"Just where is this tavern?" I asked. "And what is the purpose of the meeting?"
Cora's resistance was entirely gone. "In the 2800 block. Pete went there to get some money from Hands to skip town with."
Joy now spoke with relish. "Lying again. I'll have to—"
"I ain't lying!"
"Don't give us that! Uncle Peter is wealthy. He doesn't need Hands' money. Come here, baby."
"Wait, Joy," I cut in hastily. "The young lady may be telling the truth. Uncle Peter is always short of funds. You see, Aunt Gretchen holds the purse strings in our family and Uncle Peter is always overdrawn on his allowance."
"Then let's get to that tavern and find out what's going on."
It took ten minutes to reach the tavern; a standard gin mill with a red neon sign proclaiming its presence. We quitted the car and I entered first, Joy bringing Cora along with a certain amount of force, and Bag Ears bringing up the rear.
And I was just in time to prevent another murder.
As I came through the door, I saw Hands and Uncle Peter leaning casually against the bar. There was no one else in the place. The barkeep was facing his two customers and there were three glasses set before them. The barkeep held one in his hand.