Red Wind: Chapters One - Three Summary

Marlowe is having a beer in a new joint that opened across the street from where he lives. Only one other customer is in the place, and he looks to be well on his way to a stupor. The young bartender starts up a conversation, introducing himself as Lew Petrolle. The drunk calls out for another Rye, and against his better judgement, Lew serves it to him. Another customer comes in, well dressed and in a hurry. He asks Lew if a lady has been in, describing her in detail. When he hears she hasn't, he asks for a straight Scotch, quickly. He downs it and turns to leave as the drunk gets up, suddenly cold sober. He says 'So long, Waldo' putting two bullets in him and then backs carefully out of...