A slightly overweight man with a dubious demeanor seeks help from a private investigator, revealing he is a former mobster named Ikky Rosenstein. He is in danger after attempting to leave the mob, fearing for his life as the Outfit has marked him for death. He offers a substantial sum of money for assistance in escaping his pursuers. The investigator, intrigued yet cautious, agrees to help but insists on full transparency regarding the situation. Ikky explains that the mob operates with a system of "penciling," where a target's name is crossed off a list, signifying a death sentence. He describes the meticulous methods the mob employs to eliminate targets, emphasizing the danger of seeking police help. The investigator, skeptical yet drawn to the challenge, decides to take on the case, enlisting the help of a resourceful woman named Anne Riordan, who has connections to the police. As the investigator and Anne monitor the situation, they spot the mob's operatives arriving in town. Tension builds as they prepare for the impending confrontation. The investigator devises a plan to help Ikky escape, but complications arise when the mob mistakenly kills an innocent man instead of Ikky. This blunder escalates the stakes, as the investigator realizes he is now entangled in a deadly game with the mob. The investigator confronts Ikky about the implications of his actions and the risks involved. Despite the danger, Ikky remains defiant, believing he can outsmart the mob. The investigator, however, is increasingly aware of the precariousness of their situation and the potential consequences of their choices. As the plot unfolds, the investigator navigates a web of deception, danger, and moral ambiguity. He grapples with the ethics of his involvement and the impact of his decisions on those around him. The tension culminates in a confrontation with the mob, where the investigator must rely on his wits and instincts to survive. Ultimately, the story explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the complexities of human nature within the criminal underworld. The investigator's journey reveals the harsh realities of life on the fringes of society, where choices often lead to unforeseen consequences. The narrative concludes with a sense of ambiguity, leaving the investigator to ponder the true cost of his actions and the nature of justice in a world rife with corruption.
By Raymond Chandler · First published 1939 · Genre: Mystery, Noir, Thriller · 10 chapters