THE PREMISES AT 4678 West End Avenue, New York City, a candy and cigar store, were placed under surveillance on 16 November, 1967, by the New York Police Department, on suspicion that the store was being used as a policy (numbers racket) drop. Taps were installed on the two pay phones in booths in the rear of the store. The following transcription was made from a tape identified as NYPD-SIS-182-BL. It is not dated definitely but is believed to have been recorded on 31 May, 1968.
CYNTHIA: … so that’s how it shapes up, Duke. How does it sound?
ANDERSON: All right. It sounds all right.
CYNTHIA: The only hang-up we can see is that business of paying the doctors. You know doctors usually wait a few weeks or a month before they bill. But if the doctor-doctor or the shrink happens to bill within a few days, and the letter comes back from my freak address, it means I couldn’t make a second visit.
ANDERSON: What does Tommy say?
CYNTHIA: He says to tell you we could handle it a couple of ways. I can tell them I’m going on a cruise or vacation or something and not to bill for a month at least because I don’t want mail piling up in the mailbox because that’s a tip-off to crooks that no one is home. Or, Tommy says, we can get me a book of personalized checks from Helmas. I can give them a freak check right then and there. That’ll guarantee me at least three or four days before it bounces, and during that time I might be able to arrange another visit.
ANDERSON: Why not just pay cash before you leave?
CYNTHIA: Tommy says it would be out of character.
ANDERSON: Shit. That brother of yours should have been a play actor. Look, let’s not get so fucking tricky. This is just a dry run. Don’t take chances. Get what you can on your first visit. Pay them in cash. Then you can go back a second time whenever you like.
CYNTHIA: Okay, Duke, if you say so. How does Tommy’s campaign sound?
ANDERSON: I can’t see any holes, Snap. Both of you go ahead. If anything comes up, play it smart and lay off. Don’t push. I’ll call you next Friday, same time, and set up a meet.