The man in the brown suit moved the steering wheel a trifle. He leaned far out of the car. Hennessey looked up into the big amber-coloured eyes that were as indifferent to him and as expressionless as the headlamps of a car. The onside front wheel went over Hennesseyas upturned face. Keeping his course the man in the brown suit felt the rear wheel lift and thud down, and he gave a pleased little nod.
He slightly increased his speed, reached the end of the alley, swung into the main street and headed uptown.
IV.
Nick English paced the floor of his office, his hands clasped behind his back, his chin down, his face hard and frowning.
The time was six minutes after seven. Everyone, including Lois, had gone home, and only he and Ed Leon remained in the office. He had listened to Leonas report with growing alarm, although he didnat reveal the fact to Leon.
Leon lolled in an armchair, his long fingers laced around one knee. His hat rested on the back of his head, and he talked in a low voice, marshaling his facts and bringing them out clearly.
aWell, I guess thatas about all, he wound up. Tomorrow Iam going to call on this Mitch.e.l.l girl. Maybe sheall have some facts for me. I donat know how you feel about Hennessey, Nick, but I gave him a hint he might get some of his money back. Heas been bled for close on five hundred bucks.a aIall write a check,a English said, and moved over to the desk. aFind out how much the Mitch.e.l.l girl had to pay. Iall square her, too.a aThis could be an expensive business,a Leon reminded him. aCalhoun said some days as many as thirty people called on him.a aI just canat believe it!a English said, sitting down. aOrganized blackmail! It was bad enough when we thought he was putting pressure on a couple of his old clients, but thirty people a day! Whoas this fella with the scar?a aI donat know, but Iall find out if you want me to. From what Hennessey said he was just Royas stooge.a aI donat believe that either. Roy hadnat it in him to organize a racket like this. If anyone was the stooge, he was the one.a Leon didnat say anything. He took out a cigarette and lit it carefully, put the match in the bronze ashtray.
aIf this gets out, Ed, Iam sunk,a English went on. aBut these people should be found and paid back. This fella with the scar should be put out of business. Maybe he was the one who shot Roy.a aIave checked on that angle,a Leon said. aThree people went up to the sixth floor around the time Roy was supposed to have shot himself. Two fellas and a girl - the girl was the only one Calhoun was sure had gone to see English. The other two called on the news service agency. I checked on them. The young one was a messenger from the a.s.sociated Press. The other fella wanted information about the service these people sell.a English frowned.
aFunny time to call for information, wasnat it?a aThatas what I thought, but the manager of the News Service said they never close and people come in at all hours. Still, this guy might be worth checking on. He might have gone first to this News Service and then along to shoot Roy. It would have given him an alibi if Calhoun had reported his presence to Morilli.a aIs it likely a killer would have used the elevator?a English said. aI doubt if he or the girl shot Roy. The killer wouldnat want to be seen. He would slip into the building and walk up the stairs.a aMaybe,a Leon said, abut on the other hand, he might be a smooth operator, and antic.i.p.ate that was what people would think. He might figure he would be unlikely to be suspected if he used the elevator and let Calhoun have a good look at him, so long as he could prove he had been to the News Service.a aYes, thatas a smart bit of reasoning. Youad better see if you can find out something about him. Have you got a description?a aYep, and a good one. Heas around, twenty-seven or eight, and he wore a brown suit and brown hat. He carries a silk handkerchief tucked up his sleeve and he chews gum. But for all that, it wonat be easy to find him.a aThink so?a English said. aI think I can give you his name and tell you where he lives right now. If Iam not mistaken, his nameas Roger Sherman and he lives in Crown Court.a Leon stared at him.
aA friend of yours?a English shook his head.
aNo, I havenat even spoken to him, but Iave seen him often enough. He has an apartment on the same floor as mine. The description fits him like a glove. What does he do for a living?a aI donat know. Nothing as far as I can see. Heas what used to be known as a dilettante. Heas interested in art and music. Youall always find him at previews of fashionable galleries, and he has a private box at the Sheldon Hall where he takes in all the important concerts. I might have a talk to him myself. I canat imagine he even knew Roy, let alone want to shoot him, but he might have seen someone on the landing or heard the shot. Yes, I think you can leave him to me. You talk to this Mitch.e.l.l girl.a Leon nodded, slowly got to his feet and stretched.
aWell, I guess Iall get along. I want to find somewhere to sleep. The hotel Iam staying at gives me the horrors. The room Iave got is so small I have to use a folding toothbrush.a aWhat about the girl who called on Roy? You havenat told me about her yet,a English said.
aAccording to Calhoun, she was good looking enough to be in the movies,a Leon said, stubbing out his cigarette. He said she was wearing a black and white skullcap, a black suit with wide white lapels, black and white gauntlet gloves, and a charm bracelet.a English paused in his pacing and looked sharply at Leon.
aA charm bracelet?a aThatas right, a gold chain with little charms hanging from it.a aWell, Iall be double-d.a.m.ned!a English said under his breath, and he ran his fingers through his hair.
aDonat say you know her, too?a aI donat know. I might. Iall let you know, Ed. Okay, come and see me after youave had a talk with this Mitch.e.l.l girl. Here, wait a minute, let me write a check for Hennessey. Cash it yourself and give him the money, and donat let him know where it comes from.a aIall do just that thing.a Leon waited until English had written the check, slipped it into his pocket and made for the door.
aI guess Iall go back to the office and see if I can find out where those microphone wires lead to,a he said. aIf I make a startling discovery Iall phone you. Where will you be?a aPhone me at my apartment after midnight,a English said, glancing at his watch. aOr maybe youad better leave it until tomorrow morning.a aIall do that,a Leon said. aSo long for now.a When he had gone, English turned off the lights, put on his overcoat and went down to where Chuck was waiting with the car.
aMiss Clairas apartment,a English said curtly.
aWant the evening paper, boss?a Chuck asked, offering it.
aThanks,a English returned, got into the car and turned on the reading lamp. He read through the paper as Chuck drove toward Riverside Drive. A small paragraph caught his eye. He read it, frowning, read it again, then said, aGet me to a telephone quickly, Chuck.a aOne just ahead,a Chuck said, swung over to the curb and pulled up outside a drug store.
English got out of the car and hurried across the sidewalk to a row of phone booths. He called the Alert Agency.
Leon answered.
aIave only just this second got in,a he said, startled to hear Englishas voice so soon.
aThat old fella you were telling me about, was his name Joe Hennessey?a aThatas right. Why?a a27 Eastern Street?a aYep.a aHeas dead. Itas in the paper. He was killed by a hit-and-run driver in an alley thatas barred to traffic.a aFor crying out loud!a aListen, Ed, I donat like the sound of this. It may be a coincidence, but I donat think so. It seems to me you two were seen together, and someone decided Hennessey talked too much. I want you to go right away and get hold of the Mitch.e.l.l girl. The same guy might have heard Hennessey telling you about her. Get hold of her and bring her to my apartment. Keep her there until I get back. I wonat be much longer than a couple of hours.a aOkay, Iall do that right away,a Leon said. aWhere can I call you if anything goes wrong?a aIall be with Miss Clair,a English said, and gave Leon Julieas number. aGet after her right away,a and he hung up.
Ten minutes later he was letting himself into Julieas apartment, which he found in darkness. He stood in the lobby, frowning.
aJulie?a There was no answer, and taking off his hat and coat, he went into the sitting room. He crossed over to the bedroom, pushed open the door and turned on the tights.
He stood looking around the room, then walked across to the big built-in wardrobe, opened the double doors and glanced in. Among the many frocks, suits and coats hanging in an orderly line, he spotted the black suit with the wide white lapels. Above it on a shelf were a pair of black and white gauntlet gloves and a small black and white hat.
He closed the doors, stroked his jaw thoughtfully and returned to the sitting room. He stirred the fire, went over to the cellarette and poured himself a whisky and soda. Then he sat down before the fire, lit a cigarette and waited, his eyes brooding and cold. Some ten minutes later, he heard Julie come in.
aOh, Nick!a she said as she opened the sitting room door. aHave you been waiting long? I had a rehearsal, and there was some dope who couldnat get anything right. Iam so sorry Iam late.a English got up and kissed her, smiling at her.
aThatas all right. I was a little early, come to that. How are you, Julie? Youare looking pretty good.a aIam fine, but tired,a Julie said, taking off her camelhair coat and sinking into an armchair. aIam dying for a drink. Would you get me a martini?a He began to mix the martini, shooting a searching glance at her from time to time. He thought she looked tired, and the usual sparkle in her eyes was missing.
aWhatas been happening to you?a she asked, leaning back and closing her eyes. aHave you had a good day?
aOh, all right,a English said, and came over and gave her the martini. aI hope thatas not too dry.a aItas perfect,a Julie said. She drank half the martini, sighed and put down the gla.s.s. aWhat are you doing tonight?a aIam afraid I have a date in about an hour,a English said. aSomething important. Sorry, Julie.a aOh, well, never mind. I donat have to be at the club until ten-thirty. Iall take a bath and a snooze. I donat feel like having dinner. Iall have something when I get back.a English gave her a cigarette, lit it for her, and then moved slowly over to the fire.
aJulie, why did you go and see Roy the night he died?a he asked quietly.
He saw her stiffen and go as white as a fresh fall of snow. She looked at him, her eyes opening wide, and it startled him to see the utter fear in her eyes.
aNow look, Julie,a he went on, ayou mustnat ever be scared of me. I know you went there, and I want to know why, but that doesnat mean you have to be frightened.a aNo, I - I suppose not,a Julie said huskily, and made an effort to control herself. How much did he know? she asked herself, her mind cold with panic. Did he know about Harry? Was this only the opening gambit? aYou startled me, Nick. I didnat think anyone knew about that.a He smiled.
aNo one does except me. Was Roy blackmailing you?a For a moment Julie thought she was going to faint. Her heart seemed to turn over, and she felt sick.
aI found out this afternoon that Roy had been blackmailing a number of people,a English went on. aYou were seen going up to the sixth floor, and I recognized the description of that suit - the magpie one I like so much. I wondered if you, too, were paying Roy money.a Was that all he knew? she wondered, her tongue touching her dry lips.
aYes, he was blackmailing me,a she said, and her mind darted about trying to think of a reason he would believe.
aFor G.o.das sake!a English exclaimed. aWhy didnat you tell me? I would have broken his neck!a aI didnat want to tell you. I was too ashamed of myself.a aBut, my dear girl, you neednat have told me why he was blackmailing you. I donat want you to tell me now. All Iam interested in is the fact he was blackmailing you.a Julie went limp, He didnat know! The relief was so great she wanted to cry.
aHeas been blackmailing me for the past six months,a she said. aI had to go to his office and pay him two hundred dollars every week.a aYou should have told me,a English said, his face hard. aThe little rat! I know he was a weakling and a louse, but I never realized he had sunk as low as that. Julie, for goodnessa sake, donat hide things like that from me again. I could have fixed Roy in a moment.a aI couldnat tell you,a Julie said. aBut I want to tell you now.a She realized she had to tell him some story. If she didnat, sooner or later he would become suspicious of her. He might even have her watched. She wasnat deceiving herself that his present sympathetic att.i.tude would last. She knew him too well for that. She remembered sharing a room with a girl years ago in Boston. She remembered what had happened to the girl and, unable to think of a convincing story, she decided to borrow from the girlas experience.
aYou donat have to tell me anything,a English said, and came over and sat on the arm of her chair. He put his arm around her shoulders. aIs there anything I can do to help?a aNot now, itas past history,a Julie said. aIt was when I was in Boston, years ago. I was only seventeen, and I was hard up. I got an audition. It came out of the blue just when I thought I would have to give up and go home. I had nothing decent to wear. I knew if I went as I was, I wouldnat get the job. The woman who ran the boarding house always kept money in the house. I stole it. I thought I would be able to put it back before she found it, but she caught me in the act. She sent for the police, and I was given a week in jail.a English patted her shoulder.
aYou neednat have told me that, Julie. So what? Most of us have done something at one time or other that could have landed us in jail if we were caught. You were unlucky. Do you mean to tell me Roy was blackmailing you for that?a aHe threatened to tell the press. I would have lost my job, and then they would have got at you through me, Nick.a Englishas eyes hardened.
aI guess thatas right. Does anyone else know about this?a She shook her head.
aThen weall forget it. How much did you pay Roy?a aI donat want to discuss that part of it,a Julie said quickly.
aNonsense. I intend to return the money to you. How much was it?a aPlease, Nick, I donat want you to do that.a aWhat was it - five thousand?a aYes, about that, but I wonat take it. I mean that. Itas nothing to do with you. Iave paid, and Iave forgotten about it.a aWeall see,a English said and stood up. aJulie, when you went up there, was Roy alive?a She nodded.
aYes, he was alive.a aYou realize, donat you, that a few minutes after you had gone, he died?a Again she nodded, and her hands turned into fists.
aWould you say he looked like a man who was about to commit suicide?a aOh, no. He was smiling and joking. He even tried to make a pa.s.s at me. It was the first time I had been with him alone in the office. Usually the girl was there, too.a Englishas mouth tightened.
aWhat happened?a aHe tried to kiss me, but I got out of his way. I gave him the money and left.a aYou gave him the money? Two hundred dollars?a aYes.a aYouare sure about that, Julie? Itas important.a aYes, I gave it to him.a aIt wasnat found. He had only four dollars on him. Lois went through the office very carefully. She didnat find any money anywhere.a aWell, I gave it to him. He put it on his desk and put a paperweight on top of it.a English stroked his jaw, his eyes brooding.
aI think that about clinches it,a he said, half to himself. aRoy was murdered.a Julie closed her eyes.
aDid you see anyone or hear anything when you were up there?a English went on, watching her.
aNo, nothing. Only the machines in the office along the pa.s.sage. They were making a lot of noise.a aWell, someone shot him and took the money,a English said. aIt didnat walk out of the office on its own. Someone took it.a aWhat will happen, Nick?a she asked, her eyes scared.
aI have a man working on it,a English said, tossing his cigarette into the fire. aThereas nothing for you to worry about, Julie. No one knows you went up there and no one is going to know. You can forget about it.a aBut if someone murdered him, shouldnat the police be told?a aIf it gets out that Roy ran an organized blackmail racket, Iam sunk,a English said quietly. aIam not telling the police a thing. Itas up to them to find out for themselves. My man may find the killer, and if he does, weall have to decide what to do with him. Thereas nothing for you to worry about in any way.a He went over to her and took her hand in his. aNow I must run along, Julie. Have a rest and forget about this. Iall see you tomorrow. Maybe we can take in that movie.a aYes, Nick.a She got up and went with him into the lobby. While she was putting on his coat, she stood near him, watching him, her eyes uneasy.
aNick, wouldnat it be better if you forget all about this yourself? Must you hunt for this man? If you did find him you couldnat hand him over to the police. He might talk and give Roy away.a English smiled at her.
aDonat worry your head about that. I have to find him first. Roy may have been a louse and a rat, but no oneas going to murder one of my family and get away with it. Iall think of a way of fixing this guy when Iave found him. Bye now.a He kissed her and patted her hip. aDonat worry.a He went down to where Chuck was waiting patiently.
aTake me home,a English said, and got into the car.
As Chuck drove rapidly through the dark streets, English sat still, his face thoughtful, his mind busy. He went straight up to his apartment, let himself in and tossed his coat to a maid.
aAnyone waiting to see me?a he asked.
aNo, sir.a aNo phone calls?a aNo, sir.a English nodded and went into his luxuriously appointed study. He sat down at the desk and reached for a cigar. When he had lit it, he sat thinking for a few minutes, then he picked up the telephone.
aGet me Police Captain O Brien, Police Headquarters, Boston,a he told the girl at the switchboard. aAs quick as you like.a aYes, Mr. English.a He hung up and got to his feet, and began to pace slowly up and down. After a little delay, the telephone bell rang and he picked up the receiver.
ah.e.l.lo, Mr. English. Well, well, you are a stranger,a OaBrienas voice boomed over the line.
ah.e.l.lo, Tom. How are you?a aIam fine. Howas yourself?a aOh, Iam alive. I was expecting you at the fight. Why didnat you come?a aYou know how it is. I got a couple of murders on my hands right now. Glad your boy won. Seems like a good sc.r.a.p.a aIt was all right. Look, Tom, I want a quick favour.a aAnything you say, Mr. English.a aSome eight years ago a girl named Julie Clair was arrested for stealing money from her landlady. She drew a week in jail. Can you check that?a aI guess so,a OaBrien returned. aGive me three minutes.a English sat on the edge of the desk, swinging his leg, his eyes brooding, cigar smoke drifting past his face.
In less than three minutes, OaBrien came on the line again.
aNo one of that name was arrested, Mr. English. We have no record of her.a Nickas face hardened.
aAny record of any girl arrested for stealing money from her landlady about that time?a aIall see,a OaBrien said, and there was a long pause. Then he said, aA girl named Doris Caspary - she got a week in jail because she had been caught shoplifting the previous month.a English remembered Julie had once mentioned sharing rooms with a girl called Doris Caspary. Once he had heard a name he never forgot it.
aJulie Clair was a witness for the defence,a OaBrien went on. aBut she wasnat charged.a aThanks, OaBrien, I must have got my facts muddled,a English returned. aDonat forget to let me know when you are coming to town. So long for now.a He hung up and frowned down at the carpet. He had had an idea Julie had been lying the moment she had started telling him the story of the theft.
aNow I wonder what youave been up to, Julie?a he said half aloud. He slid off the desk and resumed his slow, restless pacing.
CHAPTER FOUR.
I.
Ed Leon ran out onto the sidewalk and waved at a cruising taxi. a23A Eastern Street,a he said, jerking open the door, aand snap it up.a aOkay, chum,a the driver said, slammed the door and let in his clutch so violently that Leon landed in a heap on the floor of the cab.
aI didnat tell you to break my G.o.dd.a.m.n neck!a Leon yelled as he scrambled onto the seat.
aWhen a guy says snap it up, I snap it up,a the driver said, and sent his hack racing through the dark streets.
For the s.p.a.ce of ten minutes or so, Leon sat with his heart in his mouth, sorry he had given the impression he was in a hurry. But when the driver reached 22nd Ward with its narrow streets, its fruit stalls and its aimless crowds overflowing into the gutters, he was forced to reduce speed almost to a crawl.
aIf youare in all that hurry,a he said suddenly, athereas an alley just ahead that takes you into Eastern Street. Itall be quicker for you to get out here and walk.a aWhy do you think I hired this heap if I wanted to walk?a Leon said, remembering English had told him this was the alley where Hennessey was killed. aKeep going, and donat run anyone down.a aIad like to run down some of these jerks, the driver growled, and started honking on his horn.
Leon lit a cigarette. It was all very well for English to tell him to get hold of the Mitch.e.l.l girl and bring her to Englishas apartment, but it was easier said than done. Probably the girl would think he was going to kidnap her, and would yell for the police.
Leon grimaced and squirmed forward on the edge of the seat.
aHow much farther have we got to go?a aJust ahead of you.a aOkay, stop at the corner.a The driver drew up and Leon paid him, tipping him liberally.
aWant me to stick around? Youare not likely to get another cab back. This ward doesnat use many cabs.a aWell, okay,a Leon said. aI may be a little while. If I donat show up in half an hour, youad better blow.a aIall get myself a bite to eat,a the driver said, and climbed out of his cab. aIall be right here.a Eastern Street was no better than a slum. It was flanked on either side by tall tenement buildings, their soot-grimed fronts crawling with rusty iron fire escapes and balconies. Garbage cans stood along the curbs. The streetlights were dirty, and threw dim pools of light on the greasy sidewalks. Every few yards men lounged in doorways or against the iron railings, giving the street a somewhat sinister atmosphere. Toward the end of the street, Leon could see a few shops, their grimy windows still lighted, and he moved briskly toward them.
He pa.s.sed No. 27, and paused to look up at the shop. The facia bore the legend: Joe Hennessey. General Store. The shop was in darkness, and Leon shook his head as he moved on.
He came upon a walk-up apartment house, and saw it was numbered 23. He paused again. As he did so, a black car slid out of the darkness and slowed down within a few feet of him.
aHey, you!a a voice called.
Leon turned.
A man was beckoning to him from the car.
aKnow where 23A is?a the man asked.
Leon walked toward the car. The man behind the steering wheel was in the shadow, but he leaned forward to look up at Leon and the street light fell directly on his face.
Leon knew at once who he was. The thin white scar running from his right ear to his mouth, the cast in his left eye and the blunt, brutal features were unmistakable. This was the man who had called on Joe Hennessey and had put the screws on him.
Leon was startled, but he seldom allowed himself to be fl.u.s.tered, and he showed no sign that he had recognized the man.
a23A?a he repeated. aWell, I guess it must be at the other end of the street. This is two hundred and twenty-three.a The man with the scar grunted, engaged gear and drove rapidly down the road. As the car moved away, Leon caught sight of another man, hunched up in the back seat, a slouch hat pulled well down over his eyes.
There could be only one reason why these two men were looking for 23A Eastern Street. English had guessed right. They had silenced Hennessey; now they were going to silence May Mitch.e.l.l.
Leon wished he had a gun with him. He spun around and ran back to the building and up the steps to the door. By the door was a card rack. Each rack was lettered A. B. C. D. E. and against each letter was the name of the tenant. A quick glance told him May Mitch.e.l.las apartment was on the top floor. He glanced back down the street. The car had stopped about two hundred yards away, and the man with the scar was standing on the sidewalk, looking toward him.
Leon pushed open the front door of the building and stepped into a dimly lit lobby that smelt like a hen coop. Facing him was an ancient automatic elevator, scarcely large enough to hold three people.
He jerked back the grill door, stepped inside the cage, slammed the grill to and thumbed the b.u.t.ton marked A. For a second or so nothing happened, then the elevator shuddered as if coming to life, and began a slow, painful crawl upward.
Leon found he was sweating a little. He knew he hadnat much more than a three-minute start before the man with the scar and his boyfriend would find the building. It would take them perhaps five minutes to walk up to the top floor, and in that time, he had to get the girl into the elevator and downstairs. He hoped that as the two men climbed the stairs they wouldnat notice the descending elevator. It was going to be a close thing, and if the girl didnat cooperate, it was going to be just too bad. The elevator took four minutes to reach the top floor. It came to a creaking standstill as if it were thankful the journey was over.
Leon slid back the grill, and leaving it open, stepped onto a small landing.
Facing him was a front door, equipped with a knocker and bell. A light came through the transom above the door.