“Well, suppose there was a big shot that they couldn’t get at? They’d play ball, wouldn’t they?”
“They’d have to.”
“Well, that’s Double Z’s game. He’s goin’ to be the real big shot!”
“Not with Markan an’ Lombrosi. They’re out for their own—”
“But when Markan an’ Lombrosi are gone, it’s goin’ to be Jake Dermott an’ Tony Marano.”
“An’ Double Z—”
“Will be the big shot. You’re Markan’s chief guy. Markan is next to Lombrosi in that mob. They picked you guys because you’re tough but don’t know enough to get along without a boss over you. Well, you’re goin’ to have your chance. First Bodine goes the voyage; then Markan an’ Lombrosi.”
“Who’s goin’ to bump ‘em?” quizzed Jake.
“You’ll see,” grinned Sneaks Rubin. “When Bodine’s laid out, there’ll be somebody to square things with Markan. As for Lombrosi— well, he’s slippin’ now. Double Z queered his game when he let the Feds in on those bomb jobs. Then he made Lombrosi look like a sucker when he knocked off Farmington, who was too big a guy for Lombrosi to tackle.
“Don’t forget, Lombrosi has got a side line besides the rackets. He’s in on this Italian Red business. His flops don’t go so well there!”