Harry’s connection had refused to come out to The Club to discuss the matter, but had agreed to meet them at their old watering hole, the Hotel Plaza lounge. Not surprisingly, the Legionnaires were well remembered at that establishment, and part of Phule’s nervousness was that he was afraid their supplier would be scared off if Bombest or any of the rest of the hotel staff were talking to them when he arrived.
“How are things going with the inventory?” he inquired, more to make conversation than anything else. “Are you going to be ready by next week?”
“Ready anytime you are, Cap’n.” The sergeant grinned. “Just be sure to wear one of your old uniforms. Physical inventories can get kinda dusty.”
“Oh, I’m not going to be doing the audit.”
“Yer not?” Harry scowled. “You mean my boys have been doin’ all that prep work for nothin’?”
“Not exactly,” the commander said. “I’ve asked Sushi to handle the first couple rounds with you.”
“Sushi? Aw, c’mon, Cap’n. That’s not exactly fair.”
Sushi’s partner, Do-Wop, had proved to be less than discreet when it came to bragging about his crony’s criminal achievements. As a result, that notable’s history as an embezzler was already legend throughout the company.
“Think of it as setting a poacher to catch a poacher, C.H.” Phule smiled. “I figure he knows more about what to watch for than I do. Of course, I’ll be spot-checking his work as well.”
“But don’t you think … Uh-oh. Here comes trouble.”
Phule followed his sergeant’s gaze. Chief Goetz had just entered the lounge and was making a beeline for their table.