Neither Chief nor Joe had noticed the small, bald man wearing an apron that was covered in flour and tomato stains. His eyes were narrowed and he was holding a metal spoon out in front of him like it was a sword. 

“Who sent you here?” he snapped.

“The Boss did,” Joe said. “It’s been a wild ride, too. I thought I was going to upchuck right there in the alley with that policeman chasing us. I’m not much of a runner, to be honest.” 

“Joe,” Chief said, slapping his forehead. “Couldn’t you just try lying for once?” 

The pizza-maker slammed his spoon onto the large metal table with an ear-splitting CLANG. “Well, why didn’t you say so, boys?! Come in, come in, please sit down and I’ll make you a pie!” 

Joe grinned at Chief. “Let’s eat!” 

Page 123