Jake Randolph in "Requiem For A Stripper" Pt. 97

I headed back out front. There were a few people they were still trying to corral toward the door. The bartender was wiping up the bar, using the same nasty cloth he'd had when I was out there earlier.

"Say, mac," I said to the bartender as I approached the bar, "were you the barman on duty the night this note was taken for Lily Padd?"

I held up the note.

He continued wiping.

"Do I need to buy another drink before you'll answer me, pal?"

Minga walked up and said, "Answer him, Smitty."

I was beginning to like him...