“Beat it!” ordered Durgan. “Keep your mouth shut after this!”
The girl arose unsteadily and walked into another room, holding her hands to her face. As the door closed behind her, Durgan returned to Wharton, who had been quietly watching the scene.
“I’d better watch that moll of mine,” said Durgan, in a low voice. “Do you think she’s mixed up in this, Mike?”
“Where was she tonight?” questioned Wharton noncommittally.
“Says she was at a show.”
“Maybe she was!”
“Listen, Mike.” Durgan became confidential. “You’re the guy I need. Get me? This garage business has gone flooey — and that means a lot more than just the garages. The best racket in New York is on the fritz, right now!
“It looks like I’ll be getting rid of these punks that have been working for me. But that doesn’t mean I’m licked. There’s other ways to be in the money. I need a guy like you. Listen, while I give you the low-down.
“There’s some wise guy in back of this — and I’m going to get him. I want you to be on the lookout. Get me?”
Wharton nodded.