I Hold the Four Aces Part 6

The wine and the spaghetti arrived.

aBernie, sit down. I want to talk to you,a Archer said, and began to eat the spaghetti, for he was hungry.

aWhy else should you come?a Bernie laughed. aYou heard about Moses? He had it coming: if not his enemies, then the cops.a aI read about it.a Bernie went over to close the door, then sat opposite Archer.

aIt is good?a Archer stirred the sauce into the spaghetti.

aVery good. Bernie, I have a small problem. You could help.a aIf I can, I will.a aI want to hire two reliable men. When I say reliable, I mean two men who will be paid to do a job, and then forget they have done it.a Bernie nodded.

aWhatas the job, Mr. Archer?a aI want these two men to fake - and I repeat fake - a kidnapping. The man, who is to be kidnapped, has asked me to arrange this. Between you and me, he wants to frighten the woman he is living with. All these two men have to do is to arrive at the home of this woman, look menacing, hustle the man out, and drive him away. The police wonat come into it. It is really a joke on the woman.a Bernie reached for a wooden toothpick and began to explore his teeth.

aSo what happens then?a he asked.

aThatas it. The woman will believe her boyfriend has been kidnapped. He will keep away from her for a couple of days, then return.a Archer shrugged. aHe thinks he will bring her to heel.a Bernie nodded.

aHow about money, Mr. Archer?a aFor finding two reliable men, I will pay you five hundred francs. I will arrange payment with the two men when I have met them.a Bernie continued to dig into his teeth for a long moment, then he shook his head.

aNo, Mr. Archer, it will cost a little more. For one thousand francs, I can find two reliable men.a Archer was in no position to bargain.

aVery well: a thousand francs.a Bernie smiled.

aEnjoy your meal, Mr. Archer. Iall fix it,a and getting up, he left Archer alone.

By the time Archer had finished the spaghetti and the bottle of wine, Bernie returned.

aIt is fixed, Mr. Archer,a he said as he dropped his bulk into the chair opposite Archer. aThese two men: I know them. They hang out here in the evenings. They are most reliable. Their work isnat much.a He shrugged his shoulders. aThey work together on the tourist steamers, and they speak English. Naturally, they are eager for money. The young one is Jacques Belmont. The older one is Max Segetti. There is a h.o.m.o relationship between them.a Bernie smiled. aI a.s.sure you, Mr. Archer, if you are willing to pay, they can be relied on.a Archer nodded.

aI want to see and talk to them.a aOf course, Mr. Archer. You talk to them, and if they arenat satisfactory, tell me, and I will look for two other men.a aThey are here now?a aSure. In the evening, this is their home.a Bernie regarded Archer, and Archer, taking the hint, produced a thousand franc bill. aA friend of Moses,a Bernie went on, slipping the bill into his pocket, ais a friend of mine.a He went to the door and jerked his thumb.

Two men came into the room. One was tall, thin, with hair down to his shoulders. His white face was narrow, his eyes close-set. His companion was bulky, older than the other by ten years. His dyed, straw-coloured hair looked like a disturbed birdas nest. His fat face was featureless, but the small, black eyes were probing.

They were both wearing shabby jeans and dirty sweat shirts. They came to the table and stood looking at Archer. He didnat like the look of either of them, but Moses Seigal had said Bernie was to be relied on. One had, he told himself, to make do with the tools one was given.

aSit down,a he said.

They sat down.

aIam Segetti,a the fat man said. aHeas Belmont.a aBernie tells me you two are reliable.a Archer put on his tough expression. aYou had better be! A friend of mine wants to be kidnapped to frighten some sense into his girlfriend. There is no question of the police coming into this. It is a joke against his girlfriend, but it has to look convincing. Your job will be to rush into the villa, take the man - he will put up no resistance - then drive him to another villa and leave him there. Thatas all you have to do. You will forget the whole thing, and return to Geneva. The villa is outside Lugano.a Segetti nodded.

aBernie told us it would be all right. Itas fine with us.a He leaned forward, his little black eyes glistening. aHow much?a aShall we say two thousand francs each?a Archer said.

Segetti looked sad.

aNot quite enough, Mr. Archer. We will lose work, leaving Geneva. We could lose our jobs. I think five thousand each would be better.a aFour thousand each, and not a franc more,a Archer said curtly.

The two men looked at each other.

aRight,a Segetti said, abut all expenses?a aYes.a aAnd half now?a aNo. A thousand francs each now, the rest when you have done the job.a Archer produced two one-thousand franc bills and put them on the table. Segetti picked up the bills and put them in his pocket.

aI want you to wear hoods. You must look frightening,a Archer went on. aAnd guns, of course. Is that a problem?a Segetti smiled.

aHoods and guns are no problem. I understand what you want.a aThe kidnapping will be in three daysa time: that is on the evening of the 18th. I want you two to be at the Hotel de Suisse, Lugano at 14.00 on the 18th. Iall be staying there. We will finalize all the details when we meet. Bring the guns and the hoods with you. Is that understood?a Segetti nodded.

aYou have a car?a Segetti nodded again.

Archer produced a five-hundred franc bill.

aThis will take care of your expenses. So it is agreed: we meet at the Hotel de Suisse, Lugano at 14.00 on the 18th.a aIt is agreed,a Segetti said, pocketing the five-hundred franc bill.

While they had been talking, Archer had become more and more aware that Segetti's companion had said nothing, but had sat, staring down at his hands.

aAnd you, Belmont? Is it agreed?a Archer asked, a snap in his voice.

aJacques always agrees when I agree,a Segetti said quickly. Both men got to their feet. aThen we see you later, Mr. Archer.a With a little wave of his hand, he walked from the room, followed by Belmont.

Bernie came into the room.

aIs it satisfactory, Mr. Archer?a aI think so. Look, Bernie, I did a good job for Seigal,a Archer said. aHe a.s.sured me you fixed things. Iam relying on you. Are you absolutely sure these two men can be relied on?a aCross my heart and cut my throat. Donat worry about a thing, Mr. Archer. You pay them fair, and they will deliver.a Archer, still uneasy, got to his feet.

aThey are getting eight thousand francs for less than an houras work. Do you call that fair?a Bernie nodded.

aThatas big money for them. Yes, Mr. Archer, you have no problems.a Archer shook hands.

aCould you get me a taxi?a aThereas one right outside, Mr. Archer. I hope to see you again.a When Archer had driven away, Segetti and Belmont came out of the toilet where they had been waiting for Archer to go.

aWhat goes on?a Segetti asked, joining Bernie at the bar.

aThis could be an interesting and very profitable setup,a Bernie said. aThis fat fink, Archer, once worked for Herman Rolfe who was loaded with the stuff. Keep in touch with me, Max. I want to know who this guy is who wants to be kidnapped, and I want to know who his girlfriend is. As soon as you know where the kidnapping is to take place, telephone me. Understand?a Segetti nodded.

aWeall want hoods and guns.a aIs that so terrible?a Bernie grinned. aIave got hoods and guns. What I want is information.a * * *

As Helga, followed by Grenville, walked through the Geneva customs, she saw Hinkle waiting at the barrier.

Although only fifty-two years of age, Hinkle looked considerably older. He was short, rotund and balding. White wisps of hair softened his florid complexion. He had had the thankless task of nursing Herman Rolfe, a polio victim, for fifteen years. When Rolfe had died, Hinkle had transferred his loyalty to Helga, whom he admired.

The news she had told him that she was in love disturbed him. He was well aware of her weakness for men, but seeing her approach, looking radiant, he thought hopefully this could be, at last, the real thing, but then, looking beyond her at Grenville, he had immediate doubts. This tall, too handsome, too suave man sent up a red light in Hinkleas mind.

aDear Hinkle!a Helga said, grasping his hand. aHow I have missed you!a Turning to Grenville, she went on, aChris, this is Hinkle whom I have told you about.a Grenville had no time for servants. He nodded distantly, then said, aThe luggage, Helga. Perhaps he will take care of it,a and gave Hinkle the luggage stubs as if conveying a favour.

aYes, sir,a Hinkle said.

From that moment, they were enemies.

Hinkle turned to Helga.

aThe new Rolls is just outside, madame. If you will give me a few minutes,a then snapping his fingers at a waiting porter, he walked away.

aChris, darling,a Helga said. aPlease, Hinkle is very special. Do be nice to him.a Realizing he had made a faux pas, Grenville said hurriedly, aSorry. Of course.a They went together from the airport lobby to where the Camargue Rolls stood waiting.

aSome car,a Grenville said, impressed.

Helga walked around the Rolls and then clapped her hands.

aItas really marvellous!a She got in the rear seat and as Grenville joined her, she took his hand. aOh, Chris! This is rally when I appreciate the power of money! Iam so lucky! And now, you and I. I know you will love the villa.a Within a few minutes, Hinkle slid under the driving wheel, the luggage in the boot.

aIs all well at Paradise City, Hinkle?a Helga asked.

aYes, madame. The garden is looking very well.a aI told Transel to prepare the villa.a aSo I understand, madame. Whilst waiting for your arrival, I telephoned him. All is in order.a Helga patted Grenvilleas hand.

aYou see how Hinkle takes care of me.a aAnd madame,a Hinkle went on, aas it is so late, I have booked rooms at the Trois Couronnes Hotel at Vevey for tonight.a aThank you.a Helga turned to Grenville. aIt is a five hour drive from Vevey to Castagnola. We shall arrive tomorrow in time for lunch. Hinkle, what about food?a aI have given Transel instructions, madame. He will stock the deep freeze.a Helga sighed and rested her head on Grenvilleas shoulder. She relaxed as the Rolls took them along the lakeside and towards Vevey.

At the Trois Couronnes, Helga said good night to Grenville, pressed his hand, her eyes alight with promises, and then was escorted to her room. As soon as he was in his room, Grenville put through a call to Archer at the Hotel de Suisse in Lugano.

aItas all arranged,a Archer told him. aThere is nothing for you to worry about. In three days, the operation will begin.a aIam not so sure there is nothing to worry about,a Grenville said, uneasily. aThis man of hers, Hinkle, worries me.

aHinkle?a Archeras voice shot up. aIs he here?a aHeas very much here, and very much in charge. He took one look at me and hated me. I know the signs. These ghastly old family retainers can be deadly.a aYes.a Archer, in his turn, became worried. aHinkle, like Helga, is n.o.bodyas fool.a aWell, itas your funeral. You work it out.a aItall work out. Love her, Chris. Thatas your job. She will override Hinkle once she is sure you want to marry her. Iall look after the rest.a aJust as long as you do,a said Grenville, who was now in a surly mood.

aBe careful how you handle Hinkle,a Archer went on. aBe nice to him: flatter him. Donat overdo it, Chris, but pour oil.a So the following morning, Grenville came from the hotel to where Hinkle was dusting the Rolls.

ah.e.l.lo, Hinkle,a Grenville said in his smoothest manner. aThatas really a beautiful car. Tell me about it.a aI would say, sir, it is the best car in the world,a Hinkle said coldly. aAn entirely new line. The Silver Shadow doesnat compare with it. I always prefer a two-door job.a aThe body work is of the master stylist, Pininfarina. This model is the first to use the latest Lucas Opus electronic ignition.a Not knowing what Hinkle was talking about, Grenville wandered around the car.

aI suppose it eats petrol?a aWhen one is fortunate to own a car like this, sir, one must expect it to use petrol,a Hinkle said, still cold and aloof.

aYes.a Grenville turned on all his charm. aMadame Rolfe tells me how well you look after her, Hinkle. I too want to look after her.a Hinkle regarded him, his fat face expressionless.

aYes, Mr. Grenville.a Trying again, Grenville said, aI want to make her happy as I know you make her happy.a That didnat get him anywhere for Hinkle opened the boot of the car and put away the feather duster.

Grenville realized he had a problem on his hands. Hinkle was definitely hostile.

Then Helga appeared.

aDo we go?a She went up to Grenville and kissed him lightly on his cheek. aHinkle? No problems?a aThe luggage is in the boot. We can leave when you wish, madame.a aThen letas go. Chris! I canat wait to show you my Swiss home!a * * *

Some ten years ago, Herman Rolfe had bought the villa at Castagnola, just outside Lugano, from an American movie producer.

The villa had everything that an imaginative and rich movie producer could devise: an indoor heated swimming pool, an outdoor swimming pool and a vast terrace overlooking Lugano and the lake. There were four bedrooms, each with deluxe bathrooms; sauna baths, servantsa quarters, a tiny elevator that conveyed logs from the cellar to the big fireplace, two chair lifts that took you to the main highway if you wanted to go for a walk and didnat want to descend the hundred and fifty steps through the garden which was floodlit at night. There was a kitchen with its push-b.u.t.ton miracles, fully equipped to produce dinner for some twenty people. The stereo radio and gramophone could produce music in every room if you pressed the right b.u.t.ton. Every room had a colour TV set. There was a deep freeze cabinet run by its own generator so electrical cuts didnat matter. Speaker-boxes wired to every telephone throughout the villa allowed you to talk to anyone in any city in the world without moving from your chair, so finely tuned you could hear someone breathing in Tokyo or anywhere else in the world. There was also a movie projection room with twenty plush seats and a vista-vision screen.

Grenville was fascinated as Helga happily showed him around.

They had had lunch on the way. Hinkle had gone to the kitchen. The rooms were ready.

Helga led Grenville to her bedroom.

It was a beautiful room with apricot-coloured leather-padded walls, mirrors, a fitted white wool carpet and fumed oak fittings. The king-sized bed dominated the room.

aChris, darling!a Helga said. aHinkle understands. We sleep here!a Grenville, feeling a little stifled by so much luxury in spite of what he had been used to, asked if he could take a swim.

aThe pool, Helga! Itas marvellous. Could I?a aYou are free to do what you like, Chris. This is your home!a She left him, humming under her breath, and went into the kitchen where Hinkle, wearing a white coat, was preparing dinner.

aHinkle! Iam so happy!a she exclaimed. aIsnat he wonderful?a aHe would appear so, madame,a Hinkle said in his lower tone.

Helga laughed.

aOh, Hinkle! I want to marry him! But you will always be with us.a aI trust so, madame.a Laughing, she caught hold of him and whirled him away in an old-fashioned waltz. Without touching her, Hinkle followed her steps and they danced around the kitchen, then she kissed his cheek and left him. His fat face sad, Hinkle began to cut up a chicken.

In her bedroom, Helga threw off her clothes, put on a bathing cap, covered her nakedness with a wrap, and ran down the stairs to the bathing pool.

Grenville was lazily floating, his eyes closed.

Helga dived in, swam under him, surfaced and then dragged him down under the water. Startled, Grenville broke free, spluttering to see Helga, naked, swimming with the ease and speed of a dolphin.

He saw at once he was way out of her cla.s.s so he moved to the side of the pool and watched her.

What a magnificent swimmer! he thought as she did four lengths at a speed that made him envious, then she came to him and entwined her arms and legs around him. Her mouth found his and his hands slid down her body, pulling her hard against him.

Later, they sat on the terrace, watching the sunset. As the sky turned to a fierce furnace red, Helga took Grenvilleas hand.

aI have always hoped to find someone like you, Chris,a she said.

aBut itas no good, darling,a Grenville said, moving into his act. aIt is marvellous now, but for how long?a aWhat do you mean?a She looked searchingly at him.

aYou and I.a Grenville wondered how many times he had made this speech. aIt is not possible, Helga. This moment of loveliness will go. If you werenat so rich.a She took her hand from his and turned to look directly at him. That direct stare bothered him.

aExplain yourself, Chris!a The snap in her voice warned him he wasnat dealing with some stupid old woman.

aSurely, Helga, it is obvious. If you werenat so rich, I would ask you to marry me. That would give me the greatest of all happiness, but Englishmen just donat live on their wives.a aIave never heard such nonsense!a Helga said. aWho said you had to live on me? You have many talents. You and I, working together, could make a terrific combination.a Grenville moved uneasily.

aI do have talents, but I have never been able to make money. This would only bring unhappiness to both of us. Let us enjoy these few moments of bliss, then Iall go. I honestlyaa aChris! Pull yourself together! You are talking like a G.o.dd.a.m.n ham actor,a Helga said sharply. aYour dialogue is utter corn. We are talking about love, not money!a She looked fixedly at him. aI love you! Now tell me: do you love me?a Into Grenvilleas mind flashed the thought: G.o.d! This woman is dangerous! All the other old b.i.t.c.hes I fed that talk to lapped it up. Here, she is telling me Iam talking corn!

aLove you? Can you ask?a His fertile brain was working furiously. aI think you are the most marvellous.a aNever mind that!a Helga snapped. aI want to know: do you or donat you love me?a Grenville drew in a deep breath. He realized he was trapped, and there was no way out.

aHelga, darling, I love you.a Helga studied him for a few moments while he gave her his most sincere expression, then she relaxed back in her chair and smiled at him.

aThen we have no problem. Itas time we had a drink.a She reached out for the bell push on the table and pressed it.

Hinkle appeared on the terrace, carrying a silver tray on which stood a big shaker and two gla.s.ses. As he set the tray on the table, he said, aPerhaps Mr. Grenville would prefer something else. This is vodka martini, madame.a aFine with me,a Grenville said, and how he now longed for a drink!

As Hinkle poured, he said, aDinner will be in half an hour, madame.a aWhat are you giving us?a Helga asked, taking the gla.s.s he offered.

aIt has been a little rushed, madame, but tonight, pate de foie gras and chicken a la King.a Helga looked at Grenville.

aYou could have a steak if you would prefer it.a aOh, no. Hinkleas menu sounds perfect.a Hinkle inclined his head.

aThen in half an hour, madame. As it is a fine evening, you will prefer, no doubt, to dine on the terrace.a aLovely!a While Hinkle set the table, neither Helga nor Grenville talked. They sat watching the sun slowly sink, sipping their drinks.

When Hinkle returned to the kitchen, Helga said, aWe will have a serious talk after dinner, Chris. Letas forget it for now,a and she went on to discuss what they would do the following day. aIt would be fun to drive up into the mountains. There is an amusing little bistro where we can lunch. It would give Hinkle time to rest. I am sure he will give us one of his wonderful omelettes for supper.a Grenville said that would be fine. He was now depressed. He found Helga overpowering. At least, he told himself, he had hinted at marriage, and that was what Archer wanted him to do.

With Hinkle hovering over them, they ate an excellent dinner. Then they moved from the table and sat in lounging chairs, looking at the lake, now like a silver mirror in the moonlight.