1977 - I Hold the Four Aces by James Hadley Chase Read Free Book Online Page A

control.”
    Patterson scowled.
    “I won’t have some goddamn woman messing around with my project.” He looked at Grenville. “Tell her she’ll get twenty-five per cent on her money, but no control!”
    Rather to Archer’s surprise, Grenville said smoothly, “There should be no problem. I have every confidence I can arrange this to your satisfaction.”
    Beaming, Patterson patted his arm.
    “That’s talking. You study all this stuff, and get it set up. How long do you reckon it’ll take to get her money?”
    Grenville shrugged. There was a pause while the steaks were served, then he said, “Most unwise to rush it, Mr. Patterson. I would say at least ten days.” He gave his flashing smile. “I have still to get her to bed.”
    “Yeah. Well, that’s okay, but I want you to keep the cost down.”
    “One shouldn’t cut corners when going after two million dollars,” Grenville said as he cut into his steak. “Madame Rolfe has the impression that I am wealthy. I must keep up appearances.”
    “Sure, but watch it, I’m not made of money.”
    “Who is these days?” Grenville said airily, and then launched into one of his monologues concerning the night life of Paris. He was so well-informed that Patterson became interested.
    The meal over, Patterson asked Grenville to write down the address of a high-class brothel he had mentioned.
    “I guess I’ll take a look,” Patterson said and winked. He called for the check.
    “Ask for Claudette,” Grenville said gravely. “She has just that little extra.”
    “Claudette, huh? Well, fine. Okay, you two. Keep in touch. Go easy on the spending,” and slightly unsteady, Patterson left the grillroom.
    “What a ghastly little man,” Grenville said and waved to a waiter. “Some brandy and more coffee, please.”
    “Ghastly, yes,” Archer said, “but he provides me with a living for the moment.”
    “You don’t believe for one moment that Helga would fall for this ridiculous project?” Grenville asked, lifting his eyebrows.
    Archer shook his head.
    “Of course not, but as long as Patterson thinks she will, then I get a hundred dollars a week and you get fun and luxury.”
    “And when she turns it down? What then?”
    Archer lifted his heavy shoulders.
    “Then I suppose you look for a rich old woman to fleece, and I look for yet another promoter.”
    Grenville dropped sugar into his coffee.
    “You are not serious, are you?”
    Archer looked sharply at him.
    “One must face facts.”
    “My dear Jack, surely that is being defeatist. Let us look at this situation. In a few hours, I have captivated one of the richest women in the world. She is longing to drag me into her bed. Once we become lovers - and that will be soon - worked carefully, thought out carefully, I shall have access to her millions. I have to admit plotting and planning has never been my forte. I was under the impression it was your department. Correct me if I am wrong, and then there is nothing more to be said.”
    “Go on,” Archer said, now very alert. “You have more to say.”
    “I suggest we drop Patterson, and you and I work together, and get as much money as we can from Helga.”
    Archer considered this for a long moment, then shook his head.
    “Not good thinking, Chris. Without Patterson’s financial backing, neither you nor I will get very far. You won’t be driving around in a Maserati or staying at the Plaza Athenee, and I shall be in financial trouble. I agree it would be an excellent idea to get rid of Patterson, but what do we do for money? And another thing, so far you have only seen the best side of Helga. I know her. Her other side is toughness, shrewdness and an excellent financial brain. Let me tell you something about her. She was the daughter of a brilliant international lawyer, and she has impressive degrees in law and economics. She worked with her father in Lausanne where I was a partner, so I know her capabilities. Don’t ever take her lightly. She is very