You Can Say That Again (1980) by James Hadley Chase

Author:James Hadley Chase [Chase, James Hadley]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

* * *

As I was stripping off in the bedroom for a shower, Mazzo poked his head around the door.

‘Hurry it up, Mr. Ferguson, the old lady wants to see you,’ he said, and I could see he looked worried.

‘Mrs. Harriet?’

‘Yeah. She’s just arrived. Hurry it up.’

I took a quick shower. Mazzo had put out an open neck shirt and linen slacks.

‘What’s she doing here?’ I asked as I struggled into the clothes.

‘How do I know? She’s here, so watch it.’

‘Do I put on the mask?’

‘No. She’ll be here in a minute. Go out there, and wait for her.’

I put on sandals and went into the living room.

Mazzo’s worried, flustered look became infectious. I too began to get worried. What was this old woman doing here, and what did she want with me?

I hadn’t been in the living room for more than a few minutes when the door opened and Harriet, carrying the poodle, came in.

‘Surprised to see me again?’ She smiled at me, pausing in the doorway.

‘Pleasantly.’ I gave her my wide, movie smile of charm.

‘Yes.’ She moved to a chair and sat down. ‘I’ve been hearing all kinds of good things about you, Jerry. Mr. Durant is very satisfied.’

I relaxed a little, moved to a chair and sat down.

‘That’s what I’m being paid for,’ I said.

‘It won’t be long now.’ She regarded me, still smiling. ‘There will be a few more papers for you to sign, a few more appearances at the office, then you will be free to return to Hollywood and resume your talented career.’

I decided this was the moment to drop a spanner in the works.

‘Mrs. Harriet,’ I said, giving her my best smile. ‘I am sorry to tell you but I am not happy with the situation as it stands.’

Her little dark eyes hardened.

‘Not happy?’ There was a rasp in her voice.

‘No, and being so sympathetic to me, so generous in your praise for my small talent, I feel you wouldn’t want me to be unhappy.’

She raised her eyebrows, her back stiffening.

‘Why aren’t you happy, Jerry?’

‘Mr. Durant promised to pay me one thousand dollars a day to impersonate your son.’

She inclined her head, her eyes now like wet stones.

‘That was the arrangement, Jerry. It is a generous amount, and you agreed.’ She peered at me. ‘Are you asking for more money?’

‘No.’ I gave her my wide smile again. ‘You are an intelligent lady, Mrs. Harriet. Put yourself in my place. I am being constantly watched. I am, in fact, a prisoner. Frankly, I have no confidence in Mr. Durant.’

‘A prisoner?’ She gave a trilly laugh. ‘It is necessary to keep you secluded, Jerry. You must see that. Aren’t you happy with Mazzo? I have told him to give you good meals, to amuse you.’

‘To restore my confidence, I want to be sure that I am being paid one thousand dollars a day, Mrs. Harriet,’ I said, still smiling at her.

‘Dear Jerry! You have the daily credit notes. Mr. Durant has arranged this. Of course the money is being credited to you.

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