Dead or Alive (Department Z) by John Creasey

Author:John Creasey [Creasey, John]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Ipso Books
Published: 2017-07-20T18:30:00+00:00

16

DEAD END

THE story answered almost any question they might want to ask about Bray and told them nothing they wanted to know about Mae. The plump little man sat in that attitude of absolute dejection, his eyes glassy with the strain; that might be good acting. He made no appeal, seemed to realise that it would be a waste of time.

Ross said: “When Mae’s back, you can have Dolly.”

“Ross!”

The word was agonised.

“I’m not in this business for my health,” said Ross.

“What — business — are — you — in?”

“Never mind.”

Bray stood up slowly, and went to a cabinet, opened it, and fumbled with bottles. He took one out, but didn’t unstopper it, just turned to face Ross.

“I know a little about you, of course. Your mysterious errands, some of the people you know, where you go. I’ve always guessed that you were in the Secret Service.”

“Have you? Why?”

“I have to know these things,” said Bray vaguely.

“I don’t see why.”

Bray smoothed the bottle with his left hand.

“I need to know everything I can. Ross, you wouldn’t hurt Dolly. Whatever you are, whatever you’re doing, you wouldn’t harm my darling Dolly.”

“Wouldn’t I?”

Bray closed his eyes, and muttered: “You’re not human!”

“I want Mae, and I want the man who kidnapped her, for more things than that job. And until I have them, you can’t rest in peace about your darling Dolly. Not that I think you care a rap for her. You’re a smooth liar, but still a liar.”

“I have told the simple truth.” A hint of dignity crept into Bray’s manner now. He took out the stopper and went back for glasses, poured out three nips and picked up the soda siphon. He had perfect control over his movements, although he hardly seemed aware of what he was doing. “If you hurt that girl ——”

“It’s a hard life,” said Ross. “Three people have been murdered.”

“I did not know that.”

“It’s true. And one more life won’t make much difference. You’ve guessed what I am, and you may have guessed wrong. You know I mean what I say — no Mae, no Dolly.”

“I can do nothing to help you.”

“You can.”

“Tell me — how.”

“This mystery man will get in touch with you again. Arrange to meet him.”

“I’ve often tried, but he won’t come into the open.”

“Try again,” said Ross. “Think of Dolly.”

Bray said: “I will try, but I don’t think it will do any good.”

“Then nothing will,” said Ross.

“How will you know when we meet?” asked Bray, after a pause.

“I’ll know,” Ross said.

Bray nodded, sadly, and lifted a glass, looked at it, and drank. Only then did he realise that he hadn’t given the others their drinks. He looked pathetically apologetic as he brought them across.

“Thanks,” said Ross, “but I’ll start drinking your health when I know where Mae is.”

He went out; and Williamson followed swiftly. Neither of them glanced at the plump little man who stood with bowed head and the glass in his hand.

Ross tried the old trick, slamming the door without properly closing it.

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