"Well, that may not be a bad idea under the circumstances," he continued. "I hate to throw a monkey wrench into the whole thing, but I'm afraid that I've got some bad news."

Her face clouded and she was almost afraid to ask what had happened. Al had never bothered her with petty rumors and was not the type that delighted in making problems for other people.

"What's the matter? Is it something with Frankie," she implored.

"Well, you know what I told you the other day about Joe Flanagan's little investigation on Harris and how you may tie in with him. It seems that that little bastard has dug up some dirt or paid some people to say that you have been swinging not only with Frankie and Harris, but with just about anyone else who has the price."

She looked at him in disbelief, her eyes welling up with tears.

"I know that I've been far from perfect, but I've never been a working girl per se."

"I'm afraid that the local gendarmes aren't about to believe that especially since they have records of some of your recent purchases in the local stores and quite frankly, it is way over what you could possibly be making in a square job."

"Well, what can they do? Are they going to arrest me? What's going to happen, I've got to know!" she begged.

"Honey, I'm not sure what they're going to do, but if I were you I wouldn't be seen going into Harris' apartment for some time. They have a tail on him and unfortunately, it involves your tail."

She shook her head, not knowing what she should say, what she should do. Sure she had taken money from Harris, but that had been just to help Frankie out when he was short.

"You've been giving money to Frankie, right? The money you got from Harris, except for the little bit you stashed?" he asked.

She nodded, not able to speak, the words stuck in her throat and her tongue felt thick.