Maxwell Grant - The Shadow - 161 by Maxwel l Grant

Author:Maxwel,l Grant
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf

CHAPTER XI

CRIMELAND'S MESSAGE

SHORTLY before six the next evening, Irene Borion arrived home at her little third-floor apartment. She wasn't in a happy mood, for her mind was filled with many complicated thoughts. She felt that she had become far too important in affairs that were beyond her.

This was the end of the third full day since Daniel Clume had passed from sight. On each of those days, Irene had received an abrupt call from some person who could be defined only as a voice. Those telephone conversations had been repetitions: always bringing the same question: How much would Allied Airways pay for the return of Daniel Clume?

The police had traced those calls, but without luck. They had been made from obscure phones in different parts of Manhattan. The caller had been smart enough to escape observation, on each occasion.

Fortunately, the police recognized that Irene was a mere pawn in a huge game. Therefore, they had not kept following her. That, at least, was a comfort; and tomorrow, whatever happened, the ordeal would be over.

By that time, the directors of Allied Airways would have their minds made up. Midnight tomorrow evening would mark the expiration of their option period.

If they wanted to buy the Green Star Lines, they would have to have an offer ready when Irene received the final call.

Today, Irene had chatted with Lamont Cranston and other directors of Allied Airways. They were dining together this evening, at six-thirty. Other guests would be present; Clume's predicament would be the subject of heavy discussion. Unquestionably, some decision would be reached before the meeting ended.

Irene's thoughts were interrupted by a sharp rap at the door. Despite the suddenness, the strokes did not seem heavy. Irene didn't expect trouble, until

she had started to open the door. Right then, she halted in alarm; but her worry faded when she saw the visitor.

The arrival was a woman, who gave her a friendly smile from the hallway.

She was an attractive, well-dressed blonde; at least, such was Irene's first impression. She changed that opinion, however, when the visitor stepped inside the apartment.

Stronger light didn't favor the blonde's features; furthermore, it showed the gaudiness of her attire. The woman was wearing expensive clothes, but she had bedecked them with an overload of garish ornaments. In fact, Irene couldn't

remember having ever before seen any one dressed with such outlandish taste.

Before Irene had recovered from her surprise, the blonde began to talk.

"Hello, honey!" she said, briskly. "You're Irene Borion, ain't you?"

Irene nodded.

"My name's Marge Hotzlen," continued the visitor. "Now that we're acquainted, I got something to tell you. Let's sit down and chat it over, huh?"

She clicked open a fancy cigarette case. Irene shook her head, so Marge merely took a cigarette for herself. She lighted it with a new and expensive lighter, while Irene watched her face against the flicker of the flame.

MARGE'S frankness impressed Irene. She decided that whatever the visitor said would be clearly and directly put. Moreover, she was sure that it concerned Daniel Clume. Realizing the possible importance of the coming talk, Irene met Marge's next gaze with a smile.

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