CHAPTER FIVE.

I.

Corrine English carried the coffeepot into the lounge and set it on the table. As she sat down, she yawned and ran her fingers through her blond hair. The time was twenty minutes past eleven in the morning, and the bright suns.h.i.+ne made her feel jaded. Never at her best in the mornings, Corrine only came alive after six oaclock when she had been fortified by the first c.o.c.ktail of the day. She poured the coffee into a cup, and then, after only a momentary hesitation, she got up and went over to the cellarette for a bottle of brandy.

Since Royas death she had been drinking heavily. The lonely house, her brooding thoughts about Roy and Mary Savitt, and her hatred of Nick English so preyed on her mind that she turned automatically to brandy to adeaden her sufferinga as she put it to herself. She began by drinking steadily in the evening, then she went to the bottle during the afternoon, and now she was beginning to take brandy in her morning coffee.

She brought the bottle to the table and poured a liberal shot into the coffee and sat down again. She found she couldnat face the toast she had made, and she pushed the plate aside with a grimace of disgust. She drank more brandy, then she carried the cup over to the electric fire and sat down on the settee.

She wore her rose-pink silk wrap over black lounging pyjamas, and as she settled herself among the cus.h.i.+ons, she remembered she had been wearing this outfit when Nick English had broken the news to her of Royas death.

Her eyes hardened as she thought of English. She hated him as she didnat think it possible to hate anyone. She blamed him for Royas death. His threat to hand over Royas letters to the press filled her with vindictive fury. To make matters worse she knew she was helpless to hurt him. She knew if she tried to pit herself against him it would be as futile as opposing a tank with an air pistol. She finished her coffee, got up and took a gla.s.s from the cellarette and half filled it with brandy.

aMay as well get soused as sit here and think about that b.a.s.t.a.r.d,a she said aloud. aIave nothing to do until lunchtime, and when lunchtime comes, I shanat want any lunch. So what the h.e.l.l?a Since Royas death, she had got into the habit of talking to herself. She would walk about the lonely house, talking and talking. Sometimes she talked to Roy just as if he were sitting in the lounge, listening. Sometimes she would talk to Sam or Helen Crail or one of her girlfriends, half imagining they were actually listening to her, and she kept up a monologue, occasionally asking questions and answering them herself, pretending it was Roy or Sam or Helen who was giving her the answer. She lit a cigarette, drained the gla.s.s and refilled it.

aWeave got to do something, Roy, about that sonofab.i.t.c.h,a she said as she wandered back to the settee. aHeas not going to get away with it. All I want is a good idea. Give me a good idea, darling, and Iall carry it out. I promise I will. Iall do anything. Iall even shoot him if you say so.a As she was about to sit down, the musical chimes at the front door sounded.

aOh, d.a.m.n!a she said crossly. aThatall be Hetty.a She went across the lounge into the lobby and opened the front door. A youngish man stood on the step. He raised his brown slouch hat, showing thick flaxen hair that looked like burnished silver in the sunlight. He smiled at Corrine, his jaws moving rhythmically as he chewed, his amber-coloured eyes sliding over her plump little figure like a caress.

aMrs. English?a Corrineas fingers went hastily to her hair. She knew she looked awful as she hadnat bothered to put on any makeup, and she knew the rose-pink wrap was grubby.

aYes, but I - I donat receive callers at this hour. Who are you?a aMy name is Roger Sherman, Mrs. English. Forgive me for calling so early, but I was anxious to see you. I am an old friend of Royas.a aOh!a Corrine stepped back. aPerhaps you had better come in. The place is in a ghastly mess. My maid hasnat come yet. I was just having breakfast.a Sherman stepped into the lobby and closed the door.

aPlease donat be embarra.s.sed,a he said, and gave her a charming smile. aI should have called you on the telephone first. I do hope you will forgive me.a Corrine was in a flutter. Roy had never mentioned Roger Sherman to her, but it was obvious this man was wealthy. She had caught a glimpse of a big s.h.i.+ny Cadillac at the door, and his clothes and manner impressed her.

aPlease go into the lounge. I wonat be a moment,a she said, and retreated hurriedly into her bedroom, shutting the door.

Sherman walked into the lounge and looked around with a slight wrinkling of his nose. He saw the bottle of brandy and the gla.s.s, and nodded to himself. He went over and stood before the electric fire, his hands in his pockets, his jaws moving slowly. He remained like that for over a quarter of an hour, his blank expression masking his impatience.

Corrine came in, still fl.u.s.tered. She had put on makeup, and had changed into a lilac-coloured wrap which she kept for the best occasions. If it hadnat been for the shadowy puffiness under her eyes, and the fact that she was just a shade too plump, she would have looked extremely attractive.

aIam sorry to have kept you waiting,a she said, closing the door. aBut I had to make myself look a little presentable.a aWhy, you look charming,a Sherman said, smiling at her. aSo you are Royas wife. He often talked about you, saying how pretty you are, and now Iave seen you for myself I can endorse that.a It seemed a long time to Corrine since anyone had paid her a compliment, and for a moment she forgot how Roy had betrayed her, and the memory of their past happiness brought sudden tears to her eyes.

aRoy never mentioned you,a she said, touching her eyes with her handkerchief. aYou say you were a friend of his?a aWe were very old friends. I was shocked to hear of his sad end. I would have come to see you sooner only I have been out of town. I canat say how sorry I am.a aPlease donat talk about it,a Corrine said and sat down. aI donat think Iall ever get over the disgrace.a aYou mustnat say things like that,a Sherman said gently. aAfter all, it wasnat Royas fault. I suppose you know his brother was at the bottom of the whole thing?a Corrine stiffened.

aHe was? How do you know?a Shermanas eyes went to the bottle of brandy.

aWould it be rude of me to ask if I might have a drink? I like a drink at this time in the morning, but perhaps you wouldnat approve.a aOh, yes,a Corrine said. aPlease help yourself. I donat mind in the least.a Sherman went over to the cellarette for a brandy gla.s.s. He poured brandy into it, then appeared to notice Corrineas empty gla.s.s for the first time. aMay I give you a drink, too, Mrs. English?a Corrine hesitated. She didnat want this presentable young man to think she was in the habit of drinking brandy in the morning, but she wanted a drink badly. aWell, perhaps a small one. Iam not feeling very bright this morning.a aIam sorry to hear that,a Sherman returned, poured brandy generously into her gla.s.s and gave it to her. aI hope this wonat be the last time we meet,a he went on and saluted her with his gla.s.s.

Corrine drank half the brandy while Sherman scarcely touched his.

aYou were talking about Nick English,a Corrine said. aHow do you know he was at the bottom of Royas death?a aRoy told me,a Sherman said and sat down beside Corrine. His hand brushed against her silk-clad thigh. aI beg your pardon. I seem to be clumsy this morning.a aWhat did he tell you?a Corrine demanded, scarcely noticing he had touched her.

aHe told me about the money,a Sherman said. aYou know about that, of course?a aWhat money?a aWhy, the twenty thousand dollars Roy meant you to have,a Sherman returned, lifting his eyebrows. aSurely your attorney has given it to you?a Corrineas big blue eyes opened wide.

aTwenty thousand dollars?a she repeated. aI donat know anything about it.a aBut surely youave been left something? Forgive me for appearing curious, but after all, I was Royas best friend, and I feel I should see his wife has been properly provided for.a aOh, thank you,a Corrine said, nearly dissolving into tears. aYou donat know how lonely Iave been. Of course Sam Crail has been kind, but he is very busy. After all, itas not as if he was a friend. He was only Royas attorney.a aHe is Nick Englishas attorney, too,a Sherman said.

Corrine stiffened.

aHe is? I didnat know that. But it doesnat matter, does it? He wouldnat tell that man anything, would he?a aHe is on Englishas payroll,a Sherman said. aItas no secret. He does exactly what English tells him.a aOh!a Corrineas face flushed. aWhat am I going to do? I wouldnat have had him in the house if I had known.a aMay I ask what you have got to live on?a Sherman said, leaning forward and looking at her intently.

aRoy left an annuity. Iam to have two hundred dollars a week for life,a Corrine said.

aAnd nothing has been said about the twenty thousand?a aNo, this is the first time I have heard of it. What twenty thousand?a aYou know about Mary Savitt, I suppose?a Corrine looked away.

aYes, I know about her. How Roy could have done such a thing.a aSome men get carried away by unscrupulous women,a Sherman said, shaking his head. aAnd she was unscrupulous, Mrs. English. It wouldnat have lasted. He would have very soon realized his mistake.a Corrine put her hand on his.

aThank you for saying that. Thatas what Iave been telling myself. Roy couldnat have gone off and left me. I know he would have come back.a aHe didnat forget you. He provided for you. He told me so. He brought off a deal which netted him twenty thousand. He intended to give you the money when he went away with Mary Savitt.a aRoy made twenty thousand!a Corrine said, startled. aWhy, I canat believe it. Roy never made any money ever.a aStrictly speaking it was rather sharp practice,a Sherman said. aApparently Nick English was handling the deal. Roy happened to call on the same client on another matter, and the client confused Roy with Nick. Roy didnat enlighten him and pulled off the deal. Nick English was so angry he called in the police. They were on their way when Roy got into a panic and shot himself.a aOh!a Corrine said, and leaned back, closing her eyes. aYou mean that man was going to have his own brother arrested?a aIam afraid so. Roy had put the money in a safe deposit and had given Sam Crail the key. Crail was to give you the money. As you havenat had it, it would seem pretty obvious that English had instructed Crail to hand the money to him.a Corrine sat bolt upright, her eyes furious.

aDo you mean heas stolen the money from me?a Sherman lifted his shoulders.

aIt looks like it, but neither you nor I has any proof the money even exists.a Corrine took a long pull at her gla.s.s. The brandy she had already drunk before Sherman arrived was beginning to have an effect on her, and she felt a little dizzy and very reckless.

aWell, heas not going to get away with it. Iall fix that louse!a She jumped to her feet. aIall make him suffer for this!a aI can understand your feelings,a Sherman said, watching narrowly, abut how do you propose to do it? He is an extremely powerful and influential individual.a aIall think of some way,a Corrine said, and moving a little unsteadily across the room, she refilled her gla.s.s, slopping the brandy on the carpet as she did so.

aPerhaps I could help you,a Sherman said, getting to his feet.

She turned and leaned against the cellarette, staring at him.

aCan you?a she asked. aHow?a aIt wouldnat be possible to get the money out of him, but if you want to make him suffer.a aThatas what I do want! Do you know how I can do it?a aYes, but itall depend on you whether you succeed or not. You know Julie Clair?a aI donat know her,a Corrine said, abut I know of her. Sheas his mistress, isnat she?a aAnd English is crazy about her. I happen to know she is having an affair with his general manager, a fellow named Harry Vince.a Corrine stood very still, looking at Sherman, her eyes gleaming.

aAre you sure?a she said. aAre you absolutely sure?a aYes. She goes to Vinceas apartment whenever English has a business date. Iave seen her go there.a aThis is what Iave been waiting for,a Corrine said, and moved unsteadily back to the settee. aOh! Now Iall make him suffer. If only he could find them together! If only I could rub his nose in it!a aThat could be arranged,a Sherman said. aHe happens to be dining tonight with Senator Beaumont at the Silver Tower. Sheas bound to go to her lover. Why donat you go along and tell him?a aWill you come with me?a Corrine asked, her face lighting up with a cruel little smile.

Sherman shook his head.

aThat's not possible. I have an engagement for tonight, but I will book a table for you. English will show up about eight-thirty. If you get there by nine, it will be time enough.a aIall be there,a she said, clenching her fists. aIall make a scene he and his sw.a.n.k friends wonat forget in a hurry. To think he dared to threaten to send Royas letters to the press when his own mistress is carrying on with another man! This is what Iave been praying for.a Sherman smiled.

aI thought you would make good use of the information.a aWhy did you tell me? Have you something to settle with him as well?a aIf I had,a Sherman said smoothly, aI would do my own dirty work. I happen to be exceedingly angry about the way he has treated you. I felt I had to give you a weapon, and Iave given it to you.a Corrine smiled at him.

aIam grateful.a She crossed her legs, letting the wrap fall away a little, showing her knees. I canat say how grateful I am.a aThereas just one thing I would ask you to do,a Sherman said, his eyes straying to her knees. aWhen you have told him, will you telephone me?a aWhy, of course.a He took out a card and gave it to her.

aYou will find me at this number after nine o clock. Will you telephone me immediately after you have spoken to him? I want to know what he does. Itas important. Can I rely on you?a aOf course,a she repeated, taking the card. aIall call you just after nine. Thank you.a He looked around for his hat, and suddenly she couldnat bear the thought of him leaving. Not since she had first met Roy had a man had such a strong attraction to her. aWell, Iall be running along,a he went on. aMay I come and see you again?a aMust you go?a she said, patting her blond curls. aWonat you have another drink?a He shook his head.

aNo, thank you.a aWell, I wish you would come again. You canat imagine how lonely I get. Roy and I were always around together when he wasnat at work, and I miss him terribly.a The amber-coloured eyes dwelt on her face speculatively.

aWe might take in a movie sometime,a he said. aWould you like that?a aOh, yes. I havenat been to a movie for days. Before Roy died I used to go three or four times a week.a aThen Iall fix it soon,a Sherman returned and moved to the door.

Corrine followed him into the lobby.

He turned suddenly, looking at her.

aI shouldnat have thought an attractive girl like you would have been lonely.a She was a little startled. There was a light in his eyes that made her uneasy.

aI guess I relied on Royas company too much,a she said. aYou know how it is. I just donat seem to have any friends now.a aYouare too pretty to be alone for long,a Sherman said softly and moved closer to her. aPerhaps, after all, I neednat go quite so soon.a Corrine stepped back quickly. He frightened her now. The amber-coloured eyes were expressionless, but there was something horrible in their yellow vacancy.

aThereas no need to - to worry about me,a she said hurriedly. aIam really quite all right.a aAre you?a He reached out and put his hand on her arm. aBut you re lonely, arenat you?a II.

Lois Marshall was just finis.h.i.+ng dictating a batch of cables to her stenographer when Ed Leon pushed open the office door and came in.

He lifted his hat.

aMr. English around?a aYes, he's expecting you,a Lois told him. aWould you sit down for a moment? Mr. Crailas not here yet.a Leon lowered his long frame into an easy chair and groped for a pack of Camels.

He watched Lois work for a few minutes, and then when the stenographer had gone, he said, aArenat you scared of getting an ulcer? The way you work is asking for ulcers.a Lois laughed.

aI havenat got one yet,a she laughed lightly. aWork agrees with me.a aYeah, Iave heard people talk like that before, and where do they wind up?a Leon said gloomily. aIam worked too hard myself. Itas a conspiracy to get me a wooden overcoat. Look at the time. Who but English would start working at nine-thirty in the morning?a The door opened and Crail came in. His freshly shaven face was thoughtful as he nodded to Lois and waved a plump hand at Leon.

aYou look as if youave had a pretty good breakfast,a Leon said enviously. aOr is that bulge under your vest just part of your scenery?a Crail ran his hand over his paunch and smiled smugly.

aItas part of my good will,a he returned. aIf I had a frame like yours Iad go out of business. No one trusts a thin man these days.a He looked over at Lois. aMr. English ready for me?a aI think so,a Lois said, picking up the telephone. aMr. Crail and Mr. Leon are waiting, Mr. English,a she said, then she nodded at the two men. aWill you go in, please?a Leon levered himself out of his chair and followed Crail into Englishas office.

English was sitting at his desk. Harry Vince was crossing the room to the door, a pile of papers in his hand. Harry nodded to Crail, looked sharply at Leon and went out.

aWhoas that guy?a Leon asked, dropping into a chair.

aDonat you know Harry?a English said. aHeas my general manager, and a d.a.m.ned fine one at that.a aWhatas new, Nick?a Crail asked, sitting down. aI canat stay long. Iam in court at ten-thirty.a English reached for a cigar, pushed the box toward Crail, raised his eyebrows at Leon who shook his head.

aIave found the guy who murdered Roy,a he said quietly.

aYou have?a Crail sat up. aWell, for G.o.das sake! Thatas fast work.a English nodded over to Leon.

aHe may not look it, but he happens to be a fast worker. Sherman?a Leon asked.

aYes.a English went on to tell them of the conversation he had had with Sherman the previous night.

aFour murders?a Crail said, his eyes opening. aHe admitted them?a aHe didnat deny them,a English returned.

aWell, Iall be d.a.m.ned! Iad like to see the D.A.as face when you tell him,a Crail said, and rubbed his hands together. aHe hasnat even connected the four killings with the same killer.a aIam not telling the D.A.,a English said, paused to light his cigar, and as he waved out the match, he went on, aItas up to him to find the killer. Iam not anxious to tell the world my brother was a blackmailer. If I talk to the D.A. the story will come out. Iave given Sherman until Sat.u.r.day to get out of town.a Crail looked quickly at Leon, who stared back at him with an expression of complete indifference.

aYou canat do it, Nick,a Crail said sharply. aItall make you an accessory after the fact. d.a.m.n it! It would make me an accessory, too.a aThatas one of the drawbacks of working for me,a English said and smiled. aYouare all right, Sam. No one but Ed and I know you know.a aDo you think Sherman will go?a Leon broke in.

aHead be a fool if he didnat. I hold all the cards. He didnat strike me as a fool. But I want you to take care of him, Ed. Sit on his tail, donat lose him for a second. Get someone to help you if necessary, but I want him under your eye day and night until he leaves town on Sat.u.r.day.a Leon nodded.

aIall take care of him.a aYou donat mean to tell me youare going to let him get away with four murders?a Crail said, horrified.

aHeas already got away with them,a English returned, tapping ash into the ashtray. aI havenat any evidence thatad stand up in court. If he double-crosses me, Iall manufacture some evidence, but not until.a aWhat do you mean - manufacture evidence?a Crail asked, his eyebrows climbing.

aIall explain that when and if I have to,a English said. aIf this fellow double-crosses me, heas going to the chair, and you and I are putting him in the chair.a aThatall be something for you to dream about,a Leon said to Crail and grinned. aWhat do you make of Sherman?a he went on to English.

aIad say he was crazy,a English said soberly. aI mean that. Heas about as dangerous as a rattlesnake. Thereas a chance heall try to pull a fast one. He might even arrange for me to be his fifth victim. Iave put into writing the whole of our conversation, and I have it here.a He slid an envelope across the desk. aI want you to take care of this, Sam. If anything should happen to me, give it to Morilli.a Crail looked startled.

aYouare not serious, are you?a aShermanas killed four people within a week. Iave threatened to send him to the chair if he doesnat leave town by Sat.u.r.day night. If he leaves town he gives up a lucrative blackmailing business. I canat imagine heall give it up without a fight. Iam very serious, Sam. Iave told Chuck to carry a gun, and not let me out of his sight for a moment.a aAny news of the man with the scar?a Leon asked.

aNo. I guess he got away. Iave talked to Morilli. I told him May Mitch.e.l.l once worked for me. That gave me the excuse to inquire about her murder. Your taxi driver didnat wait to be questioned. Morilli knows nothing about him. All he does know is the girl was knifed, a policeman was shot to death and a fat man was found dead in the street. Heas trying to make something out of it, but he isnat getting very far. Two men have given him a bad description of you. They claim to have tried to hold you until the police arrived, but you got away. Morilli thinks youare responsible for the three killings.a Leon sighed.

aThatas what comes of working for you, Nick,a he said gloomily. aWell, I can take it so long as Morilli doesnat recognize me. If he does, youall have to do some fast talking.a aHe wonat recognize you,a English said with a sudden boyish smile. aThese two men said you were handsome. Morilli isnat a miracle worker.a aCan I help it if my face frightens people?a Leon said grimacing. aCome to think of it, it even frightens me.a Crail gave an impatient grunt.

aIave got to get going,a Nick, he said, consulting his watch. aWas there anything else you wanted to tell me?a aWhat a glutton the man is!a Leon said. aArenat four murders enough for one morning?a aThereas nothing else,a English said. aBut be prepared to swing into action any moment, Sam. If Sherman tries anything funny, I mean to send him to the chair.a Crail shook his head as he got to his feet.

aWeall cross that bridge when we come to it,a he said. aBy the way, how about the committee meeting?a English smiled.

aI had it postponed.a aYouare playing this wrong, Nick,a Crail said seriously. aItas dangerous to kick the committee around. Rees hates your guts, and donat forget, heas a particular pal of the D.A.as and the police commissioner. You re frightening me to death,a English said with a contemptuous smile.

aSo long, Sam.a Crail shrugged, nodded to Leon and left the office.

aWhoas Rees?a Leon asked casually, lighting another cigarette.

aHeas the chairman of the City Planning Commission. Heas also a judge.a aCould he make things hot for you?a aSo long as I donat step out of turn, thereas nothing he can do, and Iam taking d.a.m.n good care I donat step out of turn.a aYouare already doing it,a Leon pointed out. aYouare covering up four murders. Couldnat Rees nail you for that?a aHe could if he knew about them, but he doesnat know about them.a English stubbed out his cigar and glanced at his watch. aWell, Iave got work to do, Ed. Will you get after Sherman? From now on until Sat.u.r.day, I donat want him out of your sight. Itas important. Donat let him give you the slip.a aIall take care of him,a Leon said. aI know what I meant to tell you. I tracked down those mike wires in Royas office. They lead into an office on the same floor, owned by a silhouette artist. A woman named Gloria Windsor.a aThink she's one of the gang?a English asked, not particularly interested.

aMust be. Itas my guess she fingered Roy. She must have heard Roy and the Savitt girl planning to pull out. Those two must have made their plans in the office, not knowing the mike was in the chimney to pick up every word they said. You can bet that was how Sherman found out Roy was cheating on him.a aWell, itas done now,a English said, shrugging. aIam content to get rid of Sherman. When heas gone the rest of them will be like a body without a head.a Leon got to his feet.

aLetas hope so. Iall keep tabs on Sherman. If he looks like starting anything Iall call you.a aThanks, Ed. So long for now.a After Leon had gone English immersed himself in the routine paperwork that came to his desk every day. He worked quickly and methodically, his mind concentrated on the work before him.

Lois found him hard at it a few minutes to lunchtime. She came in and put another pile of papers in his In-tray. He glanced up and smiled at her.

aDid you remember to book a table at the Silver Tower for tonight?a he asked, tossing his fountain pen on the blotter and leaning back.

aYes, for eight-thirty.a aMight have known you wouldnat forget. I donat believe youave ever forgotten anything to do with my business since we hooked up together. Thatas quite a record.a aThatas what you pay me for,a Lois said lightly.

aI guess so,a English said and frowned, abut I bet not many secretaries give the service you do. Letas see, youave been with me for five years, havenat you?a Lois smiled.

aYes. Itall be five years exactly on Sat.u.r.day night.a aIs that right? Sat.u.r.day night? How did you remember that?a aI have a good memory for dates. You re lunching with Howe Bernstein at one, Mr. English.a aAs if Iam likely to forget that one,a English said and groaned. aSat.u.r.day, eh?a he went on. aWell, d.a.m.n it! We should celebrate. Weave come pretty far in five years, havenat we, Lois?a She nodded.

aWhen I think of that little office we started in,a English went on, shaking his head, aand that typewriter! You pounding the keys all day and I pounding the sidewalks looking for dough. Thank the stars thatas over and done with. I bet youare glad you have that office out there, and the electric typewriter, arenat you?a aI guess so,a Lois said.

He looked up quickly.

aThat doesnat sound very enthusiastic. Tell you what, Iall take you out to dinner on Sat.u.r.day. Weall celebrate the firmas birthday! What do you say?a A faint flush came to Loisas face. She hesitated, then said quickly, aI donat think I can manage Sat.u.r.day night, Mr. English. I have a date.a English studied her, noticing her flush deepen.

aThatas too bad. All the same, weare going to the Silver Tower and weare going to eat the best dinner in town. Thatas an order.a aItas a date I canat break,a Lois said quietly. aThank you all the same, Mr. English.a English looked disconcerted, then he laughed, shrugging his shoulders.

aOkay, Lois, if you canat put your boyfriend off, you canat. Well, maybe some other night. Iall see what I can fix.a aItas nothing to do with a boyfriend,a Lois exclaimed with a vehemence that startled English. aI just happen to be busy that night,a and she went out of the office, closing the door sharply behind her.

English frowned down at his blotter, puzzled.