Barely Legal

45

When Carlo got back to the office, Mario was going over the account of Martin Kendrick, who had no idea why he was there. Mr. Kendrick was a steady customer who had borrowed small amounts of money over the years, and had always paid it back on time if not sooner. Mario was looking up the instances in which Martin Kendrick had been early with his payments, and giving him credit in each case. This totally baffled Mr. Kendrick, who couldn’t help feeling he had done something wrong.

Martin Kendrick had a right to be confused, because he was actually there for no good reason, at least not involving Mario’s accounts. He was there solely to provide Mario with an alibi for Yvette’s murder. Mario didn’t need an alibi, but he always liked to have one. It was kind of like insurance. If he had one, he wouldn’t need one.

Carlo barged in and said, “You wanted me, boss?”

Mario looked up and smiled. “Yes, yes. We’re almost done here. Good work, Mr. Kendrick. I need more customers like you. Would you mind waiting outside for a moment? I need to talk to Carlo here.”

From his expression, Kendrick expected to be whacked. His hand was shaking as he opened the door.

“So, how did it go?” Mario said.

Carlo shrugged. “Smooth as silk.”

“Did he recognize you before you put him out?”

“Didn’t have to put him out. Guy was out when we got there.”

“Are you sure?”

“Oh, yeah.”

“You’re sure he wasn’t faking?”

“Believe me, he was out. He looked like he’d been drugged. Hell, I thought he was dead.”

Mario nodded. “Did you make the phone call?”

“No. I came here.”

“Make the phone call.” Mario rolled his eyes and jerked his thumb at the corridor. “I’d like to send this guy home before he bores me to death.”

Carlo left Mario to wrap up his non-meeting with Martin Kendrick, and went out to make the call. Working pay phones were scarce, but Carlo had scoped one out that afternoon on the corner of Thirty-sixth and Ninth. It was still working, no sure thing for a street phone. Carlo got a dial tone and called 911.

“I’d like to report a domestic disturbance on Park Avenue.”