"Well, what's your game this time, Max?" the detective demanded sharply. "What brought you here?"
CHAPTER III
The Threat
Max Lynch smiled disarmingly as he seated himself in a chair opposite the detective.
"You have an abrupt way with your clients, Nichols."
"You're no client of mine," the detective retorted. "You never have been and you never will be!"
The gambler continued to smile blandly, refusing to take offense. "I admit I've never hired you on a job of my own," he said. "But many a time a guy has said to me 'Who is the best private dick in town?' and I says 'Chris Nichols,' just like that. It has brought you some nice jobs."
"I don't believe I've ever taken any case through your influence, Max Lynch. But that's neither here nor there. What's on your mind?"
The gambler moved forward in his chair.