Not A Penny More, Not A Penny Less by Archer Jeffrey

Author:Archer, Jeffrey
Language: eng
Format: epub

Not A Penny More, Not A Penny Less

Chapter 11

Jean Pierre was the last to arrive at Lord Brigsley's King's Road flat. He felt he had the right to make an entrance. Harvey's cheques were cleared and the Lamanns Gallery account was for the moment $447,560 the better for it. The painting was in Harvey's possession and the heavens had not fallen in. Jean Pierre had cleared more money in two months of crime than he had in ten years of legitimate trading.

The other three greeted him with acclaim and a glass of James's 1st bottle of Veuve Clicquot 1959.

“We were lucky to pull it off,” said Adrian.

“We weren't lucky,” said Stephen. “We kept our cool under pressure. What we have learnt is that Harvey can change the rules in the middle of the game.”

“He almost changed the game, Stephen.”

“Agreed, and we must remember that we shall fail unless we can be as successful, not once, but three times. We must not underestimate our opponent because we have won the first round.”

“Relax, Professor,” said James. “We can get down to business again after dinner. Anne came in this afternoon especially to make the salmon mousse, and it won't go well with Harvey Metcalfe.”

“When are we going to meet this fabulous creature?” asked Jean Pierre. “When this is all over and behind us.”

“Don't marry her, James. She's only after our money.” They all laughed. James hoped the day would come when he could tell them she had known all along. He produced the boeuf en croute and two bottles of fichezeaux 1970. Jean Pierre sniffed the sauce appreciatively.

“On second thoughts, she ought to be seriously considered if her touch in bed is half as deft as it is in the kitchen.”

“You're not going to get the chance to be the judge of that, Jean Pierre. Content yourself with admiring her French dressing.”

“You were outstanding this morning, James,” said Stephen, steering the conversation away from Jean Pierre's pet subject. "You should go on the stage. As a member of the

English aristocracy, your talent is simply wasted."

“I have always wanted to, but my old pa is against it. Those who live in expectation of a large inheritance have to toe the filial line.”

“Why don't we let him play all four parts at Monte Carlo?” suggested Adrian. The mention of Monte Carlo sobered them up.

“Back to work,” said Stephen. “We have so far received $447,560. Expenses with the picture and an unexpected night at the Dorchester were $11,142, so Metcalfe still owes us $563,582. Think of what we have lost, not of what we have won. Now, the Monte Carlo operation which depends upon split-​second timing and our ability to sustain our roles. Adrian will bring us up to date.”

Adrian retrieved the green dossier from the brief case by his side and studied his notes for a few moments.

“Jean Pierre, you must grow a beard starting today, so that in three weeks' time you will be unrecognisable. You must also cut your hair very short.” Adrian grinned unsympathetically at Jean Pierre's grimace.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.