I said, “It’s okay. Get in, sit down, and keep quiet for half an hour. I’ve got some thinking to do.”
We sat side by side in the car while the morning began to hum with activity.
Shortly after seven o’clock I walked around to the alley and relieved the other operative while he got breakfast. When he came back, J took time out to walk down to a service station, go in the wash room, and freshen up a bit. I walked around to the restaurant and had some ham, eggs, and coffee. Then I went back to the Key West and waited for Bertha.
Chapter Twelve
Bertha showed up in a taxi about nine-thirty. I thought she looked plenty worried. She came over and told the operative, “There’ll be a relief for you in half an hour. Give me a ring shortly before five and I’ll let you know whether you work tonight.”
He said, “Thanks.”
Bertha said, “You can go wash your hands while we’re in there. She won’t leave while we’re there.”
The operative said, “Thanks,” and added with a grin, “My hands are clean. Lam held the fort for a while early this morning.”
Bertha looked me over and said, “Donald, you look hell.”
I didn’t bother to say anything.