The Life Buyer by E. C. Tubb

Author:E. C. Tubb
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: New Worlds
Published: 1965-04-09T16:00:00+00:00

* * *

High in the building Ransom sat at his ease in a small but comfortable room. He was being watched. Five men kept him under constant surveillance. They were men trained to penetrate disguise, to recognize the walk and stance and posture of a man rather than purely physical characteristics. Ransom didn't know they were there. If he had he wouldn't have let it bother him.

He rose as Marcus entered the room.

"At last," he said. "I was beginning to think that you'd forgotten me."

"Sit down." Marcus dropped into a chair, gestured Ransom to his seat. "Why are you annoyed? You had no objection when I sent for you and asked you to stay."

"No," admitted Ransom. "I didn't mind staying. It suited my purpose."

"And now?"

"Now I'm tired of being cooped up in this fancy cell. How about getting down to business?"

He was curt but Marcus wasn't annoyed. He had known this man a long time. Once he had treated him as a son. It had been safe to do that for there was no blood-bond between them—no fear that the prince would aspire to the throne. But he had created another danger. An overwhelming pride. He had tried to break it—and had lost his son.

"All right," said Marcus. "We had our social chat when you arrived. What I have to say now couldn't have been said earlier." Marcus paused and then, softly. "How much is life worth, David?"

"That depends." Ransom was surprised at the question. "I've risked mine for a week's keep and taken it from those who valued it less. If you want a short answer I'd say that life is worth everything a man owns—without it he owns nothing." His eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Do you want me to turn assassin?"

"No. I have all those that I need."

"Then—?"

"Shiel is dead," said Marcus. "You remember Shiel?"

"Harry? Yes, I remember him." Ransom's voice held a tinge of mockery. "When you kicked me out I thought that he'd be riding high. You always did like him."

"I trusted him. Now he's dead."

"Assassinated?"

"The police say not," said Marcus. "But how can you be sure when there are so many ways to kill a man?"

"You can't." Ransom spoke from knowledge. "Was there any reason for him to be a target?"

"I don't know. There could have been. He was working for me on a special assignment. Someone may have got wind of it—I don't know who or how. Maybe his death was due to natural causes after all but I daren't take any chances. That's why I sent for you."

"Why?"

"I want you to take over where Shiel left off."

"No." Ransom shook his head. "I don't need the work. I get along all right."

"You did," corrected Marcus. "Since you've been my guest there have been one or two changes. I don't think that you would find yourself as popular as you imagine." Marcus relaxed in his chair. "In fact. David, if you refuse me I don't think that you will be around much longer."

"Are you threatening me, Marcus?"

"Of course not, David.

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