“Meanwhile, you may have this Double Z mess under control. If it comes to a pinch and I have to get back, you can notify me. I’ll be living in comfort, and Double Z will think that death cheated him of a victim.”
The big man began to chuckle. His whole manner had changed. Cardona began to admire the merits of the scheme, particularly because he had been its sponsor.
“That’s a go?” asked Wade, proffering his hand.
“Yes,” said Cardona, shaking.
“Keep the letter,” said Wade. “Hold it for evidence. Not a word to any one — my life depends on it!”
“You can count on me,” said Cardona, and Wade could tell that the detective meant it. Joe Cardona was a man of his word.
“You’re the only person I’m trusting,” said Wade solemnly. “The only one except my pilot, and he’ll be with me.”
“Right,” said Cardona.
On his way back to headquarters, the detective’s ears still rang with the congratulations which Wade had showered upon him for bringing the thought that had led to this magnificent scheme. They had made the final arrangements. Cardona was to keep his knowledge to himself and to wait for word from Wade. The millionaire, his confidence restored, had shown a return of bravery.
“I might decide to come back,” he had said in parting. “Incognito, you know. If I do, the one place I’ll pop up will be in your office. I like danger, Cardona, if I have a chance to study it. I can do that better in North Carolina than there.”