RANSVESTIA

but Rizetti motioned him to go on. "The present method is producing so many suicides that there will likely be an investigation soon, and with Allison up to her neck in it, it might soon involve other people who shouldn't be involved."

Benny and Allison were staring at Eddie. Rizetti smiled genuinely for the first time since Eddie had seen him. "And you put all that together in five minutes." He turned to Benny. "You heard her, didn't you? I've been checking your books, Benny. They don't come near to the profit margin of two years ago, or to what you promised just six months ago." He nodded at Eddie. "This business is finished. You're washed up, too. Even with the brain you have inside that pretty head, I'm afraid there's no room for transvestites in my operation." He smiled at the pun. Eddie was very still. Was be being let go or was he gently being set up for a bullet?"

"Poppa," Allison had tears in her eyes, "let me have him. He's really the only man for me."

Surprise surfaced in Rizetti's face. "She's a man?" One of the body- guards sniggered.

Allison flushed, but Eddie remained calm. He was playing for his life now. "You indulged Allison's hobby," he said quietly. Rizetti became very still, his eyes on Eddie's face. "Well," said Eddie, "leave her the Ladybird and the Gold Coast to play with. I can make sure you can run the old business at a profit."

"How?" Rizetti frowned, but hope came into Allison's eyes.

"I won't have the impersonators watched or threatended," said Eddie. "I'll just assist those on the right path in the direction which makes them of use to you. There'll be no costly overhead or expense in having them guarded night and day. They'll be happy to work under my gentle pressure. And the marks," he added, "I wouldn't pressure them, and strip them of their security, leaving them suicide as the only way out. I'd get the goods on the closet queens, and then I'd use them in ways that they can really help. Like the banker, Doyle, who blew his brains out."

Rizetti left him to sit and shiver for a minute before he finally nodded. "All right," he said. He looked over and smiled at Allison. "You can take Roxanne back to your place, but I'll be over early to see you both tomorrow." He winked at Eddie. "It's the modern trend in