Read 1944 - Just the Way It Is for Free Online

things about you and I was expecting a . . . gangster.’
    Harry Duke looked mildly surprised. ‘I hope you’re not disappointed,’ he said. ‘I can understand why Pete hasn’t introduced me before.’ He glanced at Peter. ‘I don’t know how you do it. What’s the secret of your charm?’
    Peter beckoned to the barman. ‘She’s just a dope,’ he said, pleased. ‘It’s easy with her.’
    ‘The drinks are on me,’ Duke said, as the barman came up, ‘What’ll you have?’
    When the drinks had been set up, Peter said, ‘This is a pretty nice place. I’ve never been in here before.’
    Duke grunted, ‘It’s all right. Bellman’s been in the game for years. He’s got a gambling room upstairs.’ He glanced at Clare. ‘Would that interest you?’
    ‘No.’ Clare held the thin-stemmed glass near her lips and spoke over the amber liquid. ‘I don’t gamble.’
    ‘Everyone gambles,’ Duke said, looking at her with intent eyes. He found she was oddly disconcerting. ‘Not always for money, but everyone gambles.’
    She looked away. ‘Do they?’ she said. Her voice had gone a little flat.
    ‘Of course. They gamble for happiness, they gamble for position, for their homes, for their jobs. Surely you believe that?’
    Peter said, ‘Harry’s got a theory, but you mustn’t take him seriously.’
    She said. ‘The people you’re talking about have the gamble forced on them. They are not the same as the people upstairs, who deliberately risk their money.’
    ‘You don’t approve of gambling?’ There was a faint irony in Duke’s voice.
    She shook her head. ‘No.’
    ‘You mustn’t forget that Clare is a crusader. Don’t you read her column in the Clarion ?’ Peter said, calling for another round of drinks.
    Harry Duke shook his head. ‘No,’ he said. ‘What’s the matter with the Clarion ?’ He looked at Clare.
    Clare lifted her shoulder. ‘I’m afraid it’s like Fairview. A little tired and scared of a fight.’
    ‘A live newspaper could do a lot for that town,’ Duke said. ‘I’d like to take the Clarion over.’
    Clare suddenly felt angry. ‘It is already practically controlled by one of your gambling friends,’ she said, sharply. ‘That’s the reason why it doesn’t fight.’
    Duke laughed. ‘You’ve got me wrong,’ he said. ‘I’m as keen to clean up Bentonville as you are. You ask Pete, he’ll tell you.’
    Peter finished his drink. ‘He’s quite right,’ he said. ‘Harry’s a natural gambler, he doesn’t approve of this mass invasion. I shouldn’t be surprised if, one of these days, he doesn’t start a crusade himself.’
    Clare looked a little blank. ‘But, why don’t you?’ she demanded. ‘If you feel like that?’
    Duke put his glass gently on the polished bar. ‘It’s not so easy,’ he said. ‘I’ve got to find an excuse to start. You know how strong this organization is. It’ll want a lot of busting. The only way is to isolate the ringleaders, get rid of them first and then move in on the smaller fry. But, getting the men who count will be a tough job. A lot of guys will get shot before it’s done.’
    ‘I believe you could do it by appealing to the people. If you get rid of this political group, the town could be swept clean. Violence will never get you anything except into trouble.’
    Duke shrugged. ‘I favour my idea,’ he said. ‘Every election has been rigged up to now and they’ll go on rigging it.’ He glanced at the wall clock. ‘It’s getting late. Let’s eat!’
    When they had found their table and sat down, Clare said, ‘Do you know a man called Timson, Mr. Duke?’
    Peter broke in, ‘Now, for the love of Mike, Clare, call him Harry.’
    ‘Leave her alone,’ Duke said, sensing Clare’s embarrassment. ‘She can call me what she likes.’
    Peter groaned. ‘Oh, heck! I believe you two hate each other,’ he said, in mock despair.
    ‘No, we don’t,’ Duke returned. ‘Do we, Clare?’ Again he felt the slight thickening in