1967 - Have This One on Me by James Hadley Chase Read Free Book Online

know why it is but when I plan an operation - somewhere along the line there is a mistake.’ His voice was low and angry. ‘I have had a report from O’Brien. He has failed. Worthington is still alive.’
    O’Halloran turned from the window.
    ‘We can’t blame O’Brien. Cain’s information came too late.’
    ‘That’s the usual excuse. Now Malik on the scene and O’Brien has been kicked out. He can’t go back. If Malik catches up with Worthington and I suppose he is sure to eventually, then I lose two valuable agents.’
    O’Halloran had nothing to say to this. He and Bruckman exchanged glances and waited.
    ‘Well, at least Girland seems to be going to Prague,’ Dorey went on. ‘This is something I handled myself.’ His angry eyes, slightly magnified by his bifocals, moved to Bruckman. ‘What have you to report?’
    Bruckman was pretty pleased with himself. He had done his job well.
    ‘I went to Girland’s apartment,’ he said. ‘I planted the envelope you gave me in his suitcase. Unless he takes the case to pieces, he won’t find it, but they will once they have picked him up.’
    ‘You’re sure no one saw you break into his apartment?’ Dorey asked sharply.
    Bruckman suppressed a superior smile, knowing Dorey wouldn’t stand smiles from him.
    ‘I am sure, sir.’
    Dorey brooded, then relaxed.
    ‘Maybe I’d better explain this operation,’ he said, leaning back in his chair. ‘We want to get Latimer into Prague so we use Girland as a smoke screen. Malik’s there and he knows all about Girland. He will assume Girland is our replacement. My problem was how to get Girland to go to Prague.’ Dorey picked up his paper knife and examined it, then went on, ‘A month ago, two conscripted men stole an Army payroll in West Berlin. Their names are Harry Moss and Ferdy Newman. They got to Prague. Newman was killed by the Czech police and Moss is now in jail. I have a young nephew here who is attending Dramatic School. I satisfied myself he could impersonate Harry Moss. He contacted Girland and spun him a yarn I had prepared. Girland apparently has fallen for it. He is going to Prague to collect what he imagines is the stolen payroll. It is necessary that he should find the money in Prague. This is part of the operation.’ He opened a drawer in his desk and took out a package, wrapped in brown paper and sealed with Sellotape.
    ‘This contains thirty thousand dollars.’ He looked at Bruckman. ‘You are to go to Mala Reid’s apartment and plant this package somewhere where she won’t find it. Girland will then be told where to find it. As soon as Girland finds the money you will call the Security Police anonymously and tell them that Girland has this money to pay for information he hopes to get from Worthington’s contacts. They will of course, immediately go to his hotel, find the money and the envelope you have planted on him. The papers in the envelope will tell them that Girland is an agent. The police will turn him over to Malik who will assume Girland has replaced Worthington. While this is happening, Latimer will fly in. That is the operation.’ He passed a sheet of paper to Bruckman. ‘These are your instructions. The operation has to be carefully timed. Now get off. When I know Girland is leaving for Prague, I will alert you Do nothing until you get my green light.’
    ‘Yes, sir,’ Bruckman said and picking up the packet and his instructions, he left the room.
    Dorey replaced the paper knife on his desk, then he looked at O’Halloran.
    ‘I wish Worthington was dead, Tim. He could complicate this.’
    ‘Without being asked, I think the whole operation is dicey,’ O’Halloran said bluntly. ‘I’ve always thought you underestimate Girland. You could run into trouble with him. We don’t even know for certain he will go to Prague.’
    ‘That is one thing I am certain about,’ Dorey said. ‘He’ll go.’
    O’Halloran shrugged. It was his way of showing he wasn’t