to Spencer. Having a living to earn, I attended a ball game, went home and wrote it up, mailed it to a sports paper that took my stuff, and went out to dinner.
By the time I got through it was getting on for ten o’clock. It was a hot night, with stars and a big moon. I thought I’d go along and see if I could have a look at Vessi’s moll.
The Hotcha Club was one of those swell dives that look good but are pretty rank when you examine them close. I got a table in a corner, ordered a big rye high-ball, and passed the time with a newspaper.
The place was pretty crowded, and the dames were not all they should be. I had a little trouble with two of them, but when they saw I wasn’t playing they gave me the air. I sat around for a half an hour, but as I didn’t see anyone who really got me interested, I began to wonder what the hell I was doing there.
Finally, I gave the waiter the high sign that brought him over. He was a tall, miserable-looking guy with big, watery eyes and a blue chin.
I took a fin from my vest-pocket and began to play with it. His eyes fixed on it with interest.