KILLER DURGAN LEARNS THE NEWS
Two grim-faced men entered Killer Durgan’s apartment. They were Ernie Shires and Big Ben Hargins. Their clothes were soiled and torn; their faces bore grimy stains.
Both showed signs of having made a hasty effort to make themselves somewhat presentable before their visit to Larchmont Court.
“What’s the lay?” demanded Killer Durgan. His face was clouded with anger.
“We’ve been double-crossed!” replied Ernie. “Somebody’s busted the works! Your garages have gone up in smoke, instead of those dumps up in the Bronx!”
“My garages!” Killer Durgan was on his feet, his fists clenched as he glowered at Ernie Shires. “You gummed the works, eh? Fine guy, you are!”
“Lay off me,” retorted Ernie. “I figure I know the guy that’s done it! I told you he’d be making trouble! Let me tell you what’s happened.”
Durgan sat down and listened impatiently while Ernie recited the events that had occurred in the New Era Garage on Eighth Avenue. It was the account of what happened after the explosion that brought oaths from his puffed lips.
“Big Ben and I got out,” explained Ernie, “but we had a tough time doing it. Everything broke loose after that truck blew up. Gas tanks exploded — walls came down — it was lucky we managed to get away.
“The back door was blocked by stuff that had fallen. By the time we got out, the cops were on the job, and fire trucks were coming up. We were in a mess for sure!”