Jack looked at his plate: T-bone, baked potato, asparagus. “I always order large when the D.A.’s Office picks up the tab. Where’s Loew? I want him to see what he’s buying.”
Smith laughed; Jack eyed the cut of his suit: baggy, good camouflage–make me a stage Irishman, cover my .45 automatic, knuckle dusters and sap. “What’s Loew have in mind?”
Dudley checked his watch. “Yes, thirty-odd minutes of amenities should be a sufficient prelude to business on our grand savior’s birthday. Lad, what Ellis wants is to be district attorney of our fair city, then governor of California. He’s been a deputy D.A. for eight years, he ran for D.A. in ’48 and lost, there’s an off-year election coming up in March of ’53, and Ellis thinks he can win. He’s a vigorous prosecutor of criminal scum, he’s a grand friend to the Department, and despite his Hebraic genealogy I’m fond of him and think he’ll make a splendid district attorney. And, lad, you can help elect him. And make yourself a very valuable friend.”
The Mex he’d duked out–the whole deal might go wide. “I might need a favor pretty soon.”
“One which he’ll supply willingly, lad.”
“He wants me to run bag?”
“‘Bagman’ is a colloquialism I find offensive, lad. ‘Reciprocity of friendship’ is a more suitable phrase, especially given the splendid connections you have. But money is at the root of Mr. Loew’s request, and I’d be remiss in not stating that at the outset.”
Jack pushed his plate aside. “Loew wants me to shake down the _Badge of Honor_ guys. Campaign contributions.”
“Yes, and to keep that damnable _Hush-Hush_ scandal rag off his back. And since reciprocity is our watchword here, he has specific favors to grant in return.”
“Such as?”
Smith lit a cigarette. “Max Pelts, the producer of the show, has had tax trouble for years, and Loew will see to it that he never stands another audit. Brett Chase, whom you have so brilliantly taught to portray a policeman, is a degenerate pederast, and Loew will never prosecute him. Loew will contribute D.A.’s Bureau files to the show’s story editor and you will be rewarded thusly: Sergeant Bob Gallaudet, the D.A.’s Bureau whip, is going to law school, doing well and will be joining the D.A.’S Office as a prosecutor once he passes the bar. You will then be given the chance to assume his old position–along with a lieutenancy. Lad, does my proposal impress you?”
Jack took a smoke from Dudley’s pack. “Boss, you know I’d never leave Narco and you know I’m gonna say yes. And I just figured out that Loew’s gonna show up, give me a thank-you and not stay for dessert. So yes.”
Dudley winked; Ellis Loew slid into the booth. “Gentlemen, I’m sorry I’m so late.”
Jack said, “I’ll do it.”
“Oh? Lieutenant Smith has explained the situation to you?”
Dudley said, “Some lads don’t require detailed explanations.”
Loew fmgered his Phi Beta chain. “Thank you then, Sergeant. And if I can help you in any way, _any way at all_, don’t hesitate to call me.”
“I won’t. Dessert, sir?”
“I would like to stay, but I have depositions waiting for me. We’ll break bread another time, I’m sure.”
“Whatever you need, Mr. Loew.”
Loew dropped a twenty on the table. “Again, thank you. Lieutenant, I’ll talk to you soon. And gentlemen–Merry Christmas.”
Jack nodded; Loew walked off. Dudley said, “There’s more, lad.”
“More work?”
“Of sorts. Are you providing security at Welton Morrow’s Christmas party this year?”
His annual gig–a C-note to mingle. “Yeah, it’s tonight. Does Loew want an invitation?”
“Not quite. You did a large favor for Mr. Morrow once, did you not?”
October ’47–too large. “Yeah, I did.”
“And you’re still friendly with the Morrows?”
“In a hired-hand sort of way, sure. Why?”
Dudley laughed. “Lad, Ellis Loew wants a wife. Preferably a Gentile with a social pedigree. He’s seen Joan Morrow at various civic functions and fancies her. Will you play Cupid and ask fair Joan what she thinks of the idea?”
“Dud, are you asking me to get the future LA DA a fucking date?”
“I am indeed. Do you think Miss Morrow will be amenable?”