Fred began to protest but Dean continued to knock.
"What's a matter? The coffee pot busted?"
"Yeah, come on."
A few minutes later in Uncle Sally's Galley on Butler Street, Fred was hiding behind his menu, embarrassed to be out in public before shaving. However, as soon as Dean explained his suspicions concerning the bugging of their phone, he captured Fred's full attention.
"Son of a six-shooter!" Fred said as coffee and English muffins were served. "Here I go doing their work for 'em. I should have known."
"I know. It happens in all your books. But we're going to beat them at their own game. This afternoon, after work, I'll call you, disguising my voice. I'll tell you I have information where Jeffrey Byrne is and get you to meet me at 7:00 at Willoughby's."
"Yeah," said Fred, "Willoughby's Bar, on Diamond Street."
"If someone is listening, they'll go there too. Only I'll already be sitting there on a bar stool."
"What happens if they're from out of town-like Nota-and don't know where Willoughby's is? I got a better idea! How about I come down there just before seven so's they can follow me in case they don't know where it is. You can still be there, but this way we're sure they'll find the place."
"I thought we decided you were strictly an inside man from now on. I don't want to see you take any risk."
"There ain't no risk! Hells bells, why would they bop me on the head when all I'm doing is leading them to someone who's supposed to know where Byrne is?"
Much as Dean had misgivings and knew he was being manipulated, Fred's suggestion made sense, and he reluctantly agreed to let the old man lead the prey to him. He was beginning to feel melodramatic about the whole thing, as if he were playacting one of Fred's grade "B" thrillers. But then the seriousness of the matter began to sink in. While he knew he should report his suspicion of being bugged, he feared having to answer questions about his clandestine work in the Byrne matter. Better to be sure before going public.
"And, for God's sake, be careful Fred!" he said. "I just want to get a look at who's bugging the phone. That's all."
The two men downed a second cup of coffee as Dean brought Fred up to date, relating his phone conversation with Cece Baldwin. They both agreed-Dean still reluctantly-that the money was one more indication that Jeffrey Byrne was among the living. Unfortunately, it was another dead end. Fred said he'd check the maps and list all the Burlington locations he could find but neither was sure what that information would tell them. Then it was Fred's turn to update.