Free The Whole Megillah by Howard Engel

murky mystery of the woman all the darker. Overhead, the ceiling fan turned and the green tendrils of one of the potted plants reached down towards her from the suspended white container. From where I sat, a bright sunflower caught the light. It was painted on a west-facing wall across the street. I was beginning to feel as though I’d better get moving. If I couldn’t find Lowther to tell him about the terms Kurian outlined, at least I should appear to be looking for him. I put down some money on the table, enough to cover both of our drinks. Honour smiled and made a half-hearted attempt to make me stay. I think I was a little surprised to find myself out in the street again and not looking at the regular appearance and disappearance of the lacy outline under the top of her dress.
    As soon as I got back to Brunswick Avenue, I called Lowther’s office again and left another message. The gerbils, indifferent to my return, continued eating a toilet paper cylinder, but the flowers seemed to enjoy a little company. I told myself that real businessmen do not take time off in the middle of the day to have a nap. That’s when I fell asleep on the burgundy couch, ready by the phone, poised to wake up if Lowther returned my calls.
    When the phone rang, I was running up and down the aisles of Book City, pursued by Mary the bag lady and Honour Griffin. I’d just taken refuge behind the round table when strange shapes began materializing from the antique fireplace behind me. I was glad when the noise that accompanied the shapes became the familiar, if insistent, summons of the phone.
    â€˜Yes?’ I tried to read the dial on my watch to see whether I’d slept through the night. I hadn’t. It was still Saturday afternoon.
    â€˜Cooperman? Colin Lowther here. You’ve been trying to get hold of me.’
    â€˜If you’re still interested in buying the book we were talking about, I’ve located it. But it’s going to cost you a bundle, as they say on TV.’
    â€˜That’s wonderful news! I take it that you were able to locate Mr. Kurian?’
    â€˜What’s the difference? If you have enough money, the thing will be turned over to you. It’s as simple as that. How high are you willing to go?’
    â€˜Kurian knows that everybody bidding is aware of the book’s value. No bargains are going to be made, I’m afraid. Tell him I’ll pay three fifty.’
    â€˜That’s three hundred and fifty thousand dollars? He calls that "a fair price.’’ I don’t suppose he’ll take a cheque.’
    â€˜Tell him that I have the money in cash. Or that I can get it. Tell him to bring the book to any place where there are lots of people milling around. Get him to name the place or you pick it.’
    â€˜What about Book City on Bloor Street? On the second floor?’
    â€˜Sure, that’ll suit me. Just as long as he brings the book with him. I don’t want to follow a paper trail from the bookstore to some locker at the bus terminal. You tell him that. When I get a look at the book, he can begin counting the money.’
    â€˜Sounds simple from here. But what if he’s suspicious?’
    â€˜Tell him to bring the book. There won’t be any tricks from my side.’
    â€˜Are you promising me that, Mr. Lowther?’
    â€˜Hell, Cooperman, you’re on my payroll, not Kurian’s! What are you worried about?’
    â€˜It’s no deal unless you’re on the up and up, Mr. Lowther. I don’t have much of a reputation in this business, but I don’t want to get it any more soiled than it is. I’d just as soon be making corned beef sandwiches down at Switzer’s as standing between two fighters who make up the rules as they go along. It’s the only sure way to get maimed, and that’s a word I hate the sound of.’
    â€˜Okay, okay! There won’t be any rough stuff. Not in the store. I promise you