1968 - An Ear to the Ground by James Hadley Chase Read Free Book Online Page B

said quietly, ‘that won’t get you anywhere. All right, those are his terms. It doesn’t mean he will get them, does it? We’re not signing any contract with him. He can’t sue us, can he?’
    Martha stared intently at Henry, then the rage died out of her eyes.
    ‘Do you think you can handle him, Henry?’
    ‘I can but try,’ Henry said. ‘I’ve handled a lot of smart boys in my time. The point is we just can’t do without him.’
    ‘I had the idea the moment I set eyes on him, we would have trouble with him.’ Martha was so angry she couldn’t finish her cake.
    Henry watched Johnny and Gilda as they swam together.
    ‘And another thing, Martha, Gilda has fallen in love with him,’ he said sadly.
    ‘Do you think I care?’
    ‘I like Gilda. . . a pretty girl. I wouldn’t want her to get hurt.’ Then seeing Martha wasn’t interested, Henry went on, ‘When he comes back, I’ll say yes to his terms . . . right?’
    ‘So long as he doesn’t get the money, you can say yes to anything.’
    ‘You let me talk to him.’
    Martha heaved herself to her feet.
    ‘I’m going to take a nap.’ She hesitated, began to say something, decided not to and stumped off the terrace.
    Half an hour later, Johnny and Gilda came up the steps. Johnny paused near Henry.
    ‘Well?’
    ‘It’s all right, Johnny. We’ve talked it over,’ Henry said. ‘Of course, she didn’t like it, but she knows when she’s licked. You get $200,000.’
    Johnny stared at him. The cold eyes made Henry a little uneasy, but he retained his calm expression.
    ‘Okay,’ Johnny said. ‘But listen . . . I know all about you. Abe told me. . . one of the smartest con men in the racket. Don’t try to con me. That’s a warning.’ He stared again at Henry and then walked off the terrace to his bedroom.
    Henry took out his silk handkerchief and touched his temples.
    Gilda lay down on the Li-Lo.
    ‘I suppose she’s hoping to gyp him,’ she said, putting on her sun-goggles. ‘Don’t you do it, Henry. I like you. I couldn’t care less if he twisted her fat neck, but I don’t want anything bad to happen to you.’
    Henry regarded her beautiful body.
    ‘Thank you, my dear. I wish I were twenty years younger.’
    Gilda laughed.
    ‘You men . . .’
    An hour after dinner, Martha came out on to the terrace where Gilda was catching the last rays of the sun and Henry was working on his Stock Exchange calculations.
    Johnny had remained in his room for the past three hours. Gilda had seen cigarette smoke drift out of his open window from time to time and she wondered what he was doing. She wasn’t worried about her share when the share-out came.
    She trusted Henry who had promised her ten per cent of the take: that meant, with any luck, $60,000. That would be enough. With that kind of money and with her looks, she reckoned she would never be in want. She admired Johnny for demanding the bigger sum. Anyone who had the guts to stand up to Martha won her admiration.
    ‘Where is he?’ Martha demanded, settling herself in the wickerwork chair, causing it to creak.
    ‘In his bedroom,’ Henry said, putting down his notebook. ‘Look, Martha, don’t let us have any unpleasantness. This boy can handle the job — we can’t. So we must pay for it.’ The heavy eyelid closed and opened.
    This little speech Martha realised was for Gilda’s benefit.
    ‘Oh, well, all right,’ she said. ‘I’ll leave it to you,’ and she picked up her embroidery frame. ‘We are having Maryland chicken for dinner.’
    ‘Good.’ Henry opened his notebook again. ‘Flo is one of the best cooks we’ve ever had. She . . .’ He paused as Johnny came out on to the terrace.
    Johnny was wearing a lightweight blue suit and he was carrying a small overnight bag in his hand. He came across the terrace and stood in front of Martha.
    ‘I want three hundred dollars,’ he said.
    Martha stared at him. Henry put down his notebook, and Gilda half sat up, supporting herself on her