“That happens, Harry.”

“Yeah, but I’ve got a suspicious mind. If the betting had been normal, but it wasn’t. Well, we get taken once in a while, you know that, and what can you do? But I like to know what’s happening to me so it won’t happen again. That’s what I wanted you to look into, this quarterback. What kind of car does he drive? Does he have a safe-deposit box, and what’s in it?”

Shayne scraped his thumb along his stubbled jaw. “Harry, you’re talking about Johnny Black. He’s All-American. These days the pros are handing out bonuses of a hundred thousand and up, and he’s going to get offers. How much would you have to pay him to take that kind of chance in his last college game? Too damn much.”

“I could be wrong,” Harry admitted. “What time is it?”

Shayne looked at his watch. “Five of eight.”

“There’s a sports program at eight, highlights of the games. See what you think.”

Doc Waters came in from the hall. “Well, I had a hell of a time locating Goldstein, but he says he’ll be with you in fifteen minutes. Look, I know you’re feeling lousy, Harry, but before he gets here. I told you what I’m up against. There’s a time element.”

Harry’s head made a small rotating motion and his eyes closed for an instant. He blinked hard.

“I said I’d cover you. I consider that a contract. But don’t irritate me.”

Theo came in with bottles and glasses on a large tray. Shayne took the tray from her and put it on a low table.

“I couldn’t find the brandy he was talking about,” she said. “I hope this will do. Will you make your own?”

She poured a little whiskey in a tall glass, adding ice and considerable soda. “And I’m taking no responsibility for this, Harry.”