"Be that as it may," Carstairs asserted slowly, "you betrayed the gang
tonight. At the best you acted irresponsibly." His words came slower
still. "Your irresponsibility lost us a wad of dough." He paused for a
long cruel moment. "You're out, Mitz.
"Out," Carstairs repeated.
"Definitely," Llewellyn agreed. "Yeah," Buck said, rubbing Ortie's lean
snoot.
Phil put his elbows on the table. "Gentlemen," he said quietly, "you
say you are out a wad of dough? I am in a position to remedy that."
Carstairs looked at him with mild irritation and raised his open hand.
Phil smiled and advanced his cheek. "I am seeking a jewel beyond
price," he continued. "In order to obtain it, I intend tonight to
burgle the premises of Fun Incorporated. I am willing to let you help
me."
At the mention of Fun Incorporated, Buck turned his head at least half
an inch, while Carstairs almost blinked.
"You have rather big ideas, don't you?" Llewellyn remarked quietly.
"Yeah," Buck agreed with a yawn, "he maybe could have picked an easier
place."
Carstairs asked Mitzie softly, "You did say he was one of your father's
nuts, didn't you?"
Mitzie started to reply, but Phil interposed blandly, "I know a private
way into Fun Incorporated, right through Billig's office. It'll be
simple. You needn't worry about the wasps."