In addition to a motley crew of untamable star athletes who were constantly getting into trouble, Drouhin was surrounded by FD Whitman, his right-hand man and "first real hire", and Pete Martigneau, his chief of security, both former football stars; the firm's squad of junior agents -- whom Drouhin dignified as "my crack team of associates" -- all irritated at the hefty share of profits taken by the big boss; and an army of support staff, including Drouhin's pistol-packing limo driver. And by the time Detective Lieutenant Inspector Francis Clay arrives on the scene, everyone seems to have an alibi.

Here is classic Higgins -- brisk and bracing to the end.