"I see. When did you start?"
"L-last night. Not that I arrested anyb-body yet."
"Madrid hire you?"
"Yes. Miss P-Persia had it all fixed." Willie frowned. "I d-don't know how I'm going to get along with Madrid. I mean, he d-don't give me instruction or anything. He says, 'Sit on your d-duff, d-draw your p-pay, k-keep your mouth shut and your nose c-clean.' Mr. Tesno, c-could I have a t-talk with you?"
"About what?"
"I want to l-learn this b-business of b-being a p-p-peace officer."
"I've got a chore to do right now," Tesno said. "How about tomorrow?"
"F-fine. I'm off d-duty in the morning."
Willie's hand slid around to his hip and came up with the flask he carried there. It was filled with a colorless liquid, of which he took a long swig.
"Lemon soda," he said, licking his lips. "Miss Persia says st-stammer or not, a deputy can't go around nipping whisky all day."