"The place is called the Red Rose, isn't it?" Penny remarked.
"Yes, it's a disgrace to the community."
"Then why hasn't it been closed?"
Mr. Nichols smiled tolerantly at his daughter. "The Red Rose is located just over the county line," he explained. "It happens that the sheriff has a very charitable attitude toward Lynch's gambling enterprises."
"Then there's nothing to be done?"
"Not very much I fear. What we need is a new sheriff."
"Promise me you'll be careful," Penny urged anxiously. "I'm afraid of what Max may attempt to do."
Mr. Nichols smiled confidently as he locked his desk.
"His threat was an idle one I think. Don't give it a moment's thought. Your old Dad can take care of himself."
Penny sighed as she followed her father to the elevator. She knew that she should dismiss the matter from her mind yet that was exactly what she could not do. Ever since she could remember Mr. Nichols had lived a dangerous life. He had trailed and captured daring criminals and during his lengthy career, first as a police officer and later as a private detective, had received many threats. Several times he had escaped violence by a narrow margin. Usually Penny did not worry, but Max Lynch had impressed her as a man who would seek retaliation.