Whiff Of Money by James Hadley Chase Read Free Book Online

see Alec. Tell him to arrange everything. You know... he'll give you you-know-what. Then come back the same time tomorrow, huh? I must talk to Mark.'
    Vi's expression could have frozen an ice cube.
    'You mean that little rat will pay me for just sitting here?' she demanded, getting to her feet T bet he won't'
    'Now, lovie, don't talk that way.-You know Alec loves you as I love you.'
    'Like a mongoose loves a snake.'

    Benny spluttered into giggles.
    'What a darling! Now, listen, lovie, I'll talk to Alec. You pop your clothes on and I'll see Alec pays you.' He wrapped a fat arm around Girland's shoulders and led him to the door.
    Girland looked back at Vi who smiled at him.
    'Operation Bukhara at nine o'clock,' he said.
    She nodded as Benny half-led, half-dragged Girland out into the corridor.
    'Mark! You're not planning to do anything naughty with that girl, are you?' Benny asked as he propelled Girland by sheer weight down the corridor.
    'Why not?'
    'She has a bad boy-friend.' Benny led Girland into his private office. 'He sticks knives into people.
    'So do I.'
    Girland paused to absorb the room which made him blink.
    Benny had lavished a lot of care and money in making this room something very special. The big desk had a top of gleaming copper. The lounging chairs were covered in zebra skins. Ornate orchards, growing behind glass made up the walls. The lighting bathed this big movie set of a room in soft pink.
    'Phew!' Girland exclaimed, looking around. 'You're doing yourself well, aren't you?'
    'Do you like it?' Benny gave a laugh that sounded like a child with whooping cough. 'It took me weeks, darling . . .honestly. It nearly drove me out of my little mind. But do you really and honestly like it?'
    I think it stinks,' Girland said, sinking into a zebra-covered chair.
    'Do you... do you really? I am so glad. I think it does too, but how it throws my clients! They just pee in their pants when they come in here.'
    'Look, Benny, I'm in a hurry. I want your help.'
    Benny's face lost its foolish animation. His eyes became alert. He no longer looked soft and stupid.
    'My help? Well, of course. Anything for you, sweetheart.'
    Some months ago, Girland had fixed a blackmailer who was putting the bite on Benny. He had to get very tough with the boy, but he finally fixed him. Had he not succeeded, Benny would have been out of business: the bite had been a big one. From that moment, Benny was Girland's slave.
    'I' ll do anything for you, baby,' Benny went on.' Ask and you will receive.'
    I want you to look at a film. I'm hoping you will know who shot it, where it was shot and who the man is in the film.
    This is blackmail again, and urgent.'
    'Let me see it. Come into the studio.'
    'This is Top Secret, Benny. I wouldn't show you this film if I wasn't sure you won't talk about it.'
    'That's okay, sweetie. I once relied on you. You can rely on me.'
    His fat face serious now, Benny led the way into the big studio with its screens, lights, photographic equipment and a king-sized bed mounted on a golden dais on which most of the girls were photographed.
    The blond youth who had let Girland in was busy loading film into a camera.
    'Run along, Alec, my pet,'Benny said.'Give Vi some money. She's dressing.'
    'But she hasn't done any work,' Alec said scowling.
    'Never mind... we must never be mean... just give her something. She'll be back tomorrow.'
    Alec shrugged and left the studio. Benny shot the bolt on the door.
    'We're quite alone now,' he said. 'Let's see the film.' This was not strictly accurate for Vi Martin had come quietly into the studio to collect her handbag. Alec hadn't seen her, and hearing Benny and Girland coming down the passage, she had stepped behind one of the big screens. Girland intrigued her. She was curious to know what his business was with Benny.
    Girland handed over the 8 mm film. Benny threaded it onto a projector. He cut the lights and threw the picture on a beaded screen.
    The two men stood side by side watching