A Splinter of Glass by John Creasey

Author:John Creasey
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: House of Stratus

Chapter Twelve

K & K

The van driver was by the side of his cabin, beneath the bright blue K & K painted an off white. This was a Vauxhall van, not a Ford like the other, and when Venables pulled up the driver tossed away the stub of a cigarette, and said: “You from the Yard?”

“That’s right,” said Venables.

“Just follow me, then.” The driver clambered back to his wheel and led the way along a narrow road winding through clusters of modern houses, then turned off, towards meadows and trees. From a slight rise in the land, the factory gradually became visible. It was a vast building, no part of it more than two storeys high, set amid attractive grounds, with flower beds and shrubberies and huge sweeping lawns. Two gardeners were busy. The van stopped at a gatehouse from which two men came, checked their identity, and sent them along a wide road, past several car parks and a single storey building. The van pulled up outside a larger, two storeyed building. This, like all the rest and like the grounds, was immaculate. As the police car stopped a man came from some swing doors: brisk, pale faced, rather tired eyed. The van driver jumped down to open the door on Roger’s side, and Venables got out quickly.

“Mr. West?” the newcomer asked.

“Yes.” They shook hands. “And this is Detective Officer Venables.” There was more hand shaking.

“I’m Tolliver, P.R.O. for K & K,” the newcomer volunteered, “and while we aren’t expecting to cash in on publicity, I’m probably the man who can guide you around best.”

Roger thought: Not Crabb?

“Mr. Crabb’s on a long distance call—New York, in fact—or he would have been here to welcome you.” Tolliver had a pronounced Midland accent and his voice gave the same tired impression as his eyes. “He should be through by the time we’re upstairs.” He looked at the van driver. “Okay, Smart, thanks.”

“Sir,” said Smart, looking at the damaged side of Roger’s car.

“Yes?”

“We could put a new handle on the superintendent’s car in half an hour or so.” His gaze turned to Roger eagerly, hopefully. “We’ve four Rovers and we keep a good stock of spares and parts.”

“Would you like—” began Tolliver.

“I’d be very grateful,” Roger said.

“Must have got very close to something,” observed the driver.

“Another car, wasn’t it, Venables?” Roger said.

Venables stared; and then suddenly burst into laughter. The laughter hadn’t quite worn itself out when the van driver took the wheel of the Rover and the others moved towards the swing doors, Venables carrying Roger’s case. The hall was very contemporary, with tropical plants and a small fountain. There was a flight of open, wooden stairs. A tall girl in salmon pink, slim but well curved, walked down with great precision, aware of the men and deliberately drawing their gaze. Venables took one glance and then stared at her face; she wasn’t really pretty, but her figure was positively voluptuous. She did not look round as the others went up the stairs.

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