This is an excerpt from my current work-in-progress.

MURDER AT THE GALLIANO CLUB is the next book in the Galliano Club series, coming Summer 2022.

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A slight figure in a suit and fedora came out and paused under the light to put a key in the lock. The fella looked to be ten years or so older than Benny, maybe 35 or 36 years old. A plain face but dressed real swell. Tailored suit with a faint chalk stripe and a red bow tie, same color as a silk one Benny had thrown away. White handkerchief in the breast pocket. Polished shoes.

A signet ring glinted as he locked the door. Somebody liked expensive things.

Obviously unaware that he was being watched, Fisher scurried toward another black Ford, the only other vehicle parked in the lot. Nick and Benny met him halfway.

“Evening, Mr. Fisher,” Nick said.

“Ah, Procopio,” Fisher said with a visible start. “The whistle blew hours ago. What are you doing here so late?”

“Need to talk to you,” Nick said, looming over the smaller man.

“Can’t it wait until Monday?”

“I brung my cousin.”

Benny stuck out his hand, real friendly. “I’m Benny Rotolo, Nick’s cousin.”

“A pleasure to meet you. I’m Owen Forbes Fisher, the accountant for Lido Premium.” Fisher shook hands, evidently relieved to see that Benny wasn’t another mill worker like Nick. Clearly admired the swell suit, as well as the black fedora that Benny had lifted from some bespoke men’s shop on his way out of Chicago.

“I’ve got a business idea,” Benny said. “Nick here had a notion that you could help us get it off the ground.”

“If this is related to Lido Premium,” Fisher said, looking from Benny to Nick and back again. “Speak to Henry Blick on Monday. He’s the operations manager.”

“No, this is up your alley.” Benny moved closer. “You being a money man and all. I could use your expert investment advice.”

“Expert investment advice?” Fisher preened a bit.

“Exactly.” Benny rubbed his hands together. “What would you say to becoming a potential investment partner in a business with a guaranteed two hundred percent return?”

Fisher’s eyes nearly popped out of his head. “Two hundred percent?”

Benny nodded. “I’m from Chicago. Looking to set up a Chicago-style business. A partner with some seed money to invest could recoup their investment in thirty days. Even less. Everything after that is money in your pocket, free and clear.”

“There is only one business with a return like that,” Fisher said slowly.

“That’s right,” Benny agreed, still real friendly. “The beer racket.”