Casey watched them go, still frowning absently and then dismissing the matter as he called for his check. As he went out he told Freddie the dinner was perfect, and when he got his hat and coat from Nancy Parks and put a fifty-piece piece in the slot, he told her to be sure that it went toward her dowry.

A taxi took him back to the bar and grill where he had left his car, and a few minutes later he found a parking place across the street from his apartment. Because his mind had been otherwise occupied for the past couple of hours, he did not think to look and see if Jerry Burton's car was still there. In fact, he did not think about Jerry Burton at all until he entered his living room and closed the door behind him. Only then, when his glance focused on the divan and saw that it was empty, did he remember his earlier problem.

Even from where he stood he could see the neatly folded blanket that he had spread over Burton, the pillow, the sheet of paper on top of it. Then he was striding across the room, his thoughts confused but the worry building swiftly inside him as he snatched up the note.

Jack:

Look in the wastebasket. I knew the only way I could beat you was to play possum, but it was a good try, kid, and I appreciate it.

J..

The wastebasket stood near the wall next to the divan, and the instant Casey picked it up he knew what had happened. The discarded papers inside were sodden, there was a glint of liquid at the bottom, and the smell of whisky was strong and distinct. He put the basket down distastefully, muttering softly and thoroughly disgusted with himself and his plan that had seemed so foolproof. For he remembered too well how he had brought back the loaded drinks to Burton and then returned to the kitchen to get weaker drinks for himself.