We'll Share a Double Funeral (1982) by James Hadley Chase

Author:James Hadley Chase [Chase, James Hadley]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2013-09-08T12:00:00+00:00

'How about the rifles?' Hollis asked.

'Leave them here.' Ross patted his revolver holster. 'Just let's watch it, Hank.' He led the way into the big living room, both men in their stocking feet.

Perry poured coffee into a saucepan. He had no idea where Brown was hiding. In the kitchen? Upstairs? He could be anywhere. We'll share a double funeral. He was surprised to find how steady his nerves had become. He no longer felt frightened. This situation was developing into a plot for a movie script, the kind of script Silas S. Hart was wanting. He paused for a moment, thinking. He realized he was playing with fire. Any moment Brown could turn vicious, but it was possible, if he played the cards carefully, Brown could be kept under control.

Perry felt a surge of confidence. He knew for certain that if he gave Ross the slightest hint that Brown was hiding somewhere in the lodge, there would be a shootout. He knew for sure Brown would never be taken alive.

Some situation! Already, he could imagine how to begin the script. He poured coffee into two mugs. So, okay, play this very cool. This could develop into a great movie.

He carried the two mugs into the living room to find the two officers standing awkwardly, looking around.

'Make yourselves at home,' he said. 'Sit down. Here ...' He handed the two mugs of coffee to the two men, then dropped into a lounging chair.

'You didn't tell me, what are you two doing out here in this goddam rain?' Both men sat down, facing him.

'Well, Mr Weston, we're hunting a killer,' Ross said. 'I had an idea he might be hiding in one of the fishing lodges. We've checked them out. So far, it looks like I was wrong.'

'A killer? You don't mean this man Logan? I picked up a radio warning.'

'That's the man.' Ross paused, then went on, 'Would you remember Jud Loss, Mr Weston?' Perry had a sudden cold feeling in the pit of his stomach.

'Jud Loss? Why, sure. He owns an orange farm. We used to have a drink when he was in the village. Nice fellow. What about him?'

'Ever met his wife? His daughter?'

'Can't say I met his wife, but I remember his daughter ... nice kid. What about him?'

'Logan arrived at the farm and massacred the three of them with an ax.'

'Good God!' Perry stared at Ross in horror. 'They're dead?'

'My deputy, Tom Mason, went out to the farm. He was unlucky. Logan gave him the same ax treatment.' He jerked his thumb at Hollis. 'He's replaced Mason.'

Into Perry's mind flashed the hesitant thought: Should he tell these men that Brown was here?

We'll share a double funeral.

No!

'This is a terrible thing, Jeff,' he said. 'Do you think this man is still in the district?'

'He could be. The State police and the National Guard are hunting for him. The State police think he held up a motorist and got through the roadblocks and is in Miami.' Perry nodded. He was sure, somewhere, Brown was listening, gun in hand.

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