Goldfish Have No Hiding Place (1974) by James Hadley Chase

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

***

When Cissy arrived the following morning, I told her I had forgotten my keys and had to break in and could she get her husband to repair the window. She rolled her eyes and beamed and said it would be fixed by the time I returned.

I then told her that Mrs. Manson had gone to see her mother and would Cissy pack a couple of suitcases with clothes and have them sent to Dallas. I gave her three dollars for her trouble.

Having settled my home worries, I got in the car and drove to the office. I felt a little embarrassed facing Jean but I need not have been. She was her usual quiet, efficient self and we immediately got caught up in the machinery of the magazine. It wasn't until close on midday when she came in with printers' proofs that she said, “I'm sorry about tonight, Steve. Is there anything you want to tell me? We have a few moments.”

“I've been thinking about it, Jean.” I looked at her. “You have done enough. I could be in a jam but I'm not involving you further. The fact you got rid of the gun is more than enough.” I forced a smile. “It'll work out.”

“I'm not scared of getting involved. If I can help, I want to help.”

“It's okay and thanks for the offer.” I paused, then went on, “Whoever it is, Jean, I hope you will be happy.”

She flushed a little, then putting the proofs on my desk, she said, “Thank you. I'll go to lunch. I won't be long,” and she left me.

I sat for some moments feeling sorry for myself. I wondered who the man was, then the telephone brought me back to work. Later, I remembered I hadn't warned Shirley to tell Wally to keep his mouth shut about the Welcome store.

I called her home.

When she came on the line, I said, “Great news about Wally! You must be relieved.”

“Oh, boy! You can say that again.” Shirley sounded very elated. “I'm seeing him tomorrow afternoon. I might see him sooner. It depends on what Dr. Stanstead says.”

“Shirley . . . I hate to bother you with this, but the police will talk to Wally. It is essential he says nothing about the Welcome store. Would you tell him that?”

“The Welcome store? I don't understand.”

“Wally has been researching the store. He's not to tell the police.”

“But he hasn't!” A pause, then she said, “Well, at least, he didn't tell me about it.”

“I think he has. We are not ready yet to give out publicity to anyone about the store. It's important.”

“I'll tell him, of course. Isn't there a murder inquiry going on about the store? I've been so het-up, I have scarcely looked at a newspaper.”

“That's right. That's why it's important for Wally to say nothing until I've talked to him. This is really important, Shirley. Mr. Chandler wants it that way.”

“All right, Steve. I'll tell him . . . say nothing about the Welcome store .

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