Yet for God’s sake, Mr. Taylor, maintain me out of this. I don’t are looking to get anyone into trouble,” he acknowledged, considering himself. “Is that why you didn’t inform the police? ” The drain of colour from Rollins’s face positioned his zits in reduction. “You’re not likely to inform the police approximately this? I received no cause to imagine the man had something to do with murdering her. I wasn’t going to throw him to the lions with out a cause, was once I? ” “A pal of yours? ” “No, no longer what you name a chum. If he was once a pal I wouldn’t be promoting you his identify for 100 greenbacks, might I? ” Wouldn’t you, Bret concept. He acknowledged: “You haven’t advised me his identify. ” “You haven’t slipped me the hundred. ” “Here’s 40 now. ” He driven the money owed around the desk. “You acknowledged there has been extra to inform. ” Rollins’s hand moved like a brief white chicken, and the accounts have been long gone from the desk. “You going to provide me the remainder? ” “When you inform me the remainder of your tale, and if there’s whatever to it. ” “Yeah, yet how do i do know i will belief you? ” “You can belief me. The query that’s bothering me is whether or not i will be able to belief you. ” “I’m telling you what i do know. I can’t do larger than that. ” “You’re being gradual approximately it. move on. ” “Well, this actual get together attempted to select Lorrie—your wife—up like I stated. She acknowledged she used to be going domestic by myself, or whatever like that—I didn’t pay attention her targeted phrases. ” “This used to be the evening she was once killed? ” “Yeah, a couple of minutes prior to she left. She went out by way of herself, similar to I stated, and this celebration bought up and went out correct after her. I didn’t supply it a concept then, however it got here again to me whilst the law enforcement officials have been right here the following day. I knew the man had a automobile parked open air, and he may have long gone out after her to provide it one other attempt in the street. ” “Who is that this guy? ” “He’s a fellow that is available in the following occasionally. He was once simply one other reasonable grifter, yet he made handsome profit throughout the battle, and now he’s opened his personal cocktail front room over in Glendale. He’s nonetheless a criminal via. The soiled bastard promised me a task over there, after which he rotated and gave the bar to Lefty fast, a nance if I ever observed one. ” “I see. ” “What do you suggest? ” “You’re yes you’re no longer easily attempting to make hassle for him? ” “Honest to God, Mr. Taylor, difficulty is the very last thing i would like. You requested me to inform you whatever I knew, and that’s what I’m doing. For God’s sake, you won’t inform Garth I advised you? ” “Garth? Is that his identify? ” “Yeah, Burton Garth. yet you were given to vow you won’t inform him I informed you. I don’t recognize even if he had something to do with the homicide or no longer, but when he did I don’t wish any a part of it. ” “Unless it involves courtroom. Then you’ll need to be a witness. ” “Yeah, i suppose so,” he admitted reluctantly. “Do i am getting the opposite sixty? ” “If this Garth is a true lead. in a different way now not. ” Rollins tousled in annoyed rodent fury: “That’s now not what you instructed me. You promised me 100. ” “You’ll get the remainder after I see Garth. I informed you you could belief me. ” “Trust you? ” Rollins laughed hollowly. “You promised me 100 and slip me a measly 40.