Free 1953 - The Things Men Do by James Hadley Chase Page A

something. You've got to think of Ann before you do anything you'll be ashamed of. If you don't want to keep your self-respect, you've got to make an effort for her sake."
    I stood rooted, glaring at him.
    "You've got it all wrong! You can't talk this way to me!"
    "Don't get hot under the collar. It won't get you anywhere to glare at me. I know what you're up to. Leave that girl alone: she's no good, and make her leave you alone. You've got Ann who's worth a hundred girls like this one. You're a married man with responsibilities. Try and act your age, Harry."
    I closed my fist and swung at him. I was so furious I forgot he had been the light-heavyweight champion of our battalion. He moved inside my wild swing and caught me a crisp clip on the jaw.
    I scarcely felt it, but I went down as if I'd been pole-axed.
    He bent over me.
    "Sorry, Harry, but you asked for that. You should know better than to lead with your right." He grabbed hold of my wrist and pulled me to my feet.
    I was shaking with rage and wrenched myself free.
    "You go to hell!"
    "Now look, Harry, I said I was sorry. Don't let's fall out . . .”
    "Get out!"
    I turned and walked back to the office. Harry went inside and slammed the door.
     
     

chapter seven
     
    S oon after nine o'clock the following morning, Berry arrived with three workmen and a lorry load of timber.
    I kept clear of him as I was in a poisonous mood, still furious with Bill and irritated almost to exasperation by Ann's worried quietness.
    I knew the main reason for my mood was because I hadn't seen Gloria since the party. I expected her to come in for her car, and every time anyone did come into the garage, I dived out of the office, hoping it would be her, until I was ready to walk up a wall.
    I was also worried that Bill had seen through me so easily. If I were as transparent as all that it wouldn't be long before Ann ceased to be taken in by my lies, and then I didn't like to think what would happen.
    The noise of hammering didn't help my nerves, and the racket the three workmen made was really something to hear.
    But it was surprising the progress they made during the day.
    By evening all the uprights were in position and a work bench had been assembled.
    They knocked off work around six o'clock, and after they had gone, I went down to have a word with Berry.
    "You certainly kept them at it. They've made a pretty good start, haven't they?"
    He gave me a long stare, then nodded.
    "It's got to be ready by Friday. When Ed wants a thing, he gets it."
    "Looks as if it will be ready by Friday."
    He grunted. I could see he didn't particularly want to talk to me.
    "I never asked him: what's the name of your outfit?"
    His eyes shifted.
    "Then you'd better ask him. I'm just a stooge around here." He pushed his hat to the back of his head and grimaced. "Well, I guess I'll be shoving along."
    "Come across the road and have a quick one before you go."
    He shook his head.
    "No, thanks. I've got a date.
    He began dusting himself down as he moved towards the Humber he had parked near Gloria's Jaguar.
    "Seen Gloria lately?"
    He shot me a blank stare.
    "Who?"
    I felt my face go hot.
    "Gloria Selby."
    "Saw her last Saturday, same as you. Why?"
    "Just wondered. She doesn't use her car much, does she?"
    "Worry you?"
    I forced a laugh.
    "No: just seems a waste of a nice bus."
    "That's her business, isn't it? Well, I'll be shoving. So long."
    He got into the Humber, backed it out and drove away, leaving me feeling foolish and angry.
    That had been a mistake, I told myself, as I walked back to the office. I shouldn't have mentioned Gloria to him.
    I sat down, lit a cigarette and stared at the top of the desk. I tat like that for several minutes, then my hand went out and I picked up the telephone book. I thumbed through it.
    Selby. A Selby, George. Selby, Gloria. I repeated her number half aloud, then I got up, went to the door leading to the stairs, opened it a few inches and listened. I could hear Ann moving