Where he appeared, trouble brewed. Yet it was the first time that Larrigan had ever called upon Nick Savoli in the Escadrille Apartments. Intrepid though he was, the big Irishman had never dared to invade the camp of his avowed enemy.
But to-day it was different. Larrigan had been approached several times by Mike Borrango, who had met him as an emissary of peace. He had received telephone calls from Borrango. He had been assured that Savoli desired friendship.
Even after the raid that Hymie Schultz and Four-gun Spirak had made upon Marmosa’s gambling place, Borrango had called Larrigan and had repeated promises of good things for all if peace should be arranged.
In fact, the enforcer had gone so far as to offer his services in Larrigan’s behalf if the Irishman should desire it.
“If there’s anything that isn’t just right,” Borrango had said, “let me know about it. Come and see me. I’m your friend. Nick is your friend.”
MIKE LARRIGAN was not subtle. Yet he could recognize those who were. There was something about Borrango’s invitation that had placed him on the defensive.
He had an idea that a man could go into Savoli’s apartment and not come out. He likened the entrance of the Escadrille to a one-way street that had no ending.
He had expected some sudden attack from the Savoli gangsters. Now it had come. Mike Larrigan visualized purpose behind the murders of his two lieutenants, Schultz and Spirak.
At the same time he had decided to play a hunch.
Until now, Nick Savoli had had cause to want Mike Larrigan eliminated from the field of Chicago’s gangland. But now conditions were reversed.