Free 1977 - I Hold the Four Aces by James Hadley Chase

hand.
    “Let me read this first!”
    He cut himself a piece of cheese and ate it. Holding his brandy glass, he wandered over to the window, drew aside the drapes and stared down at the traffic. This woman, he warned himself, was going to be difficult, but he thought of the possibilities. Although his confidence in himself had been shaken, he was still sure, that once he could get her to bed, all would go well.
    Finally, she put down the papers. Her sharp mind had absorbed the details. She realized this promotion would never get off the ground, but she did see how she could control this man who meant so much to her. It was ridiculously easy.
    “This could be interesting,” she said. “Let us talk about it.” She moved to the settee, and Grenville came over, and sat by her side. “I have so much money and I believe money should always be put to work. If Mr. Patterson is really prepared to pay twenty-five per cent on two million, yes, it is interesting.”
    Grenville stared at her.
    “But, Helga, dear! Surely you…”
    She waved him to silence.
    “Two million is nothing to me, and it would be nice for you to get two per cent. Now, this is what we will do. You and I will look at this site at Vallauris. I love the south of France. It’ll be fun, and also business. We will stay at Cannes for a couple of days. The Carlton Hotel is always so kind to me. Don’t worry about expenses: leave all that to me. Tell your Mr. Patterson that I am interested, and that you have persuaded me to look at the site. Telling him that will ensure, if the deal goes through, that you will get your commission.” She patted his hand. “Let us catch the 22.30 night flight tomorrow. What do you think?”
    Dazed, Grenville nodded.
    “That would be wonderful. I’ll tell Mr. Patterson. He will be delighted.”
    “I am sure he will.” The blue eyes were steely. “All right, Chris, this has been very exciting. I have had a long day. Leave all the arrangements to me. Let us meet in the lobby tomorrow evening at 19.00. Then together, we will fly to Nice.”
    He realized, with a sense of shock, that she was dismissing him.
    “I was hoping…” he began, but stopped as she got to her feet.
    “Later, Chris, tomorrow then.” As he reached for the papers and the brochure, she said curtly, “Leave those. I want to study them. Good night, Chris. I am sure we are going to have fun.”
    For the first time in his career as a gigolo, Grenville felt completely dominated. He kissed her hand, then bewildered, he let himself out of the suite. He stood in the corridor for several moments, then pulling himself together, he hurried to his own suite. He telephoned Archer and gave him a blow-by-blow account of the evening.
    He heard Archer draw in a deep breath of exasperation.
    “I told you she was nobody’s fool!” Archer exploded. “I warned you! You’ve blown it! She now knows this is a con!”
    “But she is taking me to Vallauris tomorrow!” Grenville said, his voice high-pitched. “If she knows it is a con, why should she do that?”
    “That shows how little you know about her, but you’ll learn,” Archer said sourly. “She is after your body. Now listen, Chris, do exactly what she wants you to do. Don’t argue with her. Go along with her. My idea is germinating.”
    “For God’s sake! What idea?”
    “Give me a few more days, and remember, Chris, don’t ever imagine you can outsmart Helga. She is very special.” He paused, then went on, “But I can. Go along with her, and leave the rest to me,” and hung up.
     
    * * *
     
    Grenville stood on the balcony of his room at the Carlton Hotel, Cannes, feeling the hot sun against his face. He looked down at the crowded Croisette. For the first time in his gigolo life, he felt unsure of himself and unhappy.
    The previous day, in Paris, he had talked to Patterson, telling him that Helga wanted to see the site at Vallauris. Patterson beamed and clapped Grenville on his shoulder.
    “So she’s