Part 20 (2/2)

Lynch nodded slowly. ”Ten to one?” he said. ”Want to make that a money bet? Or does the FBI frown on gambling?”

”Ten dollars to your one,” Malone said. ”Okay?”

”Made,” Lynch said. ”You've got the bet--just for the h.e.l.l of it, understand.”

”Oh, sure,” Malone said.

”And where can I call you to collect?”

Malone shook his head. ”You can't,” he said. ”I'll call you.”

”I will wait with anxiety,” Lynch said. ”But it had better be before eight. I get off then.”

”If I can make it,” Malone said.

”If you can't,” Lynch said, ”call me at home.” He gave Malone the number, and then added, ”Whatever information I get, I can keep for my own use this time, can't I?”

”h.e.l.l,” Malone said, ”you've already got all the information you're going to get. I just gave it to you.”

”That,” Lynch said, ”we'll see.”

”I'll call to collect my money,” Malone said.

”Well talk about it later,” Lynch said. ”Farewell, old pal.”

”Flights of angels,” Malone said, ”sing thee to thy rest.”

Malone replaced the microphone and headed for the door. Halfway there, however, he stopped. He hadn't had any tequila in a long time, and he thought he owed it to himself. He felt he had come out ahead in his exchange with Lynch, and another medal was in order.

Only a small one, though. He told himself that he would order one tequila and quit. Besides, he had to meet Dorothy.

He sat down on one of the tall bar stools. The bartender bustled over and eyed him speculatively.

_”Tequila con limon,”_ he said negligently.

”Ah,” the bartender said. _”Si, senor.”_

Malone waited with ill-concealed impatience. At last it arrived, Malone took the small gla.s.s of tequila in his right hand, with the slice of lemon held firmly between the index and middle fingers of the same hand, the rind facing in toward the gla.s.s. On the web between the thumb and forefinger of his left hand he had sprinkled a little salt.

Moving adroitly and with dispatch, he downed the tequila, licked off the salt, and bit his teeth into the lemon slice.

It felt better than good; it felt wonderful. He hadn't had such a good time in years.

He had three more before he left the Xochitl.

Then, noticing the time, he moved in a hurry and got out of the bar before temptation overcame him and he started ordering still more. It was nearly six o'clock, and he had to meet Dorothy at Topp's.

He hoped he could find it.

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