“No. They don’t even know I know you.”
“If I can’t make it, can I hide up at your place?”
“Sure,” Sam spoke without hesitation. “Why not come on over and lay up, until the heat’s cooled?”
“’I’ll try a getaway first.” Duffy said gently, “Thanks, soldier, you’ve been a swell help. My love to Alice. Don’t tell her more than you need.” He hung up and looked quickly at the clock. It was just after ten o’clock.
He dressed with cold unhurried haste. He made sure that he had his money safely distributed in his pockets, then picking up his hat he walked to the door, shot the bolt and stepped quietly into the passage.
As he walked into the deserted bar, he heard the faint wail of a siren, approaching rapidly. He smiled, without being amused, turned back and ran to the front door. He stepped into the street and walked across the road fast, but without any panic. He walked like a man about to start a day’s work, who knows he’s a little behind the clock.
He could see a long closed car swinging round the bend at the far end of the road. The siren was silent. He stepped hastily into the shadow of the garage and walked over to the Buick.
Schultz said, “Wait!” His voice had an edge to it.
Duffy peered and saw him standing in the dim light, half hidden by a big Packard.
“The cops are moving in,” Duffy said in a low voice. “I’m skipping. Want to come?”