“You remember Mother Flintstone?”

“Yes, and I know she’s dead.”

“And buried.”

“I hope so, but I don’t care what they’ve done with her. I am out of the business.”

“You know Claude Lamont?”

“The money king’s son? Of course I do, and I know nothing very good of him, either.”

“Well, Jack, I want you to get on with him.”

“I say no.”

The voice was determined, but this fact did not check the detective.

“Listen to me, Jack.”