The Rolling Bootlegs Read Online Free PDF Page A

found out about the paper bag.”
    “Why’d you leave a guy like that on the loose?”
    “We had eyewitness testimony, but no real clincher. We were planning to step things up by using an officer as a decoy and catching him red-handed.” Edward took a big puff of his cigar.
    “…And then I showed up?”
    “That’s about the size of it. Frankly, if it hadn’t been one of you people, we would have sent someone through casual-like and made sure you stayed safe, but…”
    “…So you had your eye on that from the beginning. That’s a nice little hobby you’ve got. Were you watching an altercation where somebody might have gotten killed like it was a boxing match or something? …I bet you ate your way through most of your popcorn, didn’t you?”
    “And because we agree, we’re overlooking your
excessive use of force
for you.”
    “I’m so obliged I can’t stop crying.”
    “You know, personally, I wouldn’t have minded a bit if you’d gotten yourself shivved and died, but… That was a very impressive dodge.”
    “When somebody’s panhandling in a deserted spot like that, you keep your guard up. Then there was that obviously suspicious paper bag. …I’m lucky he didn’t have a gun in there.”
    “Oho? Then why didn’t you just ignore him?”
    He posed a very natural question.
    “I didn’t feel like it today. If he had been just a panhandler, I was going to give him some money… Hey, why are you trying to pick a fight with me, anyway?”
    “Remember what I said? The culprit only went for people with fat wallets. He only tried for scores that were worth the risk of stabbing somebody in broad daylight and making a run for it. See, I couldn’t believe a brat who’s not even twenty yet would have a fortune like that…”
    This was sarcasm: Edward clearly knew he had it.
    “…So, what? You’re going to take me in for theft or tax evasion?”
    A sharp light had come into Firo’s eyes.
    “Ha! Is that a joke? Who’d need to beat around the bush like that for a two-bit punk like you? Even if you were at the top of your ‘syndicate,’ a weak little outfit like that is nothing but bait for everybody else! The only reason it’s still around is because it’s so unappetizing no one even looks at it!”
    “—One more word, and I’ll take it as an insult.” Firo spoke briefly and flatly.
    Just as the boy was wondering how to get rid of this guy, someone called his name again. This voice was kind and calm, the exact opposite of Edward’s.
    “There you are, Firo.”
    A tall, mild-looking man with glasses stood at the border of the broad street, where Edward had appeared a short while earlier. In the light that flooded in from the avenue, his pale, brown hair shone like gold. At first glance, he could have been taken for someone Edward’s age, but the vague atmosphere the man wore made it difficult to discern how old he was.
    “We were going to meet at this hat shop, weren’t we? You didn’t come. I was worried, and then I heard your voice out here…”
    Although there was no telling what he was so happy about, he beamed a startlingly bright smile.
    However, as if in exchange, at the sight of that effusive expression, Edward’s conceited smirk disappeared completely.
    “You’re…”
    “Maiza! Oh… I’m sorry. I got pulled into some trouble…”
    Firo’s attitude was the polar opposite of what he’d shown Edward, the assistant inspector. He hastily straightened his collar and stood tall, correcting the slight slump his shoulders had settled into.
    On the other hand, Edward glowered and stubbed out his cigar on the brick wall.
    “Maiza Avaro. Well, well. Fancy meeting the Martillo Family
contaiuolo
in a place like this…”
    There was tension in Edward’s voice. In contrast, Maiza returned his greeting with a disarming grin.
    “Erm…… Ah. If it isn’t Assistant Inspector Edward. You seem to be in exceptionally good humor today.”
    It was a pretty ironic way to greet someone