Steve was relieved. The big shot and the enforcer had simply ordered drinks.
Cronin decided to wait until the room was empty and there would be no danger from any remaining gangster. Then he would enter the private room to report that the coast was clear. So he lighted a cigar and leaned back in his chair, apparently indifferent, but actually keenly observant.
WITHIN the small private room, Savoli talked business with Borrango. He dropped the discussion each time the waiter entered; but when the man disappeared behind the screen that led to the outside dining room, the big shot immediately resumed his talk.
It had been only natural caution that had caused Savoli to cease talking while the waiter was present, for the man seemed dull-witted and harmless. But now the big shot talked with his enforcer, and they summarized the important events of the evening.
“This means a lot to us, Mike,” said Savoli. “You’ll have to follow it up.”
“Leave that to me, Nick,” replied Borrango. “I can take care of Larrigan. You will have to talk to him occasionally. As for the others — I can handle them alone.”
He pointed out the individual weaknesses of each man. He showed how they could be played against Larrigan, and against each other. The persuasion in his voice was convincing, even to the hard-boiled big shot.
“You see what it means, Nick?” concluded Borrango. “You are the master. You are the power over every gang leader. Should any one make trouble, he can be put on the spot. His gang will be yours.
“I am the enforcer. I can act. You can be out of town when a man is killed. Any examples which we are forced to make will impress the others.”
Nick Savoli nodded approvingly.