“Where?” he asked, when he was sure I’d need persuasion.
I drew on the cigar, blew smoke on to the desk. “I have a proposition to discuss with you.”
A thin smile played on his lips. “I thought you might have,” he said, nodding. “Shoot.”
I told him the story from the time I had hit Paradise Palms. I left Mitchell out of it and where Miss Wonderly was, the rest of it I gave him straight.
He sat huddled in his chair, a blank look m his eyes, and listened. When I was through, he whistled soundlessly.
“Why didn’t that fool Herrick come to us?” he said bitterly. “We’d’ve given him all the protection he needed, and helped him clean up. I love these smart guys who hope to surprise us with a completed case.”
“He didn’t come to you, but I have,” I reminded him gently.
He looked me over. “Well, what now?”
“I’m tired of being the fall guy,” I said, flicking ash on the floor. “I’m going to bust Paradise Palms wide open.” I pointed a ringer at him. “That’s why I’ve come to you.”
He raised his eyebrows. “Go on,” he said.