aWe will have the duck,a Carroll said firmly.

When the duck was served, Lepski tried it suspiciously, then declared, aThis isnat bad! Look, baby, you must try this when we get home.a He turned to Pierre, aCarroll is a marvelous cook.a aEat it and be quiet!a Carroll snapped.

Finally, the dinner finished, Lepski flicked his fingers for the check. He paled visibly when he saw what the dinner had cost and paled again when he asked Pierre what tip he should leave. He counted out the French banknotes, muttering to himself, then with a croaking laugh, said to Pierre, aThis little joint sure wonat go bankrupt,a and got a sharp kick on his shin from Carroll.

But the showgirls at the Lido lifted his depression, and when they finally returned to the hotel, around 02.00, Lepski said it had been a great day.

aTomorrow will be your last day in Paris,a Pierre said as they all went up in the elevator to their rooms. aI suggest we visit the Left Bank and take a walk around the old quarters. There is much of interest to see, then you must go to the Folies Bergere: more girls and a great show. I suggest we dine at the Grand Vefour, another of Parisas greats. This will be on us, Tom.a Lepski visibly brightened, but Carroll would have none of it.

aIt is on us!a she said firmly. aWe insist.a She ignored Lepskias faint moan.

There was a friendly argument as they walked to their rooms, but Pierre, knowing what the check for the following evening would come to, graciously accepted that they would be the Lepskisa guests.

While Lepski was protesting in their room, telling Carroll she was out of her mind to throw their money around in this way, the Duvines, in their room, regarded each other.

aI had a terrible feeling,a Claudette said, athey would let you pay for tomorrow. We must save our expenses, my treasure.a Pierre patted her.

aI knew she would insist. I wouldnat have suggested the Grand Vefour if I hadnat been sure.a He smiled lovingly at his wife. aAre you enjoying all this?a aIf we could only live like this forever!a Claudette began to undress. aHave you been thinking?a aOf course. We canat do a thing until we get to Montreux. I am still wondering how I can contact Radnitz, This is the problem, sugar.a aWe have six days. Are you tired?a aNot too tired,a Pierre said, looking at her nakedness with adoring eyes, and began hurriedly to undress.

At Zurich airport, a tall thin man with straw-coloured hair, neatly trimmed to his collar, wearing a dark blue business suit, carrying a suitcase, moved with the pa.s.sengers just off the New York flight towards the Swiss pa.s.sport control. As the queue moved forward, he saw there were two men in plainclothes standing behind the pa.s.sport official, and guessed they were security police.

When his turn came, he presented his pa.s.sport. The three men eyed him.

aAre you here on business, Mr. Holtz?a The pa.s.sport official asked.

aNo. I am visiting friends,a Sergas Holtz replied in his cold, clipped German, aI will only be here for a week.a aHave a pleasant visit.a Sergas Holtz moved into the customs shed. There was a long queue of exasperated pa.s.sengers, waiting while several grey uniformed customs men dealt with their baggage.

With a sardonic little smile, Holtz waited patiently. He thought all this effort and delay for nothing slightly amusing. Finally, his turn came. He opened his suitcase and watched the official search, his fingers tracing around the inside of the case and Holtz was thankful he hadnat had to bring the vanity box through this customsa check.

aThank you, sir,a the official said, and leaving Holtz to replace his things into the case, moved on to the next pa.s.senger.

Holtz walked to the Hertz desk. With his Hertz credit card, he was quickly provided with a Ford Escort. He asked for a street guide of the city which was handed to him.

His uncle had given him two addresses. Sitting in the rented car, he tracked down the addresses on the map, then headed for the centre of the city.

The first address was a shabby apartment block not far from the airport. He found parking s.p.a.ce with difficulty, then entered the building, took the creaking elevator to the third floor and rang the bell of a heavy oak front door.

The door opened, after a delay, and a small bearded man in his late sixties, dressed in a grey flannel shirt and dark brown corduroy trousers, peered suspiciously at him from behind thick-lensed gla.s.ses.

aMr. Frederick?a Holtz asked.

aYes.a aYou are expecting me.a Holtz offered his pa.s.sport.

Frederick examined the pa.s.sport closely, grunted and handed it back. He stood aside.

aCome in, Mr. Holtz.a Holtz entered a dark lobby, then followed Frederick into a large living room, furnished with heavy, ugly furniture.

aI am here to serve you,a Frederick said. aI have had many pleasant dealings with your uncle. What can I do for you?a aA pistol,a Holtz said. aA Beretta if you have one.a aAh! Thatas a beautiful weapon, only weighing ten ounces and only four and a half inches long.a aI know that!a Holtz said impatiently. aHave you one?a aYes. It is almost new, and in perfect condition. It costs . . .a aI am not interested in what it costs. You will charge it to my uncle,a Holtz said curtly. aLet me see it.a aIn a few moments.a Frederick left the room, closing the door behind him. Holtz went to the window, drew aside the net curtain and looked down into the street. His hard eyes surveyed the pa.s.sing people, the crawling cars. He saw nothing suspicious, but suspicion was ingrained in his nature. He dropped the curtain and moved to the centre of the room as Frederick came in, carrying a cardboard box.

aThere are twenty five rounds of ammunition,a he said, setting the box down on the table. aI fear I have no more.a aThey will be enough.a Holtz opened the box, took out the gun, lying in cotton wool, and examined it. His examination was searching and expert.

aI see you understand guns,a Frederick said, watching. aYou will find it in perfect order.aa Holtz ignored the remark. Satisfied with the gun, he opened the box of ammunition, and after scrutinising each bullet, he loaded the gun.

aIall take it,a he said. aNow, I want a hunting knife.a aCertainly, Mr. Holtz. I will fetch my best selection.a Again Frederick left the room and returned some minutes later with a large box which he set on the table. Removing the lid, he said, aPlease make your selection.a Holtz took nearly half an hour examining the collection of knives before he made his choice.

aThis one,a he said, holding up a murderous-looking knife with a flat ebony handle and a razor-shape blade some four inches long.

aAn excellent choice. The best knife I have in my collection,a Frederick said. aThere is a sheath to go with it.a He rummaged in the box and produced a soft sheath in deerskin with straps.

Holtz put the knife into the sheath, then pulling up his right trouser leg, he strapped the knife into place. After a little adjustment, he found the knife lay snugly against the fleshy part of his calf. Pulling down the trouser leg, he walked around the room, then nodded.

aIall take it. Charge it to my uncle,a and with barely a nod, he walked out of the living room, opened the front door and took the elevator down to the entrance of the apartment block, the Beretta in his hip pocket, the box of ammunition in his jacket pocket, the knife strapped to his leg.

Since he had left New York, completely unarmed, Holtz had felt naked, but not now. He walked with an a.s.sured step to his car, got in, paused to check the map, then set off to the second address.

He had some difficulty with the one-way streets and the heavy, slow-moving traffic, but eventually he came upon a pair of gates with a plaque bearing the number he was seeking. He drove into the yard.

A few minutes later, he stood in a handsomely furnished office, shaking hands with a tall, balding Swiss who introduced himself as Herr Weidmann.

aYour uncle telephoned, Mr. Holtz. It is always a great pleasure to do something for him. The box is ready. I can a.s.sure you everything is as your uncle has ordered.a Holtz nodded.

aI am pressed for time,a he said curtly. aGive me the box.a Weidmannas smile slipped. He wasnat used to such abrupt treatment, nor did he like the look of this tall, thin man with his hard, probing eyes.

aCertainly, certainly.a He went to a cupboard, unlocked it and took out the blue vanity box. aIt is a perfect replica. You will see from the photographs . . .a aHave it wrapped!a Holtz barked. aI am in a hurry!a Weidmann took the box and left the office. What an uncouth fellow, he thought as his secretary wrapped the box. Who would believe he was Gustav Holtzas nephew?

He returned with the parcel and Holtz took it from him.

aI can a.s.sure you everything has been carried out, according to Mr. Holtzas instructions,a Weidmann said, forcing a smile. aThere is . . .a aOkay, Iall take it as read,a Holtz said, and turning, left the office and walked back to his car.

Now for Radnitzas villa.

The journey to Villa Helios took time. Holtz was exasperated by the heavy, crawling traffic, but he was careful to control his impatience. It wouldnat do to have a collision, but there were moments when he had to contain his vicious temper not to shout at the drivers who tried to edge in on him, tried to beat the traffic lights, tried to force their way out of side streets.

It was a little after 16.00 when he eventually pulled up outside the impressive portals of the villa, although Holtz was not impressed. The way rich tyc.o.o.ns put on a show of wealth bored him. As he mounted the marble steps, he wondered how anyone could live in such an ostentatious style.

Mythen opened the front door and gave him a little bow.

aMr. Holtz?a aYes.a Holtz regarded the old man with contempt: a born lackey, a boot licker, he thought.

aPlease come in. Mr. Radnitz is engaged, but he will see you in a little while.a Holtz followed the old man into a large room furnished with priceless antiques.

aPerhaps coffee, tea or a drink of some kind while you wait, Mr. Holtz?a Mythen inquired.

aNothing!a Holtz snapped, and crossing the room to the window, he gazed out at the vast expanse of lawn, the trees, the flowering shrubs and the big swimming pool.

Mythen quietly withdrew, closing the door behind him.

Holtz remained at the window. After some minutes, he saw a powerfully built man, wearing a black jogging suit, move across the lawn. He was followed by two other men of the same build and wearing similar clothes. They all disappeared behind a high bank of flowering shrubs. Holtz registered this with a sardonic grin. Radnitzas bodyguards, he thought. Well, they looked efficient. He supposed a man in Radnitzas position automatically wasted money on bodyguards: more for self-esteem than protection.

Half an hour later, Mythen came to the door.

aMr. Radnitz will now see you. Please follow me.a Carrying the wrapped vanity box, Holtz walked behind Mythen to Radnitzas study.

Radnitz, seated behind his paper-strewn desk, a cigar between his fat fingers, regarded this tall, thin man as he came into the room with searching interest. He watched Holtzas cat-like walk as he moved towards his desk.

Radnitz, an astute judge of men, came to the immediate conclusion that this man could match up to Lu Silkas standards. Since Gustav Holtz had recommended him, Radnitz had no misgivings, but he wanted to see for himself.

In his turn, Holtz regarded Radnitz. Yes, he thought, this was a man he could cooperate with. His uncleas description of the power, the ruthlessness of Herman Radnitz was no exaggeration.

aYou have the vanity box?a Radnitz asked in his hard, guttural voice.

aYes, sir.a Holtz placed the parcel on the desk.

aIs it satisfactory?a aThat I donat know. Weidmann who made it said it was. He and my uncle discussed it. I was only told to bring it to you. I havenat checked it out.a aIf your uncle is satisfied, I am.a Radnitz puffed at his cigar. aSit down.a Holtz sat in a chair near Radnitzas desk.

aYou are now a member of my staff,a Radnitz said. aYour uncle has guaranteed you. Has he explained your duties?a Holtz inclined his head.

aYou may have nothing to do for weeks, then you could get an a.s.signment. You are always to be within reach. You will keep me informed where I can contact you at a momentas notice. Understood?a Again Holtz inclined his head.

aYou are, from now on, my hitman as they call killers. Your uncle has told you the terms of payment. Are you satisfied?a aYes, sir.a aYou have no hesitation accepting this job?a A faintly bored expression came into Holtzas eyes.

aWhy should I, sir?a aYou understand your immediate task?a aMy uncle told me I was to go to the Montreux Palace hotel at Montreux and exchange this vanity box for a similar one owned by a Mrs. Lepski.a aThat is correct. How are you going to do this?a aThe Lepskis will be arriving at the hotel in six daysa time. I will arrive two days before they arrive. My uncle has already reserved a room for me on the same floor as their reservation. I will wait my opportunity, then make the exchange.a aYou think you can do this?a Again the faintly bored expression came into Holtzas eyes.

aI wouldnat be here, sir, unless I was certain.a Radnitz liked this confidence. He nodded approvingly.

aWhen you get Mrs. Lepskias box, you are to bring it without delay to me here.a aI understand, sir.a aYou have three days before leaving for Montreux. A room has been reserved for you at the Eden hotel. What will you do while waiting to leave?a aLearn to open hotel bedroom doors,a Holtz said. aMy uncle has given me the name of a locksmith who will teach me. This is something I have to learn. Unless I can open Mrs. Lepskias bedroom door, I wouldnat be able to get the box.a Radnitz nodded.

aYour uncle is a remarkable man. He thinks of everything. I trust you will come up to his standards.a aYes, sir.a aVery well. You are now at liberty to do what you think necessary. I will expect you here with Mrs. Lepskias box within a week. Should you fail, I will have no further use for you. Understand?a aYes, sir,a and Holtz stood up.

aI am told by your uncle that you are very able to take care of yourself,a Radnitz said with a sly little grin. aAlthough I usually take your uncleas opinions seriously, I also prefer sometimes to check out these opinions. Have you any objections to a test as to how well you can take care of yourself?a Holtzas eyes turned cloudy.

aWhy should I?a he asked in a cold, flat voice.

aThen do me a favour of taking a walk down to the lake.a Radnitz waved towards the open French windows. aI would like to see for myself if you can take care of yourself.a aIf that is what you want, sir, then, of course, I will do what you ask.a Holtz paused and stared at Radnitz. aI take it the three goons who are probably your bodyguards and who are hiding in that distant clump of shrubs will attempt to rough me up for your amus.e.m.e.nt. That is understandable, sir, but I should tell you I donat play rough games. Before I go out there, I must ask you if you have anywhere convenient to bury those three goons?a Radnitz stiffened.

aBury them? What do you mean?a Holtz bent, lifted his right trouser leg and the glittering bladed knife jumped into his hand. The movement was so swift Radnitz sat motionless, his frog-like eyes wide open.

aYou see, sir, I donat play rough games. When three powerful men attempt to crowd me, I cut them,a Holtz said quietly. A sardonic smile twitched at his lips. aYou wouldnat employ them unless you had faith in them to guard you. It seems a waste to lose them, but it would also be a nuisance for one of your servants to bury them. I donat undertake burials. I only undertake elimination.a He stared at Radnitz, his eyes vicious. aDo you still wish me to take a walk down to the lake, sir?a For a long moment, Radnitz sat still, staring at this man and at the murderous knife in his hand, then he recovered himself.

aUnder the circ.u.mstances, I think a test is unnecessary,a he said. aGo and learn how to unlock hotel bedroom doors, go to the Montreux Palace hotel and return with the box.a aIt is as you wish, sir,a Holtz said, returning the knife into its sheath, then picking up the parcel, giving Radnitz a slight nod, he left the room.

Radnitz stubbed out his cigar. He felt slightly shaken. It was as if Death had walked out of the room, and Radnitz feared death: the only thing he did fear.

chapter seven.

Lu Bradey uttered a groan of despair as he saw Maggie Schultz enter the Kennedy airport checkin lobby, followed by a coloured porter pushing a trolley on which were two large suitcases and a blue vanity box.

He reached her in four long strides.

aWhat are you thinking of?a he demanded. aI told you to travel light for G.o.das sake!a Maggie Schultz was something very special in women. She caused a male sensation wherever she went. Even now, with the checkin desk busy, male heads turned, and there were even a few suppressed whistles.

Maggie was not only beautiful in every possible way, but s.e.x oozed from her the way treacle oozes from a can. Blonde, with thick silky hair, her body was so perfectly built fashion photographers, Playboy, Penthouse and, of course, p.o.r.n specialists scrambled for her. Her face carried a please-help-me expression that raised male blood pressure.

aThere you are, pet,a she cried, and throwing her arms around Bradey, gave him a kiss that caused the male audience to sigh with envy.

Bradey shoved her away.

aAll this G.o.dd.a.m.n luggage! Didnat I tell you . . .a She put her hand over his mouth.

aBaby, you donat expect me to walk around Switzerland naked, do you?a aOkay, okay.a Bradey contained his exasperation. aNow you know what to do? Check in, take the box and go through the customs. If they ask questions tell them you are going to join friends in Geneva. Remember?a aYes, pet. Will this nice man take care of the rest of the luggage?a aHeall see you through the customs. Iall meet you in the departure lounge.a She kissed him again, then went over to the checkin desk and presented her ticket.

Bradey watched her finally join the queue for the baggage search.

The customs officer eyed Maggie as she came to rest before him. Man! he thought, what wouldnat I give to drag this piece into my bed!

Maggie, reading his thoughts, gave him a big s.e.xy smile.

aTell me, handsome, are you married?a she asked.

The customs officer blinked, then grinned.

aSure, I guess I am.a aIam so glad. You are going to search my baggage, arenat you? Young bachelors always embarra.s.s me. Us girls just have to take things with us, but a nice married man understands.a She presented him with a set of keys. aDo be kind and open the bags for me. Iam plain stupid with locks.a Taking the keys, the customs officer leered at her.

aI bet youare not stupid about other things, miss,a he said as the porter put the bags on the counter.

aOh, I am. Iam just dizzy.a Maggie rolled her beautiful sea-green eyes. aMy mother said I was born with a body, but no brains. Wasnat that a terrible thing to say, but she was right.a The customs officer unlocked the bags.

aI wouldnat know, miss, but she was certainly right about one thing,a he said as he began to go through the contents of the bags, careful not to disarrange anything.

Bradey, standing at the end of the queue, watched all this. He could see Maggie was talking and talking and laughing and oozing s.e.x, and he was glad he had brought her. He watched the customs officer open the vanity box, but as Maggie was still talking, his search was perfunctory. It occurred to Bradey that Maggie could certainly have smuggled out the icon had it been in the box. He told himself he must use Maggieas s.e.xual charms more often in the future.

He watched Maggie take the box, give the customs officer a wide smile and pa.s.s on to the departure lounge. The coloured porter took her bags and carried them away to the trolley waiting to be loaded.

Twenty minutes later, Bradey joined Maggie.

aHe was the sweetest thing,a Maggie said. aOh, I am so enjoying all this! And now Switzerland! Baby, this is the first time I have gone to Europe!a At the age of thirteen, Maggie had seduced one of her schoolteachers who had gone to jail, and she had been put ainto care.a She had run away six months later from the home, and was taken up by an elderly, rich man who liked young, pretty girls. He pa.s.sed her off as his granddaughter. She had remained with him until she was fifteen, then bored with his constant demands, she took up with a coloured man who had a string of girls. She did a six months stint of street walking which she found dreary and unprofitable, not to say dangerous. She then moved to Florida where for the next two years she did acall girla service and made a considerable amount of money which she spent, living in the kind of luxury which, at her age, satisfied her. She then met an advertising executive who immediately realized her potential. He took her to New York and introduced her to a number of his friends who got her a.s.signments for fashion photography. She was in and out of their beds until she reached the age of twentya"one. Then she met Lu Bradey and fell in love with him: an experience that had never happened to her before. Bradey had explained to her that he was in the antique furniture business and had to do a lot of travelling, but it was okay with him if she liked to move into his West Side apartment and expect him when she saw him. He also advised her to continue with her fashion work as he was not rich enough to support the two of them. Love was such a wonderful thing to Maggie that she agreed. For the next six months she saw Bradey some ten times. He always seemed rushed. Maggie never asked questions. She was happy to see him when she saw him and she kept his apartment tidy, cooked for him when he returned home and continued to make good money with her freelance modelling. Then suddenly he had telephoned her to say he was going to Switzerland and would she like to come with him? Nearly out of her mind with joy, Maggie screamed, aTry and stop me!a He came around the following evening with her air ticket and the blue vanity box. This was the first present Bradey had ever given her and she smothered him with kisses. Bradey refrained from telling her the box wouldnat remain in her possession for long.

The flight from New York to Geneva came up to Maggieas expectations. They travelled first cla.s.s, and Bradey, from long experience, quickly captured the attention of one of the airhostesses who kept them both supplied with champagne, canaps and later, dry vodka martinis.

Arriving at Geneva airport, Bradey left Maggie to go through the customs with her baggage and vanity box. He had with him a small overnight case and was quickly through the customs search. He then went over to the Hertz desk and organised a Mercedes car.