I Hold the Four Aces Part 3

Joe Patterson, sitting in one of the alcoves, watched with astonishment. When Helga was whisked out of sight, Grenville strolled over to Patterson.

aThere is no problem, Mr. Patterson, just a few more days,a then leaving Patterson gaping, he walked over to the conciergeas desk.

aA card and an envelope, please,a he said.

aCertainly, monsieur.a Grenville wrote on the card: Thank you for your beauty, and your company. Chris.

He put the card in the envelope, sealed it and put Helgaas name on the envelope.

aSend twelve red roses to Madame Rolfe and charge me,a he said, then leaving the hotel, he walked to where he had parked the Maserati.

That evening, Archer and Grenville met Patterson in the grillroom of George V Hotel. Patterson was in a good mood and slightly drunk.

aYouave picked the right man, Archer,a he said, after they had ordered. He grinned at Grenville.

aYouare a real fast operator. You really turned the doll on. She was all over you.a Grenville raised his eyebrows.

aIt is my profession, Mr. Patterson.a aYeah. Well, youare a slick operator.a They waited until the smoked salmon was served, then Patterson went on, aI want you to understand this project, Grenville. It canat miss,a and he went on to explain about the siting of the holiday camps.

Grenville listened politely while Archer, who had heard it all before, attacked his food. aLand isnat easy to come by these days,a Patterson waved his fork, abut Iave got an option on a slice of land down in the South of France: a very fine position. I reckon I could get it and put a deluxe camp on it for around two million bucks. Your job now is to convince her to put up the money. Iave got all the papers here and a beautiful brochure for her to see. You study them, and if there is anything youare not sure about, talk to Archer. He knows.a Grenville said he would do that.

aOnce youave got her on the hook,a Patterson went on, athere are other sites. Iave got my eyes on a beauty in Corsica. You could mention that to her.a Archer decided it was time to bring Patterson down to earth.

aI must remind you, Mr. Patterson, that Helga is a tough business woman. She wonat be content to act as a sleeping partner if she does put money into this project. She is likely to want part control.a Patterson scowled.

aI wonat have some G.o.dd.a.m.n woman messing around with my project.a He looked at Grenville. aTell her sheall get twenty-five per cent on her money, but no control!a Rather to Archeras surprise, Grenville said smoothly, aThere should be no problem. I have every confidence I can arrange this to your satisfaction.a Beaming, Patterson patted his arm.

aThatas talking. You study all this stuff, and get it set up. How long do you reckon itall take to get her money?a Grenville shrugged. There was a pause while the steaks were served, then he said, aMost unwise to rush it, Mr. Patterson. I would say at least ten days.a He gave his flas.h.i.+ng smile. aI have still to get her to bed.a aYeah. Well, thatas okay, but I want you to keep the cost down.a aOne shouldnat cut corners when going after two million dollars,a Grenville said as he cut into his steak. aMadame Rolfe has the impression that I am wealthy. I must keep up appearances.a aSure, but watch it, Iam not made of money.a aWho is these days?a Grenville said airily, and then launched into one of his monologues concerning the night life of Paris. He was so well-informed that Patterson became interested.

The meal over, Patterson asked Grenville to write down the address of a high-cla.s.s brothel he had mentioned.

aI guess Iall take a look,a Patterson said and winked. He called for the check.

aAsk for Claudette,a Grenville said gravely. aShe has just that little extra.a aClaudette, huh? Well, fine. Okay, you two. Keep in touch. Go easy on the spending,a and slightly unsteady, Patterson left the grillroom.

aWhat a ghastly little man,a Grenville said and waved to a waiter. aSome brandy and more coffee, please.a aGhastly, yes,a Archer said, abut he provides me with a living for the moment.a aYou donat believe for one moment that Helga would fall for this ridiculous project?a Grenville asked, lifting his eyebrows.

Archer shook his head.

aOf course not, but as long as Patterson thinks she will, then I get a hundred dollars a week and you get fun and luxury.a aAnd when she turns it down? What then?a Archer lifted his heavy shoulders.

aThen I suppose you look for a rich old woman to fleece, and I look for yet another promoter.a Grenville dropped sugar into his coffee.

aYou are not serious, are you?a Archer looked sharply at him.

aOne must face facts.a aMy dear Jack, surely that is being defeatist. Let us look at this situation. In a few hours, I have captivated one of the richest women in the world. She is longing to drag me into her bed. Once we become lovers - and that will be soon - worked carefully, thought out carefully, I shall have access to her millions. I have to admit plotting and planning has never been my forte. I was under the impression it was your department. Correct me if I am wrong, and then there is nothing more to be said.a aGo on,a Archer said, now very alert. aYou have more to say.a aI suggest we drop Patterson, and you and I work together, and get as much money as we can from Helga.a Archer considered this for a long moment, then shook his head.

aNot good thinking, Chris. Without Pattersonas financial backing, neither you nor I will get very far. You wonat be driving around in a Maserati or staying at the Plaza Athenee, and I shall be in financial trouble. I agree it would be an excellent idea to get rid of Patterson, but what do we do for money? And another thing, so far you have only seen the best side of Helga. I know her. Her other side is toughness, shrewdness and an excellent financial brain. Let me tell you something about her. She was the daughter of a brilliant international lawyer, and she has impressive degrees in law and economics. She worked with her father in Lausanne where I was a partner, so I know her capabilities. Donat ever take her lightly. She is very quick to smell a con. I would say she is mentally as brilliant as the best, and that is saying a lot. Her weakness, of course, is s.e.x, but I believe that s.e.x would take second place if she suspected she was being taken for a ride.a aThat remains to be seen,a Grenville said. aI am glad to have the information, but I still think we can drop Patterson - not immediately, of course - and make a killing with Helga. This now depends on you, Jack. Surely, with your brains, you can think up some scheme where we can pick up a couple of million off her. I a.s.sure you Iall handle Helga, providing you can think of a bright idea.a Archer half-closed his eyes while he thought. Helga had bested him in the last battle and had treated him abominably. It would be nice to get his revenge, but how?

aIall have to think about it,a he said.

aThatas what I am suggesting. We have ten days. We can still get this horrible little man to finance us. We can encourage him to think all is going well, then we drop him. So think about it.a aAgain I must warn you, Chris, not to take Helga lightly,a Archer said. aShe can be very tricky.a Grenville gave his musical laugh.

aIf you had seen the way she looked at me this afternoon, you wouldnat worry. She is ripe for picking.a Back in his sleazy hotel bedroom, Archer stretched out on his bed. His active, shrewd mind remained busy for the next two hours, but no plan to get two million dollars from Helga presented itself.

Frustrated, and now tired, he turned on his small radio for the 23.00 news. The big story was the holding of five hostages at Orly airport with a ransom demand of ten million francs.

Impatiently, Archer snapped off the radio, then getting off the bed, he began to undress. Then suddenly, half-way out of his s.h.i.+rt, he paused and looked at the radio, standing on the bedside table.

Was this the germ of an idea? he asked himself.

He scarcely slept that night.

Relais de Flore is a tiny restaurant in a back street near the Fontainebleau palais. Helga and Grenville were welcomed by the proprietress, Madame Tonnelle, who led them into the small restaurant with only fifteen tables.

As Helga settled in her chair, Grenville said, aI have already ordered. I want you to experience one of the great dishes of France: chicken Oliver. It is quite remarkable, and Madame Tonnelle has learned to cook it. I suggest we have a fond d'artichaut in vinaigrette while we wait.a Helga, looking splendid in an apricot-coloured trouser suit, smiled at him.

aYou seem to know so much about Paris, Chris. This place is just what I like. I get so bored with the deluxe restaurants.a She was thinking: Iave never met such an intriguing man! He must be marvellous in bed! He could be marvellous as a husband!

aI get around,a Grenville said, shrugging. aI would love to take you to restaurants in Vienna, in Prague, in Moscow. Now let me tell you about the chicken Oliver. First, Oliver is one of the great creators of dishes in France. The preparation of the chicken is too complicated to go into now. The ingredients are many: six yolks of egg, thick cream, b.u.t.ter, cognac, tarragon, shallots, celery hearts and so on. The exciting thing is that finally a lobster sauce is poured over the chicken.a aIt sounds out of this world,a Helga said, impressed.

aIt is exceptional.a Grenville smiled at her. aFor an exceptionally beautiful woman.a Again Helga warmed to him.

While they were eating the fond daartichaut, she said, aChris, tell me what do you do for a living?a Grenville had had a call from Archer that morning who had asked him to meet him at a bistro off Rue de Sevres.

Archer had said, aI have a germ of an idea, but I need to work on it. Now, here is what you do,a and he went on to explain in detail how Grenville should handle Helga. Grenville, listening intently, kept nodding.

aTake her out tonight and leave her at the hotel. Donat go to bed with her,a Archer said. aI know Helga: the longer she is kept waiting, the easier she is to handle. Then tomorrow, leave the hotel for two days. Send her a nice message saying you are called away on business. Let her stew, and she will. Then after two days, return to the hotel and put her to bed. By then, I think, you should have no trouble with her.a Grenville accepted this advice.

In answer to Helgaas question, he shrugged. aI have a private income from the Grenville trust that takes care of my day-to-day expenses. At the moment, I am working for a rich American who is promoting a property scheme. I have to meet dreary business men and try to interest them to put up the necessary money.a He smiled. aIt pa.s.ses the time, and who knows? I could find someone, and then I will get an acceptable rake-off.a aWhat is the scheme?a Helga asked.

aNothing that could possibly interest you,a Grenville said, acting on Archeras coaching. aAnyway, who wants to talk business when I have a lovely woman as a companion?a At this moment Madame Tonnelle arrived with the chicken. It was the most delicious meal Helga could remember eating.

While they ate, Helga let Grenville talk, but she only half-listened. She was thinking about what he had said. A property scheme? She had so much money! Perhaps she could get involved in this scheme and then get a hold on this intriguing man.

It wasnat until they were in the Maserati, driving back to Paris, that she said, aThis property scheme, Chris. Is it something I could be interested in?a Grenville smiled to himself. How well Archer knew this woman!

aDecidedly not. You have all your time taken up with the Rolfe Electronics. No definitely not for you.a aBut how do you know?a Helga said sharply. aIt could interest me!a aI couldnat discuss it with you without my bossa say-so. Sorry, Helga, but thatas how it is, and I do a.s.sure you, you wouldnat be interested.a aVery well,a Helga said, frowning.

Grenville then began to tell her the history of the Fontainebleau forest, but she paid little attention.

She was curious about this property scheme and felt frustrated, as Archer had a.s.sured Grenville she would be. If this scheme was interesting, she thought, it could give her a new outlet for her money, and it could also, much, much more important, give her Chris.

They arrived back at the Plaza Athenee Hotel.

aUnhappily, I now have a business date with my boss,a Grenville said as they entered the lobby. aIt has been a wonderful evening, and thank you for your company.a Watched by Patterson, who was sitting in one of the alcoves, Helga looked at Grenville.

aAnd thank you,a she said. aIt really has been fabulous. That chicken!a Grenville escorted her to the elevator, kissed her hand, looked at her for a long moment, and then left her.

In her suite, and although it was only 23.00, Helga undressed and dropped into bed.

She felt relaxed and happy.

She was in love with this man. That look he had given her as they had parted at the elevator told her he too was in love with her. No man, she told herself, could look like that without being in love, but then she didnat know just how professional Grenville was.

Lying in bed, she had a moment of panic, realizing that Grenville had said nothing about meeting her the following day. The thought of being in Paris without him depressed her. Paris would be nothing without him! Relax, she told herself. He is in love with me. Tomorrow, he will telephone, and we will go somewhere marvellous together, but she couldnat drift off into sleep, and finally, she once again took two sleeping pills.

She slept late. Awakening after ten oaclock, she ordered coffee, then took a bath. As she was dressing, the telephone bell rang. Eagerly, she s.n.a.t.c.hed up the receiver.

aThe desk, madame,a an obsequious voice said. aThere is a message for you. Shall I send it up?a Disappointed that it wasnat Grenville, Helga snapped, aYes,a and hung up.

A few minutes later a page arrived with a bunch of roses and an envelope.

The message sent her into the depths of despair.

I am called away on dreary business. I loved our evening together. May I hope, in two daysa time, we can meet again? Chris.

Two days!

But there was hope! He wanted to see her again! She must wait!

Going to the window, she looked down at the traffic moving in the bright suns.h.i.+ne. There would be no spring for her for the next two days.

And the next two days were purgatory for her as Archer had intended them to be. Loman suggested she should go with him and Winborn to Versailles where there was a possible site for the new factory.

She went with them because she had nothing better to do. They spent the day discussing the site with a minor minister. Helga couldnat work up any enthusiasm. Her mind was continually on Grenville. The minor minister invited them to dinner to finalize the plan, and again, because she couldnat bear the thought of being on her own, Helga joined them in the Plaza Athenee grillroom.

The following day, she, Loman and Winborn had lunch with the French Prime Minister. Again, she was utterly bored, wondering what Grenville was doing, and if he was thinking of her as she was continually thinking of him. She had a lonely dinner in her suite and two sleeping pills, with the thought that tomorrow, she would see him again.

Grenville had driven out of Paris and had had two enjoyable days at the Host du Chateau, Fere-en-Tardenois, where he ate well and toured the Marne 1914-18 battlefields. He liked being on his own, spending Pattersonas money and he didnat give Helga even a thought.

He arrived back at the Plaza Athenee Hotel around 11.00, two days after his departure. He called Archer from his suite.

aGo in and win,a Archer said. aIave talked to Patterson. He is getting restive,a and he went on to tell Grenville exactly how he should handle Helga.

Grenville said he would follow Archeras suggestions, then added, aThe trouble now, Jack, is Iam running out of money.a aThat is something you must talk to Patterson about,a Archer said. aThereas nothing I can do about that.a So Grenville went to Pattersonas room. He found him and Shappilo studying a large-scale map of Corsica.

aWhatas going on?a Patterson demanded aggressively. aWhere the h.e.l.l have you been these past two days?a Grenville took a chair and smiled at Patterson.

aI have been keeping a pair of pants hot,a he said. aJack and I discussed the situation. He agreed I should go off for two days and let the lady simmer. Itall pay off tonight.a Shappilo said, aThatas good thinking, Mr. Patterson.a Patterson grunted.

aSo whatas going to happen tonight?a aI will explain the Blue Sky thing to her and then put her to bed.a Patterson thought, then nodded.

aSounds okay, and then what?a Grenville lifted his hands.

aThat depends. I think she will go along with the idea, but one never knows. It is the beginning of the operation. She might bite at once. If not, then I will continue to work on her, but I a.s.sure you, Mr. Patterson, in at least ten days, you will get the money.a aWell, okay.a Patterson pulled at his cigar and released a cloud of smoke. aItas your baby, you handle it.a aWhich I will do, but it is now a matter of more money, Mr. Patterson,a Grenville said smoothly. aYour five thousand francs has run away. If you want me to continue this operation, I need another five thousand francs.a Patterson glared at him.

aYou donat get another dime out of me, Grenville! You finance yourself! When this deal jells, youall get a cut, but from now on, you finance yourself!a aUnfortunately, Mr. Patterson,a Grenville said, aI have no finances. I thought that was understood. You either give me five thousand francs or the operation is off, it is as simple as that.a Pattersonas face turned purple.

aWhat have you done with the money I have given you?a he barked. aI want an accounting!a aThat I can give you,a Grenville got to his feet. aFrankly, Mr. Patterson, when two million dollars are involved, I find your att.i.tude extraordinary. Well, shall we forget the whole thing? I have other irons in the fire, and this haggling over money bores me.a Patterson hesitated, looked at Shappilo who nodded, then he took out his wallet. He counted out three one thousand franc notes and put them on the table.

aThatas all youare going to get!a Grenville shook his head, his expression sad.

aSuch a pity. All right, Mr. Patterson, then let us forget it all. You could, of course, find someone else. I said five thousand francs, and I mean five thousand francs.a He turned and smiled at Shappilo. aI shall be leaving this afternoon. I have an interesting proposition in Madrid: a very wealthy widow who wants to buy a castle.a He shrugged. aPoor Helga Rolfe! But for a tiny sum of two thousand francs, she is going to lose a lover, but I always say one womanas loss is another womanas gain.a As he moved to the door, he waved to Patterson. aBye, Mr. Patterson.a aHey, wait!a Grenville paused and lifted his eyebrows.

aHereas your G.o.dd.a.m.n five thousand! But you deliver!a As Patterson added two more one thousand francs to the money on the table, Grenville walked back, picked up the money and stared at Patterson.

aI think I mentioned this before, Mr. Patterson: never threaten me. It is my habit to deliver,a and using this as his exit line, he left the suite.

chapter three.

A little after 09.00, a waiter brought Helga her breakfast, and on the tray was a sealed envelope.

Scarcely waiting for the waiter to leave, she tore open the envelope to find the following message: Unless I hear from you, may I knock on your door at 20.30? I have missed your beauty and your company. Chris.

Helga was ecstatic. As she drank her coffee, her mind became busy.

Tonight! she thought.

This time she would take control. No more driving to some little bistro. They would eat here in her suite and thena She had the whole day to make preparations. A splendid dinner served in her suite, no waiters, to h.e.l.l with gossip, then Chris in her bed!

The telephone bell rang. It was Winborn, saying he and Loman were going to Versailles again. When would she be ready to go with them?

Who cared about a site in Versailles? This was Paris in the spring!

aI have a headache. You and Fred handle it,a she said curtly and hung up.

She called the Plaza Athenee hairdresser and told him to come at 15.00.

aI want your beautician too,a she said.

aCertainly, Madame Rolfe.a She took a bath, and as she lay in the scented water, she kept thinking of Grenville. Tonight! She closed her eyes, imagining him taking her gently, his lips against hers and she released a little moan of ecstasy.

Later, dressed in a pale-blue trouser suit, she telephoned the concierge and asked for the matre dah'tel to come up.

When he arrived, she said, aI want dinner here for two. This must be something special. What do you suggest?a aIt depends on your taste, madame,a the matre dah'tel returned. aWould you give me an indication: fish, meat, poultry?a aI want something special,a Helga repeated impatiently. aI donat want waiters here. I want a serve-it-yourself dinner, but it must be impeccable.a aCertainly, madame. Then I suggest lobster mousse and noisette de veau au morilles, cheese naturally, and perhaps a champagne sorbet. The noisette de veau is one of our specialities and can be left on a hot plate. There will be no need for a waiter, madame.a Helga nodded.

aIf that is the best you can suggest.a aI a.s.sure you, madame, you will not be disappointed. Champagne, and no other wines.a aThen at eight oaclock.a aIt will be arranged, madame.a At a bistro on the Left Bank, Archer and Grenville conferred.