Overman chuckled. "You're a good man."
"And one who knows black from white, remember? Let's be honest with each other, chief. You're lying to me. You really figure if I fail, I fail. You wouldn't be willing to bargain in my behalf with what you have, and you know it. If I can kill Crippens and give Wainwright his substitute story and win Miss Kent's confidence, you'd love it. If I can't, you'll try to find another way. Sure, you think I'm good. But you know I'm expendable."
Overman thumped him soundly on the back. "Darius, we should have been brothers. Is there anything else?"
"Yes. How long would you want me to play this Anti-News game?"
"Until we get all the facts."
"Too dangerous," said McLeod. "Unless you make it worth my while."
Overman hadn't stopped grinning. "Maybe you will get a raise, at that."
"Not maybe. Definitely. Twenty per cent."
"Twenty?"
"Twenty."