“Which is exactly the problem. In a very real way, you’ve brought this on yourself.”

Ness rose to his feet, his face uncomprehending. “What are you saying?”

“I’m saying this is your own fault. You courted the press. You used them to make your name, both in Chicago and here. You gave yourself a high profile. If you were less known, there would be no story. But when a shadow falls on the famed gangbuster, the press circle like vultures.”

“I never courted the press. They always came to me.”

“Let’s not play word games, Eliot. I warned you a long time ago that you had no head for politics. And now politics are going to eat you alive.”

“It’s this blasted investigation that’s eating me. I never wanted it. I tried to avoid it.”

“Did you, Eliot? Did you really? Wasn’t there even some small part of you that said, Hey, I nabbed Capone. I can bring in this murderer, too?”

“No.”

“Did you envision the headlines? The accolades? NESS SAVES CITY FROM THE MAD BUTCHER. That had to be tempting.”

“You’re totally wrong.”

“Maybe you aren’t content with the Office of the Safety Director. Maybe you saw this as your ticket to greater things. Maybe you fancied a run for mayor.”

“You’re barking up the wrong tree.”

“Doesn’t matter. The important thing is that you drop this business with Sweeney’s cousin.”

“I’ve already released him. I don’t even know where he is. His lawyer seems to have spirited him away.”

“I think it would be best if you offered Congressman Sweeney a formal apology.”

“What?”

“I’m not the only one who thinks so. I’ve talked to the others and they agree.”

Ness fell back into his chair. “I don’t believe it. You want me to apologize to that man? After everything he’s done and said?”

“Doesn’t have to be anything formal. Definitely don’t put anything down on paper. Just call the man up. Scratch his ears a little bit. Might do more than just smooth over this current kerfuffle. Might work to your advantage in the long run.” He paused. “Especially if you have political ambitions.”

“I will not apologize to that blowhard.”

“Eliot.” The Banker leaned against the edge of Ness’s desk. “Maybe I need to make myself clearer. This is not merely a request. This is something we want you to do.”

“Are you giving me an order?”

“We’re asking for a favor. After all we’ve given you-our support, our money-it seems little enough to give us in return.”

“I’m sorry. I won’t do it. For all I know, Sweeney’s cousin really is the killer.”

The Banker sighed heavily, shaking his head. “Then I’m sorry, Eliot. If that’s the way you’re going to be about it-I’m afraid this is the end of the Unknowns. We’re not going to continue to fund an operation that might prove… embarrassing.”

“You’re scared of Sweeney?”

“We’re businessmen, Eliot. Businessmen during the hardest economic crisis this nation has ever faced. We can’t afford to get on the wrong side of a congressman.”

“I don’t believe it.”

“Doesn’t look to me as if our money has accomplished much anyway. Your man is no closer to solving this case than you are. Nothing personal, Eliot-but I think you should have stayed at the Treasury Department.”

“The mayor hired me to clean up this city.”

“The mayor hired you because he thought he would get favorable coverage and it would fulfill his promise to be a Reform mayor. But he’s been distancing himself, Eliot.”

“What?”

“Surely you’ve noticed. If you’d brought in the killer, fine, he’d reclaim you as his own. But you haven’t.” He shook his head. “If I were you, I’d start looking for another job. Before it’s a necessity.”

“I got rid of the crooked cops, the labor racketeers. Brought juvenile crime down to nearly nothing. Reduced traffic fatalities to a tenth what they were. I have been a good safety director!”

“But that isn’t the point, is it? When are you going to see that? You’re only as good as your last success. And one mistake can erase everything.”

Ness’s fists clenched. “I have done all I could think of to solve this case.”

“Maybe so.” The Banker took his hat off the rack. “But as long as people keep on dying, that’s not going to be enough.”

The Banker left the office without saying another word.

Ness grabbed the phone, furious. The Banker thought he could be fired, after all he’d done? Ridiculous. He’d been a huge plus to the mayor’s administration. Accomplished more than all the previous safety directors combined. And he was still following up leads on the Torso Killer. It was only a matter of time…

The operator connected him with the mayor’s office.

“Eliot Ness. I need to speak to the mayor. Immediately.”

“Just a moment.”

The line went silent. About a minute later, the female voice returned.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Ness. The mayor isn’t able to speak with you right now.”

“When will he be able to speak to me?”

“The mayor was unable to give me a time.”

“Well, look at his calendar. When will he be free?”

There was a moment of hesitation. “I don’t think he’s ever going to be free… for you, Mr. Ness.”

“What the heck does that mean?” Ness said, practically shouting into the phone.

She cleared her throat. “I believe it means that the mayor doesn’t wish to speak to you.”

“But I need to talk to him!”

“I’m afraid that won’t be possible.”

“Just tell him that I-”

The line disconnected in midsentence.

Ness threw the receiver down so hard it bounced against the cradle and flew off the side of his desk. What had happened? How had the world turned upside down so quickly? All he did was interrogate a man he thought might be the killer. What was wrong with these people?

He was breathing hard and fast, barely able to catch his breath, sweating profusely. What was happening? He’d stayed cool when the moonshiners were after him with their squirrel guns, but now he was getting palpitated by these bankers and politicians.

He glanced at his watch. It was past dinnertime.

Edna. Good grief-for a while there he’d thought their relationship was improving. But since Merylo brought him Sweeney…

How many days had it been since he’d spoken to her, much less come home? He couldn’t even remember.

He should go see her, now. There was no point in staying here. He had nothing to do and any more work on this case might blow up in his face. He’d go home and see Edna and make up for all the time spent apart while he tried to make the city better for these ungrateful people. He’d call her right now and tell her he was heading home.

He placed the call. The phone rang. No answer.

He let it ring ten times. Still no answer.

Where could she possibly be this time of night? On a weekday. It didn’t make any sense. Unless…

Unless she’d finally done it. Unless she’d had enough and gone and done it.

Without even having a conscious thought, he reached for the bottom desk drawer, pulled it open, and removed the flask.

He sipped at first. The warm liquid coated his throat. He could feel his respiration returning to normal. His breathing was back under control.

He heard Chamberlin approaching seconds before he opened the door. He barely had time to get the flask back in the drawer before he entered.

“Boss?” Chamberlin did a double take. “Are you all right, Eliot?”

“I’m fine. What’s up. More bad news?”

“I’m afraid so.”

“Am I fired?” he asked, licking his lips.

Chamberlin stared at him, puzzled. “Fired? No. I mean, not that I know of. Is there some reason-?”

“Never mind. What is it?”

“It’s… the Torso Murderer, sir.”

“Don’t tell me he killed another victim.”

Chamberlin swallowed. “Two.”

“Two?”

“At the same time, sir. Bodies found in Kingsbury, not far from Shantytown. Detective Merylo is already on the scene. Would you like to come?”