“What’s doing tonight?”

“Nothing.”

Anelmo’s reply showed a lack of desire for conversation. Nevertheless, Cronin persisted, even though his next remark brought him to dangerous ground.

“I hear there was a fracas here last night,” he said.

“Perhaps you hear too much,” put in Genara.

Cronin laughed, as he looked at the Sicilian killer.

“You think so?” he questioned. “Well, maybe I hear some things that may be useful to you.”

“What, for instance?” asked Anelmo.

“I hear a lot of talk about a smart guy from New York,” observed Cronin. “A fellow that thinks he’s some gorilla. Calls himself Monk Thurman.”

Both Genara and Anelmo expressed interest. Cronin had scored his first point.