“Maybe someone will,” Mifflin said, who was always over cautious. “Well, if you say so.”
“It’s the safest bet you’ll ever have. How about that number?”
“Sure, sure. Hang on. I’ll have it for you in ten seconds.”
While I was waiting I saw Jack Kerman busily dialling on the other phone.
“What do you think you’re doing?” I asked.
“Getting my bookie. That Crab Apple sounds good.”
“Forget it. I’m just telling him what someone told me. It’s a safe enough tip for a copper, but not for a friend.”
Kerman replaced the receiver as if it had bitten him. “Suppose he sells up his home and hocks his wife? You know what a dope he is on these things.”
“Have you seen his home and wife? Well, I have. I’ll be doing him a favour.” As Mifflin’s voice came on the line, I said, “What have you got?”
“O.R.3345, did you say?”