New York Dead

many children and dogs do I have to murder?”
    “It’s a straightforward bedroom job, that’s all.”
    Teddy laughed aloud. “Straightforward? Shit, the last bedroom job I did, the woman flew out of the bed and nearly bit my ear off!”
    “Those are the risks you take, Teddy.”
    “That they are, lad. What’s the setup?”
    Stone explained about the apartment building. “There are only two apartments to a floor; you’ll be booked into 9-B. The wife will be across a vestibule in 9-A. You let yourself in — late, I’m advised — find the bedroom, wake the occupants, and take their picture.” He opened the aluminum case and showed Teddy how the camera worked. “You switch on the light; the camera is autofocus, so you just point and shoot. Make sure you get good shots of both faces, and show us a little flesh, if you can. The juicier the better.” “I think I understand your needs,” Teddy said. “And I’ve used this camera before. Is there anything else I should know?”
    Stone shook his head. “If there’s trouble, don’t hurt anybody; if you’re apprehended, say nothing and call me. My client will cover any costs. If a case against you comes to anything, there’ll be another five thousand for you, if you do the right thing.” “Don’t worry, I’m not getting myself apprehended, and if I do, I’ll take the rap. Nobody’ll trace me back to you. Can I get a look at the place ahead of time?”
    Stone shook his head. “I don’t want the concierge to see you twice. I’ll look it over myself.”
    “That’s okay with me.”
    “Good. When you’ve done the job, take a cab to P. J. Clarke’s and have a drink at the bar. Make sure nobody’s after you. I’ll be there, and, when I’m sure you’re clear, I’ll leave an envelope above the urinal in the men’s room with the five grand in it. You go in immediately after me, leave the camera case, take the money, and go home. That’s it.” Teddy nodded. “Sounds fine.”
    “I don’t want you recognized, Teddy. What can you do about that?”
    Teddy put on his hat, took a pair of heavy, black-rimmed glasses from his coat pocket, put them on, then produced a fat cigar and stuck it in his mouth, distorting his face.
    Stone laughed. “Good. Simple and good. Oh, and wear your best suit. You want to look prosperous.”
    Teddy nodded. “When is it?”
    “Probably this week. Stay loose, and I’ll give you as much notice as I can. You can pick up the camera stuff here, on your way.” Stone gave him a hundred-dollar bill. “Here’s cab fare.”
    Teddy shook his hand at the door. “Thanks, Stone. I’ll do it right for you.”
    Stone hadn’t the slightest doubt he would.

Chapter
36

    “Your name is Willoughby,” Eggers said. “Just check in with the concierge, and he’ll give you the key to 9-B. I gave you the key to 9-A, but be careful, there may be somebody in residence.” “Okay,” Stone replied.
    “I take it you found your man.”
    “I did. He’s waiting for my call.”
    “Looks like Friday night.”
    Stone breathed a sigh of relief. He hadn’t wanted this to interfere with his Saturday night with Cary. “All right. When will we know for sure?”
    “Maybe not until that day. You sure you have to go to the building yourself?”
    “Yes. I don’t want my man seen there more than once, and, anyway, I’m in no way at risk today.”
    “Okay, it’s your call.”

    The building was a small postwar apartment building in the East Sixties that had been refurbished for its current purpose. An elderly man in a blue suit was behind the desk.
    “Good afternoon,” Stone said. “My name is Willoughby; I believe I’m expected.”
    The man consulted a list. “Yes, Mr. Willoughby, you’re in 9-B. You just need it for the afternoon, I believe?”
    “Not even that. I just needed a place to do a little work, and they were kind enough to offer me the apartment.”
    The man produced a key. “To your right as you leave the elevator. Do you have any luggage?”
    “Just my briefcase,” Stone said, holding it up. “Is there anybody using the apartment next door? I may have to do some shouting on the telephone.” He smiled.
    “Shout all you like,” the man said. “9-A is empty at the moment.”
    Stone thanked the man and went to the elevator. When he got off, he put an ear to the door of 9-A and listened for a long moment. No sound. He let himself into 9-B and looked around. The place was handsomely, if impersonally furnished, with