I said yes.
“Fine. Hold him, and hold him good. We cracked Gale, and he spilled his guts. Durkin is it. Gale got to him and bought him. You’ll get credit for getting Gale, and that’ll be all right, but I’ll appreciate it if you’ll hold off and let it be announced officially. We’ll be there for Durkin in five minutes. Hold him good.”
“We’re already holding him good. He’s stretched out on the floor. Mr. Wolfe hung it on him. Also we have found a roll of lettuce he cached in the radio.”
Hennessy laughed. “You’re an awful liar, Goodwin. But you’re a privileged character tonight, I admit that. Have your fun. We’ll be there in five minutes.”
I hung up and turned to Wolfe. “That was Hennessy. They broke Gale, and he unloaded. He gave them Durkin, and they’re coming for him. Hennessy doesn’t believe we already got him, but of course on that we’ve got witnesses. The trouble is this: which of us crossed the plate first — you with your one little fact, or me with my druggist? You can’t deny that Hennessy’s call came before I started to dial. How can we settle it?”
We can’t. That was months ago, and it’s not settled yet.