Page:Carmella-commands-ball.pdf/233

of City Hall. Whatever he says he didn’t do, he didn’t do it. Get me?”

“I get you, kid, and that’s good,” said Officer Dineen, nodding to reassure her. “And you’ll likely go on the witness stand and swear the same?”

“You bet I will. Why shouldn’t I? It’s God’s own truth.”

“No reason why not. But if they say he was helping Mike make hooch—what’d you say then?”

“What do you mean, helped make hooch? He never! All he did was help Mike⸺”

She saw the policeman’s eyes twinkle, and realized that she had been tricked into saying too much.

“That’s all right,” said Officer Dineen soothingly. “I ain’t looking up the hooch business. Just thought I’d⸺”

“Say!” interrupted Carmella. “What was Nick pinched for, anyway?”

“Robbing his employer,” said the officer. “Down to the Eclipse store. He’s been working in the delivery room Saturday afternoons. Made collections and kept ’em. Just plain stealing.”

Carmella stood, feet apart, like a boxer.

“What’s that, Mr. Cop? What’s that you say Nicolo did?”

“Stole money.”

“You lie!” she cried. “All cops are liars. You’re one.”