1975 - The Joker in the Pack by James Hadley Chase Read Free Book Online Page B

said Winborn looked a hard character. Although Winborn, out of spite, might believe him, he would certainly give him no money. He would dismiss him with a flick of his fingers. The situation, at the time unpleasant, was now taken care of. Mr. Jackson could turn his attention to spying elsewhere. She was glad that he would be out of pocket.
    But she really must control her feelings. This was the second time she had narrowly escaped being blackmailed. If only handsome, muscular men didn’t react on her the way a drink reacted to an alcoholic: this was something she must fight, knowing she had told herself this over and over again.
    At least she felt confident now that Jackson knew he wasn’t going to get any money he would call off his spies, but she mustn’t take any chances. She must return to Switzerland: there were safe opportunities.
    Winborn arrived at 17.45.
    “The situation,” he began, once he had settled himself, “is a little complicated. May I ask if you have a power of attorney on your husband’s banking account?”
    She shook her head.
    “Nor have I nor Loman. This unexpected happening ties up Mr. Rolfe’s personal account. There will be considerable expenses. How are you off for money, Mrs. Rolfe?”
    “I have my own account but it is running low. I have access to the Swiss account. Dividends are continually coming in. I can transfer money from Switzerland to my account.”
    Winborn lifted his eyebrows.
    “With the regulations as they are, Mrs. Rolfe, I suggest that would be most unwise.”
    She hadn’t considered this and she was annoyed at her sloppy thinking.
    “Yes, stupid of me.” She saw her opening. “I could get to Lausanne and get traveler’s checks.”
    He nodded.
    “That would be the wisest thing to do. The Corporation will take care of Mr. Rolfe.” He looked at her. “An you too, of course.”
    “I prefer to have my own money,” Helga said curtly. “When Herman is safely back home and out of danger, I will take a quick trip.”
    Winborn turned a heavy gold signet ring on his little finger as he said, “Dr. Levi appears to be more optimistic, but these next days will be anxious ones. Have you any idea how I can get in touch with his daughter, Sheila?”
    Startled, Helga looked at him.
    “None at all: I have never met her. Have you?”
    “Yes, indeed: a remarkable young woman, one might even say extraordinary.”
    “Oh? In what way?” Helga was suddenly curious, knowing that this girl would inherit a million dollars.
    Winborn continued to fidget with his ring.
    “She took a first in History at Oxford. I understand she was the youngest ever to graduate. She took a brilliant degree in economics later. Both your husband and I expected her to do great things and there was an important position waiting for her in the Corporation.” He lifted his shoulders in a resigned shrug. “Unfortunately, she became involved in these tiresome anti-movements that seem to be the disease of the young. Your husband always kept her well supplied with money and she used this money to further the cause of minority groups until she was finally arrested with others involved in gun smuggling. It cost a lot of money and trouble to keep her out of prison. Your husband and she quarreled over this. He warned her that if she didn’t conform to his plans for her he would cut her off. It was not the way to handle her. She walked out and I’ve heard nothing of her since.”
    “Good for her,” Helga said and meant it.
    “Yes, she has a lot of character, like her father. It does occur to me at this distressing time, Sheila, who was and I hope still is fond of her father, might want to see him and he her. That’s why I am asking if you knew where she was.”
    “I don’t, but the news of his stroke must reach her. Every newspaper in the world will report it.”
    “Yes. Well, we must wait and see.” He paused, then went on, “I have a little puzzle you might help me to solve, Mrs. Rolfe. Nurse Fairely