“So you should be,” he said, grinning. “Hetty’ll be along soon. She’s coming by train. How’s the kid?”
“Not so bad,” I said. “She’ll be all right in a month or so. It was a close call, Tim.” T scowled at him, added, “I have a job for you.”
He nodded. “I knew it,” he said. “That’s why I came. Bat, eh?”
“Sure,” I said, “only you’re camping outside Clair’s door. So long as I know she’s safe I can get to work. Now don’t argue,” I went on hurriedly as he began to speak. “Bat’s dangerous. He might come here to finish the job. Stick around, Tim. I know Clair will be safe if you’re here. I have things to do.”
“Well, I’ll be damned,” he said. “And I was planning to get in on a man-hunt.”
I punched him lightly on his chest.
“You watch Clair,” I said. “This man-hunt is going to be between Bat and me.” I led him to Clair’s door. “Not a word about Bat. I’ve told her he’s in jail. Go in and see her for a minute, then get a chair and park outside. I don’t expect to be long.”
I left him before he could protest.
7
The taxi driver slowed, stopped. “This is as far as I can take you, Bud,” he said. “The joint you want is down that alley, if it is the joint you want.”