The Protection Racket

"I didn't know about that," Trina says, her eyes wide.

"I didn't want you and the other girls to worry." The cynic in me suspects that this was not out of the kindness of his heart, but because he was concerned that the girls might be too frightened to go on working. So I'm not surprised when he adds: "Don't say anything about this to the others, OK?"

"Couldn't you have pretended that your girls were making less than they were?" I suggest.

"Too risky to do that to any great extent. Their information is excellent. They will have a pretty good idea of how much my girls earn."

He adds: "Naturally I'll be delighted if your evidence puts an end to Gustave's operation. Though I'm afraid that, if it does, before too long some other gang will move in to take advantage...

1. "So you're welcome to stay here for what's left of the night. I - or rather Trina - can probably find you something a bit better to wear too, though you'll understand that there's unlikely to be anything that's over-modest in this house."
2. "But I'm sorry, I daren't let you stay here till morning. If you delay leaving till it's light, there's too much risk of your being spotted and word getting back to Gustav. I daren't cross him."
3. I butt in: "Can you give me the names of the men who collect the money for him?"
4. Before Max can say any more, there is a loud banging on the door.

Add New Option

Go Back

View Forward Story Tree
View Back Story Tree