"Do not underestimate the power Lardner is fighting," he said grimly. "There will be blood, yes. It will be Lardner's blood. He has a debt to pay, and it is not our wish that you be involved when payment is made. Our leader whom you know as Sylvia Fanton has one message for you. Goodbye."
He tossed a small envelope of paper at Jim's feet and was gone through the window as silently as a floating cloud.
im stood speechless for a second, then he went toward the window and looked down the long line shadow of the fire escape. There was no one in sight. A small dog darted along the edge of the alley far below. Or was it a dog? His bewildered mind told him the animal was more like a fox in its quick, sly movements.
Drake picked up the slip of paper in shaking fingers. He opened it and stared at the neat longhand message:
We were very close to love, Jim Drake. Love is not good for a woman who has my obligations.
The outer door rattled noisily. Drake took a second quick look at the note and stuffed it into his pocket. Puffy Adams stormed in and stopped abruptly with a shocked look in his eyes.
"Been havin' a party?" he asked whimsically. "Looks like the guests came on a whirlwind."
Drake was silent. He started to rearrange the room mechanically. Duffy collected the clothing from the floor and replaced it in the closet. The boss would talk when he got ready.