A second rapping at the door caused them to exchange glances. Jaro went
to the door, opened it. The pianist at the gardens was framed in the
entrance. His black eyes burned holes in his pale boyish face. His
white suit was blotched with sweat and dirt.
"They told me Mr. Peet was here," he said.
"It's for you," said Jaro over his shoulder.
Mr. Peet came to the door. "Hello, Stanley. I thought Hodes had you?
Where's Miss Mikail?"
"I got away. Look, Mr. Peet, I got to see you alone."
Albert Peet said, "Would you excuse me, Mr. Moynahan?" He licked his
lips. "I'll just step out into the hall a moment." He went out, drawing
the door shut after him.
Jaro lit a cigarette. He padded nervously back and forth across the
room, his bare feet making no noise. He sat down on the edge of the
bed. He got up and ground out the cigarette. He went to the door, but
did not open it. Instead, he took another turn about the room. Again he
came to a halt before the door, pressed his ear against the panel. For
a long time he listened but could distinguish no murmur of voices. With
an oath he threw open the door. The hall was empty.