What's in It for Me? Read Online Free Page A

the smartest,” he agreed.
    â€œThat calls for some kind of gesture,” I said. I grinned at him again as I took out the cigar he had given me and handed it back. “Try this,” I said, “I hear they’re made up special.”
    â€œThanks,” he said, slipping it into his breast pocket without cracking a smile. “I’ll smoke it after dinner.”

3.
    I DIDN’T SEE HIM go into the restaurant, but I could tell by the clock above the door that he should be coming out in a few minutes.
    Keeping track of Seventh Avenue characters was like seeing the animals in the zoo at feeding time. All you had to do was know their habits and you could predict exactly where they’d be at any hour of the day. From twelve-thirty to one they were on the sidewalk in front of Schrafft’s, telling each other how good business was or how bad it was going to be. From one o’clock to two they were inside, buying lunches for buyers and telling them how good they were and how bad other buyers were. From two to two-thirty, depending on how early or late they had started, they came shooting out through the revolving door, waving good-by to each other and rushing off down the street so they could get back to their showrooms in a hurry and start the same process all over again.
    Promptly at two o’clock I took up my post on the sidewalk and began to sun myself. I didn’t get into any conversations, but I got a few quick double looks and was responsible for several “Don’t look now, but” huddles. I grinned to myself and pulled my coat down a little in front.
    It was ten after two when the revolving door spilled him out into the street. If it had been any other kind of door, I might have missed him because he was so short and thin that two people standing on either side of him could blot him out completely. Then the crowd parted and he came bouncing along jauntily toward me. I dropped my cigarette and fell into step beside him.
    â€œHello, Teddy,” I said.
    He stopped and stared and his hard little face squeezed up tight until the long nose stuck out over his thin lips like a toothpick from a cocktail olive.
    â€œWell, Jesus Christ,” he said, “if it isn’t the boy wonder.”
    â€œThe same,” I admitted. “A little older, and maybe a little smarter, but the same.”
    â€œMaybe?” he said. “What do you mean, maybe? You must be slipping, Bogen. Any time you go around saying you got any doubts about the fact that you’re getting smarter, you’re slipping, boy.”
    I grinned at him and took his arm.
    â€œSure, I’m slipping,” I said, “up.”
    He freed his arm and we began to walk up Broadway together.
    â€œWell,” he said, “so far I’ve only got your word for that.”
    Before long, he’d have a lot more.
    â€œThe hell with me,” I said. “Let’s talk about you, Teddy. How’re you doing? What’s with you?”
    â€œCan the crap, Harry,” he said. “You didn’t come looking for me to find out about my health. I know you from the old days. What do you want?”
    â€œHonestly, Teddy,” I said, “that’s a hell of a way to talk. Can’t a guy look up his old partner and ask him how things are going with him without being right away accused of—?”
    â€œAll right,” he said in a bored voice, “if it’s going to make you any happier, Harry, I’m doing very well. I’m in business for myself and it’s terrific. My health is wonderful, too. In fact, since I left you, Harry, everything has been fine. Until a minute ago, anyway. Now you satisfied?”
    â€œPerfectly,” I said. “Maybe you don’t believe me, Teddy, but—”
    â€œI don’t,” he said.
    I laughed and pushed his shoulder gently.
    â€œStill the same Teddy, eh?” I said. “Still worried the whole world is out to