Try This One On For Size Part 12

aWhat a shock for him when he gets there!a aTo make certain, I will tell him Iave booked them into the Gstaad Palace hotel: the best.a aBut, my treasure, the Palace doesnat open until December.a aHe wonat find that out until they arrive. Come on, sugar, letas pack.a * * *

At 20.00, the Duvines entered the bar, both looking worried.

The Lepskis were already there, and Lepski was wrapping himself around a double Scotch while Carroll was getting acquainted with a double dry martini.

Seeing the Duvinesa expressions, Lepski asked, aTrouble?a aI hope not.a Duvine sat down, after pulling out a chair for Claudette. aIave had a telegram from my brother. He says mother is pretty bad, and he will telephone me tonight to tell me if I should return or not.a aWhat a shame!a Carroll exclaimed. aIam so sorry.a aYeah. That goes for me too,a Lepski said. He signalled to the barman. aMaybe it wonat be all that bad. Whatall you have?a aScotch for me and a martini for Claudette, please,a Duvine said. aAs you say, it may be all right.a He waited until their drinks were served. aAlthough I have to stay here, Tom, you three must go on the steamer trip. When you return, I could have good news.a aOh, no!a Carroll exclaimed. aWe canat go off and leave you to sit and worry. Oh, no!a aSheas right,a Lepski said. aLetas sit right here and wait. We can eat at the hotel.a For a moment, Duvine was non-pulsed, then his fertile con mind sprang into action.

aThereas no need for that, Tom, but I appreciate your consideration. Youare both real friends, but do me a favour. Claudette has never been on a steamer at night. She has been so looking forward to it.a He didnat look at Claudette who only kept her expression of surprise controlled with an effort. aWill you take the girls, Tom? Carroll will love it too. Thereas no point in all of us missing a trip like this. Please be nice and give Claudette some pleasure.a Put like that, Lepski couldnat refuse.

aWhy, sure. You leave it to me. Iall give the girls a ball.a Having experienced an evening on a Swiss steamer at night with an accordion and a violin producing sounds only the Swiss love, elderly, fat people prancing, and pork chops for dinner, Duvine doubted they would have a ball. He relied on Claudette to make a pretence of enjoying herself.

aThank you,a he said, and looked at his watch. aThe steamer leaves at nine oaclock, so maybe youad better think about getting ready to leave.a Hastily finishing his drink, Lepski got to his feet.

aOkay, girls,a he said. aLetas go.a The elderly, wizened-looking man who had been reading a newspaper while nursing a Scotch on the rocks, watched the party leave the bar. Then he got to his feet and wandered into the reception lobby as Lepski led Carroll and Claudette to the revolving doors.

Duvine also watched them, then he walked to the elevator.

The elderly wizened-looking man entered the elevator with him and walked away down the long corridor, followed by Duvine. In his room, Duvine waited a few minutes, then cautiously opened his door and looked along the long, deserted corridor.

Lu Bradey had his door ajar and remained waiting with a clear view of the Lepskisa door. He didnat have to wait long. He watched Duvine, carrying the vanity box he had given him, move silently to the Lepskisa room, pause for a brief moment as he manipulated the lock, open the door and enter the room, closing the door behind him.

Uneasily, Bradey fingered the Smith and Wesson gun in his jacket pocket. He waited. Minutes ticked by. He knew Duvine would have to transfer Carrollas things from one box to the other. He knew Duvine was a quick, expert worker, but the wait made Bradey sweat.

Then he heard voices and saw a young couple leaving their room. They were obviously very much in love. As they walked towards his room, he stepped back, closing the door, then reopened it as they paused outside the Lepskisa room to kiss. At that moment, Duvine, carrying Carrollas vanity box, moved out into the corridor.

The young couple broke apart, giggled and hurried down the corridor.

Duvine paused to relock Lepskisa door, then walked fast to his room as Bradey stepped into the corridor.

aSir!a Bradey exclaimed. aExcuse me.a Duvine paused and looked at this elderly, wizened-looking man. He frowned.

aYes?a Bradey walked towards him.

aA moment, sir.a aIam sorry. I am in a hurry.a By this time, Bradey had reached Duvine.

aThat was very nicely done, Pierre,a he said. aI knew I could rely on you.a Duvine felt a rush of hot blood to his head. He stepped back into his room, followed closely by Bradey.

aYou?a Duvine managed to say. aLu?a aOf course.a Bradey forced a laugh. aIave changed my mind, Pierre. I am taking the box to Zurich.a He closed the door. aThere is no point in you driving to Zurich. Ed wants it this way.a Still holding the vanity box, Duvine was so shaken he sat down abruptly.

aIave talked to Ed,a Bradey went on. aHeas agreed you have done a swell job. I can pay you thirty thousand Swiss francs. I have the money with me.a Duvineas sharp mind began to function. His immediate reaction was to knock Bradey unconscious and bolt, but he couldnat leave without Claudette who wouldnat be returning for another two hours. No, he told himself, this situation called for diplomacy.

aThatas a marvellous disguise,a he said. aSit down for a moment. Letas talk.a Bradey hesitated, then sat down, away from Duvine.

aWhatas there to talk about, Pierre? I want to leave for Zurich tonight. Edas expecting me.a aI know whatas in here,a Duvine said, tapping the vanity box. aThe Catherine the Great icon.a Bradey nodded. He slipped his sweaty hand into his jacket pocket and fingered the gun. It didnat give him any confidence.

aThe icon is worth at least twenty million dollars,a Duvine said, watching Bradey closely.

aIt might be if a buyer could be found,a Bradey said cautiously.

aEd wouldnat have organized the steal unless he had found a buyer. I know who the buyer is . . . Herman Radnitz.a Bradey shifted uneasily. So Haddon had been right. This scene was set for a double-cross. He looked at Duvineas powerful build. One punch from him, Bradey thought, sweat on his forehead, could be lethal.

aYou are jumping to conclusions, Pierre. Anyway, whatas in the box is no affair of yours. You were hired to steal the box and youave done a great job. You are being paid generously. There is nothing more to discuss. Give me the box and Iall give you thirty thousand Swiss francs.a Duvine shook his head. He could see Bradey was scared and he flexed his powerful muscles.

aThere is something to discuss, Lu. Letas be realistic.a aIam not following you.a Bradey forced a quavering smile. aYou and I have worked marvellously together for years. I can still put a lot of profitable work your way. What do you mean . . . realistic?a aCome on, Lu!a Duvine put on a ferocious scowl that made Bradey edge back in his chair. aHereas my proposition: we drop Haddon out of this deal, and we split the take between us. We pick up three, even four, million each. What do you say?a aWhat do I say?a Bradeyas voice shot up a note aI say I donat believe this is you talking, Pierre. I am surprised and shocked. I donat double-cross my friends. Ed is my friend. I thought you were my friend. Give me the box, and I will give you the money and we will forget this conversation.a Duvine eyed him, then shook his head.

aNo. You either accept my deal or you donat get a thing and I take the lot. I am in contact with Radnitz. Heall buy from me. He doesnat regard you nor anyone as a friend. Thereas nothing you can do about it, Lu. Will you come in with me or be a loser?a Haddon had foreseen this double-cross, Bradey thought.

Haddon always foresaw trouble and was always prepared for it.

He shook his head.

aYou havenat thought this through, Pierre. Radnitz wouldnat deal with you. He wonat even deal with me. I will deal with his agent, and you donat know who his agent is. Now letas stop this nonsense. Another thing: Haddon could make your future life a misery. I give you my word I wonat tell him about this. Give me the box, Iall give you the money, and we go on together as we have always done.a Duvine hesitated, then thought of what it would be like to own five million dollars. He also thought of Claudette who had so much faith in him.

aNo! Youave had your chance. I keep the box, and thereas nothing you can do about it!a Bradey sat still for a long moment, fingering the gun in his pocket. He was now desperate. If he threatened Duvine with the unloaded gun, would Duvine launch himself at him and do him an injury?

Gathering his courage together, he said, aBut there is,a and produced the gun which he pointed at Duvine. aIam sorry, Pierre, but you have asked for it.a Duvine stared at the gun, feeling a cold rush of blood down his spine. He, like Bradey, had a horror of violence. Never before had anyone pointed a gun at him, and the sight of the small black menace in Bradeyas hand turned him into a whitea"faced, trembling travesty of his usual confident self.

aYou . . . you wouldnat dare shoot!a he gasped.

Bradey, startled that here was a man even more cowardly than himself, had a rush of bravado. He leaned forward, waving the gun at Duvine and snarled, aI wouldnat kill you, but I would cripple you! Iall blow off your knee cap if you donat give me that box at once!a Duvine shuddered. With a trembling hand, he put the box on the floor and shoved it with his foot to Bradey.

aDonat keep pointing that gun at me,a he quavered. aIt . . . it might go off.a Bradey s.n.a.t.c.hed up the box, stood up and backed to the door.

aYou are a fool, Pierre. You wonat get any more work from us, and donat forget, Ed never forgives a double-cross.a He opened the door, stepped into the corridor and made quickly to his room.

Ten minutes later, he was speeding towards Zurich, Carrollas vanity box on the pa.s.sengeras seat by his side.

La Suisse, brilliantly lit, steamed towards the Montreux boat station. From it exuded the wailing of a violin and an accordion. Pierre Duvine watched it approach. He had been waiting for the past hour, and by now, he had recovered to some extent the crushing blow Bradey had dealt him. He still felt utterly depressed. Not only would there be no millions, but no money from Bradey. He was in a fever of anxiety. He realized he had no further future in antique swindles. He knew Haddon would pa.s.s the word, and no one would touch him. His shop in Deauville without new, stolen goods would have to close. The red light had gone up when he had lost at the roulette table. His luck had run out! He had gambled on getting at least three million dollars and he had lost. He had just enough Swiss francs to buy gas for the journey back to Paris, and back there, he knew the rent demand would be waiting and other bills. Well, he told himself, back to picking pockets. The Paris season was about to begin. The city would be full of rich tourists, flashing their wallets. He hated the risk, but he had to face up to the fact it was the only way to keep off the bread line. He thought of Claudette. She was his only consolation. She would accept, without complaining, the inevitable. She would understand he couldnat have done anything when faced with a gun. He felt a surge of love for her run through him. How blessed he was to have Claudette!

La Suisse came alongside the jetty and people began coming down the gangplank. Duvine could see Claudette and the Lepskis, and he waved.

Lepski was thankful to get off the steamer. To him the night trip had been the biggest drag he had experienced. The sounds made by the violin and the accordion had set his nerves jangling.

The fat, elderly couples who danced happily made him make noises like a flatcar battery trying to start an engine. The pork chop dinner had made his jaws ache. Carroll, seeing how Claudette was apparently thrilled with everything, controlled Lepski as best she could, but she too was thankful to get off the steamer.

Claudette, her face set in a smile, had wondered how Pierre had been succeeding. She felt a complete wreck after forcing gaiety for so long, trying to make the Lepskis happy and praying such an experience would never happen to her again.

One look at Duvineas white, strained face told her there had been a disaster.

aPierre?a She ran to him.

aWe must leave at once!a Duvine said. aSheas dying . . .a He turned to the Lepskis. aIam sorry. I know you will understand. We must drive to Paris. Geneva airport is closed through fog. We mustnat waste a moment.a He caught hold of Lepskias hand and wrung it. aDear friend, please donat delay us and please excuse us. We should have been on the road an hour ago, I have arranged your room at the Palace, Gstaad. The Hall porter will fix you with a car and tell you how to get there.a He turned to Carroll. aWeall write as soon as we get to Paris. So sorry about this. Itas been wonderful meeting you both.a As Lepski and Carroll tried to convey their sympathy, Duvine signalled to Claudette to get in the car. She gave them a mournful wave of her hand as Duvine slid under the steering wheel.

Dazed by the suddenness of this, the Lepskis could only wave as the car shot away. As Duvine headed for the autoroute, he told Claudette what had happened.

aI donat know what weall do!a he said in despair. aWe are nearly out of money. To think that devil Bradey should have a gun!a Claudette patted his hand.

aNothing matters, my treasure, so long as we have each other,a she said.

They were the most comforting words Duvine had ever heard.

Lepski stared after the taillights of the departing car, then turned to look at Carroll.

aWell, for G.o.das sake! That was quick, wasnat it?a aThe poor dear is losing his mother, Tom,a Carroll said a little tearfully. aWhat do you expect?a aYeah, I guess thatas right. Weall miss them.a Lepski started across the road to the hotel entrance. aWhat an evening! That music! That meal! I thought I would blow my lid!a aYouare always grumbling!a Carroll snapped. aThis is the Swiss way of life. You should be grateful to see how other people enjoy themselves.a Lepski made a noise like a tractor backfiring. An elderly couple pa.s.sing, stopped and stared at him.

aLepski!a Carroll snapped. aYouare making an exhibition of yourself!a Lepski glared at the elderly couple and then stamped into the hotel lobby.

aYou had better arrange about a car for tomorrow,a Carroll said.

Lepski grunted and walked over to the Hall porteras desk.

aI want to rent a car for tomorrow morning,a he said. aMy friends have had an emergency and have gone off in the car we were sharing. Bad about the airport shutdown.a The Hall porter lifted his eyebrows.

aGeneva airport is open, sir. Thereas no fog.a Lepskias cop mind became alert.

aThat a fact?a aCertainly, sir. What kind of car would you want to rent?a aWait a minute,a Lepski said. aWe are planning to drive to Gstaad. We are booked in at the Palace hotel.a aThe Palace hotel isnat open yet, sir. The Gstaad season only begins on December 1st.a Lepski loosened his tie: always a sign that he was getting heated.

aTell me, friend,a he said. aI understand Gstaad is noted for their Kobe steaks. Right?a aWell, no, sir. You mean the j.a.panese steaks featured so much in Hong Kong? They are not imported to Switzerland.a Lepski dragged at his tie.

aI understand there are striptease shows with lots of gorgeous girls.a aPerhaps in the season. Around Christmas, sir.a Carroll joined Lepski.

aI donat think we will be going to Gstaad,a Lepski said through his teeth.

aWhat do you mean?a Carroll demanded impatiently.

aQuiet!a Lepski snapped. aI smell trouble!a He went over to the reception desk. aWeall be leaving tomorrow,a he said. aHave my check ready please.a aMr. Lepski? Room 245?a aYeah.a The clerk produced a detailed statement.

aThat, of course, sir,a he said with a bright smile, aincludes Mr. and Mrs. Duvineas check. Mr. Duvine was in a hurry. He told me his mother was dying. He said you would take care of the check.a He looked inquiringly at Lepski whose face had turned wooden.

aYeah,a Lepski said. aIall take a look at this,a then taking the statement, he walked back to Carroll, aI want a drink.a aCanat you think . . .?a aQuiet!a Lepski snapped, and Carroll, seeing the danger signs, followed him into the bar that was almost deserted.

Lepski sat down and began to study the items on the statement.

He looked at the final amount and released a low, long whistle.

The barman came over.

aA treble Scotch on the rocks,a Lepski said. aYou want something?a This to Carroll.

aNo! You drink too much! Whatas the matter? Must you look like someone out of a horror movie?a Lepski said nothing. He waited for the drink, swallowed half of it, then looked at Carroll.

aThe old rum-dum Bessinger was right. She warned us about dangerous people. I said all along that Duvine was a conman, but you wouldnat listen.a aDonat start that all over again! What are you talking about?a aWeave been taken,a Lepski said. aIam ready to bet my last dollar that that sonofab.i.t.c.h hasnat ever had a mother!a aLepski! What are you saying?a aItas the oldest con trick in the world! Weave fallen for it! Weare landed with their hotel check, his drinks, food and a couple of items he bought in the hotel for his charming b.i.t.c.h of a wife,a Lepski snarled. aAnd what is more . . .a He went on to explain that the season at Gstaad hadnat begun: no hotel, no Kobe steaks, no gorgeous girls, no nothing.

aI canat believe it!a Carroll cried, then seeing the expression on Lepskias face as he glared at the hotel check, she realized what he was saying had to be true, she flew into a rage.

aWe must tell the police!a she hissed. aNo one takes us for a ride! No one!a aWeall do nothing of the kind,a Lepski said quietly and firmly. aIf it ever gets out that an American police officer had been taken for a ride by a smooth, G.o.dd.a.m.n conman, Iad never live it down! The boys back home would laugh themselves out of their fat minds! I warned you, but you wouldnat listen. Itas your money.a He dropped the statement into her lap. aLet this be an experience, and from now on, donat trust anyone!a Carroll looked at the amount she would have to pay and gave a little scream that made the barman look sharply at her.

aOh, Tom!a aMy old man said you have to pay for experience,a Lepski said. aIn the future, listen to what I say.a Carroll nodded.

aNow, Iall ask you something,a Lepski went on. aHave you really enjoyed your trip?a Carroll hesitated.

aWell, it has been a bit disappointing, but this just makes a mess of it, doesnat it?a aYeah. Tomorrow weall go home. Iave had enough of Europe. We would have been smart to have put all that wasted money in the bank. Is there anything left?a Carroll grimaced.

aLess than five thousand.a Lepski patted her.

aThatall take care of our debts.a He finished his drink, then stiffened. aJesus! Iave forgotten our neighbours! Now, listen, you must tell them, as Iall tell the boys, we have had a marvellous time. Not a word about the G.o.dd.a.m.n food. You remember those fancy meals we had to eat? Okay, you make your pals green with envy. Tell them about that duck we had. Ram it down their throats. Show them those photographs you took of the swans, the mountains, the Eiffel tower. No one . . . repeat no one . . . must have an idea we havenat had a ball. Right?a Carroll brightened. She could imagine how she would keep her girlfriends enthralled and goggle-eyed. Maybe, being the centre of attraction for the next few months, would be worth the trip.

She got to her feet, linked her arm in Lepskias and gave him her best s.e.xy smile.

aLetas go to bed, Tom.a Knowing that smile, Lepski couldnat get her to the elevator fast enough.

Lu Bradey parked his car outside the Eden hotel, Zurich, took the blue vanity box and his overnight case and entered the hotel.

The time was 01.15.

The night porter received him.

aJust overnight,a Bradey said. aI believe you have a Mr. Claude Kendrick here.a aYes, sir. He is waiting for you in the bar.a aJust take my bag up to my room. No, Iall keep this box. Itas a present for Mr. Kendrickas daughter.a Carrying the box, Bradey walked into the bar. He felt triumphant. In spite of Duvine, and thanks to Ed Haddon, he had accomplished his task. In a couple of days he would be worth a million dollars.

He found Kendrick sitting in an empty bar, a bottle of champagne in an ice bucket on a table beside him. Kendrick looked up expectantly, but seeing this elderly, wizened-looking man, grimaced, but then he saw the blue vanity box and he jumped to his feet.

aLu, my dear boy! What a disguise! It is Lu?a Bradey gave a joyous laugh.

aYes, itas me.a He waved the vanity box. aSuccess!a aMy dear, dear darling!a Kendrick exclaimed. aI knew you could do it! How wonderful!a aWhen Iam asked to do a job, I do it.a Bradey put the box on the table, poured champagne into Kendrickas gla.s.s and drank.

aBut there was some trouble.a aBad?a aNever mind. I handled it. Duvine tried a double-cross.a aHow dreadful!a aI fixed him. This is the last job he gets from us. Letas go upstairs, Claude, and open the box. When will you get the money?a aTomorrow. I have an appointment with Radnitz. I told him you would be arriving. He said he would have the money ready.a aMarvellous! Letas go to your room.a As the two men walked to the elevator, Kendrick said, aI have brought the necessary tools to open the box. We must be very careful not to damage the icon.a aYouad better let me do it,a Bradey said aIave got the knowhow.a Up in Kendrickas room, the door closed and locked, Kendrick gave Bradey a set of tools, then sat down to watch. While he worked, Bradey gave Kendrick a running commentary of how he had outwitted Duvine. Kendrick, listening, made little gasping noises.

aWho would believe it?a he said as Bradey levered the sides of the box apart. aDo be careful, cheri. It would be a dreadful thing to even scratch such a precious object.a aHere it is,a Bradey said and gently lifted out a slab of wood from the false bottom of the box. aAll these lovely millions.a Then both men stiffened and stared at the slab of pinewood.

Kendrick, his heart missing a beat, s.n.a.t.c.hed the slab of wood out of Bradeyas hands.

aThis isnat the icon! Itas just a piece of wood!a he said huskily.

The shock was almost too much for Bradey. He s.n.a.t.c.hed the slab of wood out of Kendrickas hands, glared at it, then threw it on the floor.

Duvine had outwitted him! Somehow he had managed to switch the boxes, but how? As soon as that sonofab.i.t.c.h had stolen the Lepskisa box, he hadnat been out of Bradeyas sight.

Kendrick suddenly rose to his feet.

aYou double crosser!a he screamed. aGive me the icon. I . . .a aShut up!a Bradey snarled. aItas Duvine! Heas probably with Radnitz right now, offering it at half price!a Kendrick closed his eyes. He knew Radnitz wouldnat hesitate to deal with Duvine. He thought of the money he had spent, setting up this steal. He thought of Louis de Marney waiting for his share. He knew there was nothing he could do, but return to his Gallery.

He waved feebly to the door.