The Revenge of Moriarty by John E. Gardner Read Free Book Online Page B

hint of the lascivious pleasures which lay beneath.
    Moriarty stepped back, as though examining her, a brief smile playing on his lips.
    â€˜Well, Sal, so you have been faithful to me.’
    â€˜It has not been easy, James.’ She was one of the few confidants who could call him by his first name with any impunity. ‘The old days are gone. You know that. I now have only one house in London and there’s been no controlling the street girls since you’ve been away.’
    â€˜But …?’
    â€˜But I shall be proud to warm your supper for you on any night you may choose.’
    She took a step towards the Professor, who backed away a mite, for he did not like to show much extravagance towards women when in the presence of his lieutenants. At that moment there was a commotion in the passageway outside, heralding the arrival of William Jacobs and the Spears.
    There was much handshaking, and some kissing and whispering between the women. This was followed, naturally, by the pouring of liberal doses of brandy.
    When all was quiet, and Bridget Spear seated, still looking green about the gills, Bert Spear raised his glass towards the Professor.
    â€˜I give you our safe arrival,’ he toasted.
    As the murmur of assent died away, Moriarty looked around the faces of his small band.
    â€˜A safe arrival,’ he repeated. ‘And triumph over those who have crossed us.’
    â€˜Amen to that,’ muttered Spear.
    â€˜Confusion to them,’ said Bertram Jacobs, glass poised.
    â€˜Let them pass blood and rot,’ William Jacobs spat out.
    The women nodded agreement and they all tossed back their brandy as if their lives depended upon it, Bertram refilling the glasses as fast as they were emptied.
    Presently, Sal Hodges, taking her cue from Moriarty, drew Bridget Spear to one side, suggesting that they should leave the men to business.
    Moriarty looked from one Jacobs brother to the other, once the women had left.
    â€˜Well,’ he began. ‘What arrangements have you made?’
    Bertram Jacobs acted as spokesman. ‘The house is ready: that’s the best news I can give you. It is what they call a desirable residence, near the Ladbroke estate in Notting Hill, so it’s well situated. There’s plenty of room for all and a small garden and conservatory at the back. We have put it about that you are an American Professor who does not take kindly to socializing. You are here to study, though you will be spending some time on the continent.’
    â€˜Good,’ Moriarty’s head was oscillating slowly. ‘And the furnishings are complete?’
    â€˜All you need.’
    â€˜And my picture?’
    â€˜The Greuze was exactly where Ember told us. It’s hung in your new study and you will set eyes on it tomorrow.’
    Moriarty nodded. ‘And what of our people?’
    The Jacobs brothers looked grave, the smiles fading from their faces.
    â€˜Sal’s already told you her side,’ Bertram frowned. ‘The girls have all split up, or are working in twos and threes. The same applies in all business. Our old demanders have set up for themselves; the street people go their own way. Without anyone to control it, the best cracksmen put up their own screwings, and the fences are doing business direct. There’s no order any more.’
    â€˜Then no one person has taken control?’ Moriarty’s voice dropped to almost a hushed whisper.
    â€˜There are several groups, but nobody big, not like in your day, Professor. Not now there is nobody to show the way.’
    â€˜You mean nobody’s really putting up?’ *
    It was William Jacobs’ turn. ‘Separate items have a put up. Fences do it from time to time. But it is not …’
    â€˜And who else?’
    â€˜There was talk of the Frenchie putting up for a screwing in Mesopotamia † a few months back.’
    â€˜And the German …’ Bertram