Mission to Siena by James Hadley Chase

Author:James Hadley Chase [Chase, James Hadley]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Mystery & Detective, Hard-Boiled, Crime, General
ISBN: 9781471903342
Google: h9OA-ye8-4YC
Publisher: Hachette UK
Published: 2012-09-05T12:00:00+00:00

"Yes. Since you and she have formed an alliance perhaps you will make yourself responsible for her actions ?"

"She'll be all right," Felix said, feeling sweat on his face.

Alsconi looked at him.

"Or perhaps you would prefer me to talk to her? I hesitate to interfere between the two of you. A man should be able to control his mistress."

"I can take care of her," Felix said curtly.

"That is as it should be. Enjoy women, Felix; they are given to men to enjoy, but don't let them control you. It is quite fatal. I found it necessary to give up the pleasures of women years ago. They have a dangerous way of sapping one's will power, diverting one's aim in life and causing trouble."

Felix didn't say anything.

"We have rather lost sight of Micklem, haven't we?" Alsconi said, after a pause. "Did he say why he was in the garden?"

"Carlos was a little rough with him. He hasn't yet recovered consciousness."

"Not too rough, I hope? He represents a very valuable investment."

"I've asked Englemann to have a look at him. He'll be all right."

"So he asked Pedoni about the Tortoise ward?" Alsconi went on.

"Yes. He also mentioned Genga and Vaga to Pedoni."

"Did he? Now how-did he get on to that? Have you any ideas?"

"Crantor says Micklem was a close friend of Guido Ferenci."

"Ah! So that's it. You should have told me before. That would explain why Micklem has been making inquiries. He is a persistent busybody. He has too much money and too little to do. Never mind, we have him now, and we can turn that to our profit. I will see him at eleven o'clock tomorrow morning. In the meantime you must find out where he is staying and who his companions are. The police are certain to visit us, but can handle that." He ran his fingers through the cat's fur. "Crantor appears to be quite a discovery, doesn't he?" he went on. "I like the way he handled the Ferenci affair. A ruthless man: a man after my own heart." His deep-set black eyes rested on Felix's face.

"You must be ruthless too, Felix. Up to now you have had an easy, comfortable time here. Don't let it soften you. You have known hardship; you have an impressive reputation. Don't let the two years you have spent here spoil that reputation."

"If you're not satisfied with my work," Felix said, stung to reckless anger, "say so."

Alsconi smiled at him.

"That is not my method, Felix. You should know that by now. I expect the people I employ to give me their best; if they don't I get rid of them." He waved his hand towards the door in a gesture of dimissal. "Bring Micklem to me at eleven o'clock tomorrow morning."

Felix went out of the room. He took with him a sick feeling of fear.

The dull, throbbing ache in his head jogged Don back to consciousness. He half opened his eyes and shut them again as the hard, bright light from an overhead lamp dazzled him.

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