Ackie scowled at him. “The old man sent out an S O S. You watch your step… this guy’s a big shot.”
Hughson started to say something, but stopped. Maybe he thought it would be wise to quit ribbing me.
“We ain’t seen a sign of anyone,” he said. “We got the place surrounded, and we’ve tried getting in, but short of smashin’ a window we don’t stand a chance.”
“You nuts?” I demanded. “This is going to make the Colonel as sore as hell. What do you think you’re playin’ at?”
Hughson shrugged. “We got to get the dope,” he said. “The cops won’t spill it… there’s somethin’ goin’ on inside there, an’ our public want to know.”
We all had a laugh at that.
“Listen, Nick,” Ackie said quickly. “Suppose you have a shot at it. You get in there an’ find out what it’s all about… then, if you can, persuade the Colonel to let the boys in… tell him he’s news. We gotta see him!”
If I could get in I should certainly line up with Kennedy. I had no sympathy with headline hunters. I was always on the look-out for a good story, but this way of getting it didn’t appeal to me.
“Call your dogs off,” I said to Hughson. “I shan’t get in unless you boys are out of sight.”
They were so eager to get that story they’d’ve jumped into the river if I’d told them to.