Peppi stubbed out his cigar, “You’ve got three days before the election,” he said, tapping the calendar. “It’s no use talking to Maddox. I’ve offered him fifty grand for those photos. He ain’t selling. You’ve got to find where he keeps them and lift ’em, do you get it?”
I could see myself stealing anything from Maddox. He’d have all the law in the country after my hide quicker than a flea’s hop.
“That’s okay by me,” I said. “I owe him something and this’ll about even things up.”
Peppi jerked his head to Lew. “Okay,” he said, “don’t try and be smart. Crossing me won’t get you any place.”
I smiled at him, “You wouldn’t let me have a word with Myra?”
He shook his head.
It was no good arguing with him. So I walked out into the hall where the butler opened the front door.
“So long,” I said, “be careful of that brunette. She ain’t always kind.”
He said something under his breath, but I didn’t catch it. Then he closed the door sharply behind me.
Within fifteen minutes I was in Maddoxs office.