Broadway Bounty

Chapter Eight

Decker found Billy Rosewood still waiting in front of the hotel.

“Are you in trouble with the police, Mr. Decker?” he asked.

“I picked up a bullet last night without paying for it.”

“A bullet? From where?”

“From that little gun you got me.”

“Well, don’t blame me,” Rosewood said. “I didn’t think you were going to shoot yourself with it.”

“I didn’t—It’s a long story, Billy. Wait for me here. I’ve got to check at the desk.”

Decker went inside and approached the desk.

“Are there any telegraph messages for me?”

“Mr. Decker? Yes, sir.” The man turned, took an envelope out of his box and slid it across the desk to Decker.

“Thank you.”

“Uh, Mr. Decker,” the man said, “we have another room available if you like—”

“No. The one I have is fine.”

“But the incident—”

“The incident was my fault. I should watch who I let into my room.”

“That’s very kind of you, sir.”

“Forget it.”

Decker went out to Rosewood’s cab and said, “Let’s go for a ride. I don’t know where yet. I’ll let you know.”

“You’re the boss.”

Decker got into the cab, and Rosewood climbed up top and got started. Decker opened the envelope and read Duke’s telegram.

DECKER,

PAPER ON READY RECENT. KILLED THREE PEOPLE UNDER THREE DIFFERENT NAMES. READY IS REAL NAME. DON’T KNOW MUCH ABOUT HIM, PERSONALLY.

SAY HELLO TO BOOKMAN FOR ME. 483 BROOME STREET. ENJOY NEW YORK.

DUKE

Decker stuck his head out of the window and shouted up to Rosewood. “You know where Broome Street is?”

“Course!”

“Four-eight-three,” Decker called out.

“Right,” Rosewood said, waving a hand.