Nikolls said: 'Well... you know about it.' He considered for a moment. Then he said: 'I reckon Vane will be goddam sorry that he told you about that telephone message. It sorta puts you right on top of the heap, don't it?'
'Yes,' said Callaghan. 'It puts me right on top of the heap.'
'An' I reckon that Desiray is a mug to argue with you,' said Nikolls. 'That baby oughta want to be nice and friendly with you— that is if she's got any sense.'
Callaghan said: 'Maybe she'll get some sense.'
Nikolls nodded. He called to the henna-haired one; ordered two double bacardis. She came from the other end of the bar. She said:
'Look, Mister Nikolls, I always...'
'You always try to be fair,' interrupted Nikolls, 'an' we've had a whole lot of liquor, an' you're restricted about what you sell, an' w
