“Thank you, sir,” said Carpenter, realizing that his story would be heard. “I’ll tell you what else is going on. There were five of us in the racket. Shifter Reeves handled the dope. I did the blackmail. Big Tom Bagshawe was running the gambling—”
Bursts of surprise came from the men about the table. Police Chief Yates looked grim. He glared at the members of the committee.
“There were two others,” continued Carpenter. “Hooks Borglund and Wheels Bryant. Hooks was the one I stopped tonight. You can get Shifter and Big Tom easy. But Wheels — I don’t know what he looks like. I only know he’s coming here tonight — unless he’s scared away.”
“Coming here?” echoed Cruikshank, in an amazed tone.
“Here,” repeated Carpenter. “Here, to kidnap you!”
SOME faces showed surprise; others denoted doubt. Carpenter stared around the circle; then looked at Police Chief Yates. He saw that the bluff officer was one of the doubters. He delivered a thrust that he felt sure would win Yates.
“Wheels Bryant,” said Carpenter slowly. “He’s the big shot. I took the rap on his account. I broke jail to get even; to spoil his double-crossing game.
“I don’t know who he is; but I’ll tell you how he works. He’s on the inside, here in Seaview City. He’s the fixer. He gives the tip-offs. That’s why Big Tom got away with things so long. Wheels Bryant pulls the strings.”
“You mean” — Cruikshank’s voice was severe — “you mean that this man you call Wheels Bryant has subsidized the forces of the law—”
“No,” retorted Carpenter, “but he’s got a drag somewhere. Somebody is double-crossing you people — keeping Wheels wise—”