“Yes, of course,” Francis said soothingly. “But you’re not going to the. You mustn’t think that.”
Pete stood up abruptly.
“You’ll see,” he said. “Time’s running out. There’s one other tiling I want to say: you’re the only girl who’s ever been kind to me — ever, and I love you for it. You’ve given me more happiness in the short while we’ve been together than I’ve ever had in my life.”
While he was speaking, Conrad came across the lawn towards them, and Pete abruptly turned away and walked quickly to the house. Three of his guards went after him. By the time he had reached the entrance to the hunting lodge, they
were close on his heels.
Frances sat staring after Pete, her face a little pale, and her eyes troubled. She didn’t look up as Conrad joined her.
“What’s wrong, Miss Coleman?” he asked. “You look worried.”
She looked up then.
“He doesn’t believe he is safe.”
“I know.” Conrad sat down beside her and lit a cigarette. “He’s a neurotic type. After he’s been here a few weeks, he’ll begin to realize just how safe he is. It’s an extraordinary thing what suggestion will do. He’s so convinced Maurer is all-powerful that no amount of persuasion can make him think otherwise. But don’t worry about him. He’ll be all right.”
She looked at him gratefully. His quiet voice gave her confidence.
“Will I be all right too?”
Conrad smiled.
“Of course, but with you I have a special problem. I can’t keep you here much longer. I shall soon have to think what I’m going to do with you.” He looked down at his hands, frowning. “The solution to your problem, and to Werner’s for that matter, would be the arrest of Maurer. Once I have got him behind bars, there would be little danger to you both. I could then hold you both as material witnesses and protect you until after the trial. When Maurer’s convicted, I could arrange for you to go to Europe until all the fuss has died down. You could then come back and start your life over again and in perfect safety. But I can’t get a conviction against Maurer unless you’ll give evidence against him.”
He saw her immediately stiffen.
“I have a hunch you did see Maurer at Dead End,” he went on before she could speak. “I believe you have a very personal reason for avoiding the inevitable publicity of the trial. Isn’t this something we can discuss? Couldn’t you trust me and let me help you?”
Frances didn’t say anything. She had gone a shade paler and her hands began to tremble.
“Now look,” he went on quietly, “we’re alone together. No one can hear what we’re saying. There are no witnesses. Won’t you take me into your confidence? Forget I’m a police officer. Let’s talk as private individuals. Put your cards on the table and let me advise you. I give you my word I won’t use anything you tell me unless you say so. I can’t be fairer than that, can I?”
He saw her hesitate, and for a brief moment he began to hope he was at last going to succeed.
But Frances was thinking of what Pete had said: The thing that matters is you must never admit having seen him: not to me; nor to Conrad, nor anyone; not even to your mother or your father. You must never admit you saw him; not even to yourself! You stand a slight chance of keeping alive so long as you say nothing. But understand this: if you let Conrad persuade you to tell him what you know — if you know anything — then no power on earth can save you!
She stood up.
“I have nothing to tell you. If you don’t mind I’ll go in now. I’m finding the sun rather hot.”
She turned and walked back towards the house, leaving Conrad staring after her.
CHAPTER EIGHT
I
DOLORES felt Gollowitz’s mind was wandering. He didn’t appear to be as pleased to see her as she thought he should. She selected a low-slung armchair and sat down, taking a deliberate moment before adjusting her skirt. She saw his eyes go quickly to her knees, and she allowed him a moment to look at them before she hid them from his sight with a sweep of her hand.
“Then you haven’t heard from Jack?” she asked.
Gollowitz shook his head.
“Not a word.” He rubbed his fat chin and wondered if it would be safe to go over and kiss her. But he didn’t know where Seigel was, and he was afraid Seigel might come in at any moment. He regretfully decided to remain where he was. “I wish he would let me know where he is. I don’t like being out of touch like this.”
“But you’re doing very well, aren’t you, Abe?” she asked, watching him thoughtfully. “You’re not worried?”
“Of course I’m worried,” Gollowitz said sharply. “Who wouldn’t be? Even Jack would be worried if he had to handle this set-up. If we can’t get at this girl…”
Dolores quickly decided she didn’t want to hear about the girl nor Gollowitz’s plans. The less she knew the safer she’d be if Gollowitz made a bad mistake.
“Well, never mind,” she said. “I’m sure you will manage, darling.” She crossed her shapely legs. “I only looked in to see if there was any news of Jack.” She opened her handbag, glanced in it and frowned. “I seem to be getting short of money. Did Jack tell you to look after me?”
Gollowitz shook his head.
“No, he didn’t tell me. I guess he forgot, but that’s all right, Dolly; what do you want?”
“It will be your money?” She looked at him with her wide exciting eyes. “I don’t think I could let you…”
“No, Dolly, don’t let’s be silly about this.” He took out his billfold and put a sheaf of bills on the desk. “Will five hundred hold you?”
“Of course.” She got up and came over to the desk. “Abe, darling, you’re very sweet to me. I don’t know what I should do without you.”
He smelt the subtle perfume she was wearing, and he felt his mouth turn dry with desire for her. As she leaned forward he saw her breasts swing against the soft fabric of her dress.
He half started to his feet, his fat face congested and his eyes glittering when the door opened and Seigel and Ferrari came in.
Dolores picked up the bills and put them in her bag. She didn’t look round. Her face was calm and her eyes a little amused as she watched Gollowitz struggle to control his emotion.
“Sorry,” Seigel said. “I didn’t know you were busy.”
“I’m just going,” Dolores said, turning to smile at him. Her eyes encountered Ferrari’s sunken, gleaming orbs, and her smile stiffened. “I — I was just getting some money.” She had never been confused before in her life, but this ghastly looking dwarf who stared at her with eves that seemed to undress her frightened her.
“Come in, come in.” Gollowitz said, trying to sound hearty. “Okay, Dolly. If there’s any little thing I can do while Jack’s away…”
Dolores nodded and walked to the door. She had to pass Ferrari, and she instinctively walked around him in a semicircle rather than get too near him.
Ferrari eyed her over, stared at her long legs, then ran his bony finger down his nose.
When she had closed the door behind her, he said, “Who’s the twist?”
“That’s Mrs. Maurer,” Seigel told him. “Didn’t you know?”
Ferrari lifted his eyebrows and came over to an armchair near the desk and sat down. He wriggled himself into the chair until his feet hung a few inches from the ground.