To be of service to Steve Cronin was Joe le Blanc’s aim. Every gangster in Chicago was known to Le Blanc. He was one of those characters who hedge the borderland of gangdom, and who are safe so long as they mind their own affairs.
Le Blanc had been cautious in his actions. He had emphasized his connection with Frank Marmosa, and he intended to run his road house on the same plan that Marmosa utilized with the restaurant. But he had nothing to lose, and much to gain, by cultivating a secret friendship with Steve Cronin.
Before concluding the conversation, he made this fact evident.
“Listen, Steve,” he remarked, in a careful tone. “I’ve got to watch everything that I do. I’m not out to get into trouble. I’m going to run this place and be friends to everybody. But at the same time, if I can be of help to you — “
“I’ve got the idea, Joe,” interrupted Cronin. “Play with me, and you won’t lose a thing. You tipped me off to some real news tonight. Keep on with that kind of work.”
“But get me straight,” insisted Le Blanc. “I’m no double-crosser, Steve. I’m friends to everybody — but I’ll work with you, and with nobody else.”
Steve Cronin grinned. He realized that Le Blanc was speaking the truth, and he saw how the alliance could prove of great value to himself.
Cronin lacked much important knowledge about Chicago. In his period of service with Savoli, he had depended upon information given to him by the big shot, or by Borrango, the enforcer. But here was opportunity.
“I can do a lot, Steve,” continued Le Blanc, anxious to impress Cronin with his own importance. “I can tip you off to where guys are, when you’re looking for them. I can even get them out here — but I can’t do that too often. I’ve got to play safe, Steve — “
“That’s right, Joe. I won’t expect too much of you. Play with me, that’s all. And if you want to make a real start, find where Monk Thurman is, and see to it that Larrigan’s men get the dope.”