Over by the bar a couple of tables were occupied by women. Two of them came over. The leader, a brunette in a tight, black dress, introduced herself and her companion. ‘I am Jeanette and this is Caroline. Would you wish that we sit with you?’

Leverett said in a friendly voice: ‘Speaking for myself, it’s no, but thanks for asking. I’ve found that liquor and women only go together up to a point, and I’m past that point right now. But you could ask Charlie here. I figure he’s probably a tougher character than I am. What do you say, Charlie?’

Hibson looked at the brandy in his glass. There seemed a lot of it. He shook his head. ‘No.’

‘So we’re both grateful,’ Leverett said, ‘but tonight’s not the night.’

When they had gone back to their table, Leverett said: ‘Charlie, I trust you weren’t influenced by me saying no. Don’t think I’m one of those fellers that despise whores. Whores come in all kinds, just like women. And taking one thing with another, they’re less expensive.’

Hibson said: ‘Yes, you’re probably right.’

‘Tonight,’ Leverett said, ‘this dog’s just a seeing eye.