To Catch a Thief by David Dodge

Author:David Dodge [Dodge, David]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Mystery, Thriller
ISBN: 9781626816008
Google: 3FN4BgAAQBAJ
Amazon: B00T39XB6O
Goodreads: 24810893
Publisher: Diversion Books
Published: 1951-12-31T12:00:00+00:00

Bellini’s source of information at the Hotel Midi was a switchboard operator, from whom he got the quickest kind of service. He listened to the operator’s report, then put the telephone back in its cradle and wiped moisture from his face and hands. The cubbyhole of an office was like an oven, in spite of open windows. The door, which might have provided a cross draft, was closed, and the key lay on Bellini’s desk. All four men in the room, Le Borgne, Coco, and John as well as Bellini, were sweating.

“Lepic just left the hotel looking pleased with himself,” he said. “He was there less than thirty minutes. He must have found something.”

“There’s never anything to find,” John said.

“Maybe the girl has already talked,” Le Borgne said.

“I don’t think so. She promised me until six o’clock.”

Bellini said, “Are you sure she will really talk then?”

“Unless I produce the dog.”

“Then we will have to produce it, or a duplicate.”

“There isn’t a duplicate. Cartier’s doesn’t turn them out that way. It would have to be made to order.”

“The money itself, then. With a story of some kind.”

“The money wouldn’t satisfy her. It’s become a kind of an issue between us. She said I couldn’t have it, and she thinks I tricked her. I have to give it up to put her back on top again. It’s hard to explain.”

Coco said, “I still say let me conk her. That will save explanations.”

“Keep quiet,” Le Borgne said.

He and Coco had been there when John arrived, reporting to Bellini as they had been told to do. Nothing exceptional had happened during the night. The Souzas had had another screaming match, and the Sanfords had not come in before Le Borgne left his post at dawn. John alone had failed to cover his end. He had an excuse, but it was still a failure.

Le Borgne said, “It was only bad luck. We haven’t finished with him yet. You had better run while you can, John. Leave the rest of it to us.”

“It’s been too late to run since she found out who I was. I can’t get away.”

Bellini said cheerfully, “The air of pessimism is not natural to you, John. Have you thought of telling her the truth?”

“It’s the only idea I’ve had. I’m trying to think of a better one.”

“It should be enough. She was on your side before. If you can convince her that you don’t have the dog, and that her best chance of recovering it is to cooperate, she should keep quiet.”

“I think she might.”

“What is the objection, then?”

“I just don’t like it. The more she knows, the more hold she has. She’ll have you all on the same leash she has me, if I tell her the truth.”

“So?”

“In the maquis there was a name for a man who identified his friends to save his skin.”

Le Borgne said, “This is not the maquis, and if it were I would still say tell her. It’s your only chance.”

Coco said, “I say hit her on the head, but the next best thing is clearly to talk.

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