1946 - Make the Corpse Walk by James Hadley Chase

Author:James Hadley Chase [Chase, James Hadley]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

* * *

“A Detective Sergeant!” Cedric Smythe exclaimed. “Really, it’s fantastic. I don’t know how you’ve done it!”

The tall, pleasant-looking young man seated opposite him, grinned shyly and raised his glass of beer. “Well, you must admit I would never have made an actor”,” he said. “Come on, Cedric, be honest.”

Cedric shook his head. “I don’t know so much about that,” he returned, shaking his head.

Cedric sighed. He was happy. For the first time for many months one of his friends had called on him. It was a pity that Jerry Adams had lost touch with the theatre. What a sinful waste of talent, Cedric thought dismally. Fancy becoming a policeman! At one time, Jerry looked a most promising juvenile lead. In fact, Cedric had predicted a big future for him.

Jerry finished his beer. “Well, I’ve got to get back to the station,” he said, getting to his feet. “Now I know where you are I’ll come in again. It’s been grand to hear all the gossip.”

Cedric looked at the time. It was just after eleven. “Must you go?” he said wistfully. “Well, I suppose I mustn’t keep you from work. You’ll come again, won’t you? I’m lonely, Jerry. You wouldn’t believe how lonely I get.”

Jerry smiled. “I’m lonely, too,” he said. “Of course, I’m coming again. I’ve enjoyed every moment of this. Besides, I’m curious to meet this Miss Hedder you keep talking about.”

Cedric looked worried. “She’s such a nice girl, Jerry,” he returned, as they walked to the front door. “I’m so anxious about her. When a girl’s been jilted like that, you never know what the rebound is going to be.” He looked at Jerry with a smirk. “I’ve often thought what a splendid wife she’d make a young fellow like you.”

Jerry laughed. “You’re just the same old Cedric,” he returned, slipping into his overcoat. “Always on the lookout for romance. Why don’t you marry the girl yourself?”

“My dear boy,” Cedric protested. “The very idea! Why, I’m old and done for. Anyway, you must meet her. I’ll try to arrange it. Only just now, she seems very busy. I can’t imagine what she’s doing.”

Jerry grinned. “Well, if she’s breaking the law, you know where to come. As a matter of fact, Cedric, I’m hoping for an important case. If you know of anyone contemplating murder, you might give me a ring.”

He rinsed the glasses under the tap, put the bottle with several empties and turned off the light. He groped his way to the foot of the stairs and as he began the journey to his bedroom on the top floor, the front door bell rang.

For a moment, Cedric was startled. He turned on the hall light and glanced at his watch. It was eleven fifteen. He went to the front door and opened it.

Joe Crawford stood on the step. “I’ve got something for Miss Hedder,” he said, looking at Cedric with cold, baleful eyes.

Cedric, with a startled gasp, took an involuntary step back. He had not expected to see Joe again and the sight of his cold, hard face shocked him.

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