An Ace Up My Sleeve by James Hadley Chase Read Free Book Online Page B

chewing hick American. The black tie and the white collar completely changed his appearance. The black trench coat was as formal as a uniform. He looked like tfie chauffeur of the wealthy owner of a Mercedes 300SEL. He was carrying a cheap plastic suitcase and he looked anxiously at her, seeking her approval. "Wonderful, Larry," she said, smiling at him. "You look splendid." He grinned boyishly. "I got what you told me, ma'am."
    "Yes ... I have your passport ... let's go."
    "I picked up the car, ma'am." He eyed her a little doubtfully. "It's right outside. Excuse me for the liberty... I didn't think you would want to walk all that way to the parking lot."
    She stared at him.
    "But how could you? I have the ignition key!"
    He automatically reached for the peak of his cap, then finding he wasn't wearing the cap, he rubbed his forehead with the back of his hand.
    "I'm used to cars, ma'am. I don't need ignition keys. Excuse me if I did wrong."
    "But the car was locked!"
    "Yes ... that's right. I just thought I'd save you the walk. It's snowing pretty hard out there."
    A feeling of fear ran through her. It passed in a moment as she realized how she would have hated to have trudged through the thick snow to the car. He's clever! she thought. Not only clever, but considerate!
    "Thank you for being so thoughtful," she said and smiled at him. She opened her bag and handed him the ignition key. "In spite of your cleverness, perhaps you better have this."
    He opened the front door and together they went to where he had parked the car. He opened the off–side door and she slid in. Then he went around to the driver's seat, paused to shake the snow off his new black shoes, then dropped into the driver's seat. She told him how to get to the Adlon hotel.
    "You gave me too much money, ma'am," he said as he edged the car out of the courtyard. "I have the change."
    "That's all right, Larry. You'll need some spending money ... keep it."
    He shook his head.
    "No, ma'am, thank you. I explained before ... I don't accept money." She smiled at him.
    "All right, Larry ... I understand. We'll settle up when we get to the hotel." She relaxed back, thinking: He is really rather sweet.
    As he drove with the traffic, the wipers swishing away the snow, she looked searchingly at his profile, lit by the passing street lamps, and again she felt a rush of hot blood go through her.

    When Helga, followed by Larry, followed by a porter carrying her bags, entered the reception lobby of the Adlon hotel, Karl Fock, the owner of the hotel, happened to be making one of his rare appearances. He immediately recognized her as one of the hotel's most valued guests.
    Karl Fock was built in a generous style. He reminded Helga of the late, unlamented Herman Goering. Fock believed that by snapping his fingers, the world instantly became his oyster, and within his limited sphere, the world did become his oyster. His welcome was warm and slightly overpowering. He bowed over Helga's hand, brushing her glove with his thick,, moist lips. In a loud guttural voice that carried across the lobby, he declared his happiness to see her again. He had the best suite ready for her. He would conduct her there in person.
    The lobby was full of American and Japanaese tourists who stopped their chatter to stare. Helga became the centre of attraction. She was flattered as she became engulfed by Fock's warm welcome. She was also flattered to see the three reception clerks were bowing to her, ignoring all other guests. She looked behind her and caught Larry's eyes. He looked completely bewildered, but Fock snatched her attention away.
    "What a wonderful welcome," she said, her smile stiff. "I have a chauffeur ... er ... what...?"
    A chauffeur?
    Fock's heavy black eyebrows climbed. His expression conveyed that a chauffeur was something of no importance, but seeing her concern, he spun around and snapped his fingers. In dismay, Helga saw the bewildered looking Larry whisked out of sight by a