Free The Anderson Tapes by Lawrence Sanders Page A

the basement when the building was constructed. Two walls of the basement formed two sides of the boxlike room; the two walls projecting into the basement at a right angle were constructed of fitted wooden slabs. One wood wall had a flush door, closed by an extremely heavy, old-fashioned brass lever and hasp. The big hinges were also of brass. The door was secured with a large padlock.
    Closer inspection revealed that the door was also protected by a rather primitive alarm system obviously added years after the boxlike room had been built. It was a simple contact alarm that might ring a bell or flash a light when the door was opened. I traced the wire and judged it went up into the lobby area where it might alert the doorman.
    I took complete Polaroid photos of this strange boxlike affair, and made notes of how the alarm might easily be bridged. Almost as an afterthought, I put my hand to the side of this unusual room and found it quite cold to the touch. It reminded me of a large walk-in refrigerator one might find in a butcher’s shop in this country.
    I took a final look around and decided I had everything that Anderson, my client, required. I then exited from the basement and got into the truck. The two men, Ed and Billy, had waited quite patiently. We pulled out of the driveway. The doorman was standing on the sidewalk, and I smiled and waved as we pulled away.
    They dropped me on the corner of Seventy-ninth Street and Lexington Avenue, and then left. I have no knowledge of what they did after that. The entire operation consumed one hour and twenty-six minutes. John Anderson called me on June fifth. I suggested he come over to my shop on the next day. He did, and I delivered to him the photos I had taken, the diagrams, and a complete report of what I saw—which is exactly what I have reported to you gentlemen. I thank you very much for your courtesy.

Chapter 24
    Binky’s Bar & Grill, 125th Street and Hannox Avenue, New York City; 12 June, 1968; 1:46 P.M. On this date, these premises were under electronic surveillance by the New York State Liquor Authority, on suspicion that the owners of record were knowingly allowing gambling on the premises. The following is tape SLA-94K-KYM. Anderson’s presence was verified by voice print and testimony of an eyewitness.
    ANDERSON: Brandy.
    BARTENDER: This place for blacks, not for whiteys.
    ANDERSON: What you going to do—throw me out?
    BARTENDER: You a hardnose?
    ANDERSON: Hard as I gotta be. Do I get that brandy?
    BARTENDER: You from the South?
    ANDERSON: Not deep. Kentucky.
    BARTENDER: Lexington?
    ANDERSON: Gresham.
    BARTENDER: I’m from Lex. Cordon Bleu okay?
    ANDERSON: Fine.
    [Lapse of eight seconds.]
    BARTENDER: You want a wash?
    ANDERSON: Water on the side.
    [Lapse of eleven seconds.]
    ANDERSON: There’s a guy I want to meet. Light brown. Sam Johnson. Goes by the name of Skeets.
    BARTENDER: Never heard of him.
    ANDERSON: I know. He’s got a razor scar on his left cheek.
    BARTENDER: Never saw such a man.
    ANDERSON: I know. My name’s Duke Anderson. If such a man should come in, I’m going to finish this drink and go across the street and get some knuckles and collards. I’ll be there for at least an hour.
    BARTENDER: Won’t do you no good. Never saw such a man. Never heard of him.
    ANDERSON: He might come in … unexpected like. Here’s a fin for you in case he does.
    BARTENDER: I’ll take your pound and thank you kindly. But it won’t do you no good. I don’t know the man. Never saw him.
    ANDERSON: I know. The name’s Duke Anderson. I’ll be across the street in Mama’s. Keep the faith, baby.
    BARTENDER: Up yours, mother.

Chapter 25
    Tape recording NYSNB (New York State Narcotics Bureau) 48B-1061
    (continuing). Taped at 2:11 P.M., 12 June, 1968, Mama’s Soul Food, 125th Street and Hannox Avenue, New York City.
    JOHNSON: Here’s my man, and gimme your han’.
    ANDERSON: Hello, Skeets. Sit down and order up.
    JOHNSON: Now that I’m here, I’ll have a