Then Alverato came, and they could hear his footsteps when he was still at the end of the hall. He threw the door open and said, “You’re early, Pendy.”

Pendleton’s shoulder twitched, but he didn’t say anything at all.

“Let’s have a drink first. Who’s this, your shofer?” Alverato turned to Benny and looked him up and down. Benny looked back at him. He saw why they called him Big Al. He was big and fleshy with success, and the eyes were deceptively lazy in his red face. Alverato’s bulk was half fat. The other half was muscle.

“Blow, James.” Alverato waved at the door.

“He stays,” Pendleton said.

Alverato, who was reaching for a bottle, stopped his hand in mid-air. “What you say, Pendy?”

“He stays. Whatever you have to say can’t be as important as all that. I assume it’s the Ager business again. Am I correct?”

“Look, Pendleton. Don’t high-hat me. We got business together.” Then he turned to Benny. “All right, James, beat it.”

“He stays. And come to the point, Alverato. My time is limited.”

Alverato stared for a moment but he didn’t say a word. He was still holding a drink in his hand. With a sudden movement he slammed down the glass and took three steps to the door. He yanked open the door and yelled, “Birdie! Get over here! And bring two of the boys.” They could hear footsteps running before Alverato got back to the table.

The little guy with the thin head came chasing into the room and then two others, guns in their hands.

“All right, close the door. Stand over there and make an impression. Pendleton and I are playing games.” They stood as they were told and Alverato sat down. “Over here, Pendleton, and let’s get down to business.”

Pendleton didn’t move. Then Birdie walked over to his chair. Pendleton got up and took a chair by the table.