The Toff Among the Millions by John Creasey

Author:John Creasey
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: House of Stratus

Chapter Thirteen

The Voice And The Man

Rollins on swung round.

He had no time for self-reproaches, and afterwards found ample excuse for himself although at the back of his mind was the harsh knowledge that for the second time that night he had walked serenely into trouble. First with Lucia, now with the man who stood behind the door and spoke in a voice which was vague and indistinct and yet which Rollison recognised.

He had last heard it while on the wrong side of the cellar door at the Port Street house.

He saw a heavily-built man with a beard and moustache so obviously false that in other circumstances they would have been laughable. Not only was there the beard and moustache, but he wore a wig beneath an old-fashioned cloth cap pulled well down over his eyes; and his eyes were the only part of his face which might have been recognisable, for he boasted a nose as obviously as false and unreal as the hair on his cheeks and lips.

“You should be advised, you know,” said the man with the beard.

Rollison said slowly: “I’m beginning to believe you.”

“I hope that’s the dawning of good sense,” said the other. He spoke as if he had a marble in his mouth to ensure that his voice would not be recognised. It was a farcical situation, yet not remotely amusing. The other had deliberately donned the theatrical props to make sure that no one who knew him recognised him, but at the same time made no attempt to hide the fact that he was disguised. Provided he was not caught at a disadvantage, so that the beard and all the rest could be stripped off, it was an effective type of disguise.

“I used to have a little common-sense,” said Rollison sadly.

“Yes, so I understand. Rollison, I have much esteem for you. I know you quite well. I don’t want you to get hurt. I was afraid of what would happen when the woman shot at you.” The speaker smiled, but it was no more than a bunching of the hair. It looked grotesque. “You reacted very well, and you’ve certainly had your hands full with young Marchant.”

“I’m glad I have your sympathy,” said Rollison drily.

“I hope you don’t earn more,” said the bearded man. “I can’t do much more than I have. I allowed you to go free this afternoon, I warned you earlier, and I’m going to give you another chance. I want you to understand that this affair has nothing at all to do with you. I am not frightened of you. I think you might be able to help the police but I am quite confident that I can manage to evade your attentions as well as theirs. I’m speaking solely because I don’t want you to get hurt.”

Rollison, recovering much of his equanimity, said slowly: “Well, that’s a nicer angle than Lucia’s, anyhow.”

“I’m glad you appreciate it. And I hope that this time you won’t ignore the warning. Step over to the man on the floor.

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