The Secret Files of Solar Pons by Basil Copper

Author:Basil Copper
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: August William, Detective and Mystery Stories, Mystery & Detective, Pons, Fiction, Arthur Conan, Derleth, Doyle, English, Solar (Fictitious Character), Traditional British, General
ISBN: 9780523406565
Publisher: Pinnacle Books
Published: 1979-10-05T07:00:00+00:00

5

The orchestra burst into a deafening crescendo as the overture began. I focused my eyes on the footlights of the stage as they slowly increased in intensity. Pons stirred at my side, his sharp eyes missing nothing.

"There is nothing like the final full-dress rehearsal to give the proper atmosphere."

"Indeed."

"You see that stage box up there?"

I looked up in the direction he indicated.

"The one on the right?"

"That is the one. I wish you to go there and keep a careful watch on the stage throughout the performance, if you would be so good."

I glanced at Pons and my puzzlement must have shown on my face.

"But what am Ito look out for?"

Solar Pons smiled his curious smile.

"Be particularly alert at the finale."

"The strangling scene. I see. You wish to pinpoint the vulnerable moments at which this mysterious killer might strike at the opening on Wednesday?"

"Something like that. Also keep an eye on the other boxes and if you see anything suspicious do not hesitate to shout out or cause a distraction."

I stared at my companion in amazement.

"You think this creature might be here this evening?"

"It is entirely possible, Parker. You forget that he would need to know this particular theatre, just as I myself have had to learn its layout during the past few weeks."

"I see."

Solar Pons rose and stretched himself, looking round the half-empty auditorium, which contained a sprinkling of relatives and friends of the artists, together with technical personnel and members of the national press. So far as I could make out all the boxes were empty.

There was an extremely serious expression on my friend's face.

"You have your revolver?"

I nodded.

"Certainly. You insisted on it and I have carried it whenever I have managed to get along to the theatre for these rehearsals."

Solar Pons smiled and rested his hand lightly on my shoulder.

"You have been a tower of strength, as always, Parker. I am most grateful to you."

This was high praise indeed and I mumbled something deprecating in reply.

"What will you be doing in the meantime?"

"I shall be about, Parker. I have a few small things to do backstage yet. But it is imperative that you keep alert."

"I shall certainly do that, Pons."

I left my friend in the shadowy aisle as the overture came to a close and made my way to the box indicated. It was eerie in the half-light as I stumbled up the plush stairs and when I took my place in the box, the rectangle of the curtained stage below seemed brilliant in contrast.

I took my seat on one of the comfortable upholstered chairs at the edge of the box and waited for my eyes to adjust to the light. I did not think any danger might come from those in the main auditorium; it was altogether too public and anyone behaving suspiciously would immediately be noticed by his neighbor. The cavernous darkness of the remainder of the vast theatre was another thing altogether. The boxes stretched for tier after tier to the ceiling.

Pons had ruled out

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