Mike Larrigan appeared well satisfied when he left. By recognizing the power of Nick Savoli, he had firmly established himself as the greatest of all the independent gang leaders.
The others were satisfied. Morgan, Pietro, and Salvis felt that their combined forces were as important to Savoli as was Larrigan’s mob. They had seldom worked together in the past; now they felt a common interest.
Only a few gangsters remained. Anelmo and Genara still sat at their corner table, as though awaiting instructions from Savoli.
The big shot remained, together with his enforcer. A few waiters were allowed to enter, to clear up the tables.
Anelmo, still suspicious, looked for the stoop-shouldered man who had attracted his attention, but the waiter had evidently gone for the night.
With a motion toward Borrango, Nick Savoli left the dining room, and entered a door at one side. The enforcer spoke to Steve Cronin; then followed his chief.
Steve understood the action. He was to remain on guard while Savoli conferred with Borrango.
The departure of the big shot gave Anelmo and Genara a chance to fetch their guns. The Sicilians left the dining room. In a few minutes, Steve Cronin was virtually alone.
He slipped the automatic from beneath the table and dropped it in his pocket, taking care that none of the few remaining gangsters saw the action.
A waiter entered from the kitchen. He went into the room where Savoli and Borrango had gone. Cronin was suspicious for a moment; then the waiter reappeared, going into the room again with two bottles and glasses.