"What do you plan to do with him," Al asked. "I've seen Mahoney around, but know him only slightly and it seems that he runs a pretty tight ship."

"It won't be easy, but Mahoney's girlfriend is Harris' shack-up and favorite pastime, so we hope that we can nail him that way. It's just a shot in the dark, but that's the way we plan on working it."

Al was afraid that this is what they would have in mind, but he tried not to let his concern show on his face as he excused himself.

"Good luck, Joe. I hope I was some help, but it's your neck, so do what you think best."

"Yeah, thanks a lot… for listening anyway, I guess you're right. I'll keep you posted," he replied.

Al walked back to the table and sat down.

"Well, what's the verdict," Cynthia asked. "You don't look so happy. What did you find out?"

"It doesn't look good, I've got to tell you that. They plan on getting to Frankie through you and through Frankie to Harris. Looks as though they'll be hounding you first, so be on the lookout."

"Well… that's charming. Now I'll be afraid to walk outside without the fear of someone stopping me and taking me right in. Can they do that?" she asked hesitantly.

"Technically, they can bold you on suspicion of anything at all without proof for seventy-two hours, and in that time they can get pretty persuasive."

"You're so encouraging, Al," she said, trying to laugh, but her insides were churning from fright.

"Well, sweetheart, try to forget it for the time being. I don't think it's something that they're going to do right away. They've got to have pretty strong evidence before they make a move like that. Just play it cool and ride with the punches."

"Well, in that case I think I'll have another drink. Okay?" she said.

"Sure, anything you want," he answered and motioned for the waiter to bring another round.