Modesty Blaise - Cobra Trap Part 11

"I'll do no such thing," said Collier grimly. "My heart's desire is that you go and find these unutterably evil b.u.g.g.e.rs and make sure they're never seen or heard of again. I ask for nothing lingering. I'm not a vengeful type. But such creatures aren't fit to live, so please see they don't."

His voice was shaking as he ended, and Dinah said, "Easy, tiger. The girl's safe home with us again." She turned to Modesty. "Oh G.o.d, you should have been at our place when I first told him. Willie had rung and given me the whole story of you in the cave, then Steve came home and I told him. We were in the kitchen, and when I finished I could hear him sort of gibbering, then he actually flung a plate against the wall and smashed it to smithereens."

"I was throwing it at Dinah," declared Collier, himself again, "to stop her snivelling about what had happened to you, but I missed." He shrugged. "n.o.body's perfect. I remember Cetewayo saying that very thing to me during my last but one incarnation, when I was with his renowned Silver a.s.segai Impi during the Zulu Wars. I threw my a.s.segai at a redcoat but it went the wrong way and hit Cetewayo in the foot. 'Don't worry, Umbopo,' he told me as he limped up to me, 'n.o.body's perfect.' Then he caved my head in with his k.n.o.bkerry. I'll never forget it."

By the time Collier had finished it was tacitly accepted that the cave and Old Alex were not for further discussion, and conversation moved to other matters. At six o'clock the Colliers left to spend a few days with friends in Cambridge. At seventhirty Modesty and Willie were taking a predinner swim in the pool beneath the penthouse block when the attendant came from his cubbyhole and called, "It's Weng on the phone, Miss Blaise. Urgent, he says."

"Thank you, Charlie." She pulled herself from the pool and moved towards the cubbyhole, dabbing herself with a towel. Willie followed.

"Yes, Weng?"

"I have Mrs Collier on the line, Miss Blaise. She's at Kempton Road Hospital."

Watching, Willie saw her eyes widen then go suddenly hard as she listened. He was familiar with every nuance of her expression and body language, and knew she was controlling a surge of fury. After perhaps thirty seconds she said, "I see. Where's their car now?" A pause. "All right, Weng. Tell her we'll be with her as fast as we can get there and we'll take care of everything."

She put the phone down. Willie was already holding her wrap for her to put on. As they moved to the lift she said, "Steve's been beaten up. Pretty badly, I think. Dinah's at Kempton Road Hospital with him."

Willie's face lost a little colour. He said, "Is Dinah hurt?"

"Not physically. There was a traffic diversion and Steve lost his way somewhere in the East End. Went into a pub to ask directions, and a man beat him up."

"Did Dinah say why?"

"No. She told Weng she was with Steve because he didn't want to leave her alone in the car. Somebody jostled her and Steve protested, saying she was blind. Then it happened. She could only hear it, of course." Modesty swallowed hard. "Oh Jesus, Willie."

With aching heart he recalled all that he knew of the Canadian girl with honeycoloured hair and a gentle nature who had come so strangely into his life. Since then he and Modesty had twice seen her face lethal danger with unfailing courage, and their affection for her was boundless. Willie imagined her listening helplessly in darkness, crying out, pleading in vain as the husband she loved was savagely beaten, and a wave of rage and nausea swept him.

As they emerged from the private lift into the penthouse foyer where Weng awaited them, Modesty said, "Do you know how Mrs Collier got him out of the pub and called an ambulance, Weng?"

"She did not say, Miss Blaise. I think she was finding it hard to speak. But she did manage to say that the pub was The Black Horse in Waverly Street. Professor Collier told her that, so he must have been conscious. Their car was parked about fifty yards from the pub, she said. If there is anything I can do, I should be most happy."

They had started to move towards the bedrooms, but now Modesty paused, thinking. After a moment or two she said, "Phone Inspector Brook and tell him what's happened. Say I'd be grateful for anything he might be able to tell me about The Black Horse. We'll leave in five minutes. I'll drop Mr Garvin off to pick up their car and follow me to the hospital. We've no keys but he can hotwire it. Make sure the guest bedroom is ready for Mrs Collier."

She looked at Willie. "I know how you feel, but don't go near that pub. Maybe this is a casual bit of violence but it feels like something more deliberate, so let's find out where we're at before we do anything about the b.a.s.t.a.r.d who did this." She turned to move on to her bedroom. "Then we'll do something about him, by G.o.d."

The young doctor looked tired and angry. "Two ribs cracked, damaged knee, query broken nose, heavy facial bruising, internal cuts to the cheeks from his own teeth, and an oldfas.h.i.+oned black eye." He grimaced. "The usual expert beatingup."

Modesty glanced at Willie, then returned to the doctor.

"Usual?"

He hesitated, then, "We get a casualty like this from The Black Horse every few weeks. Don't ever go in that pub unless you're one of their regulars."

Willie said, "You mean it's a gang job?"

"Oh, no. It's a crony job. There's a man called Pike, I don't know if it's a first name, surname or nickname, but he reigns in that area like one of the old Glasgow razorkings. The rest are bootlicking cronies. Maybe he runs some sort of protection racket, I don't know. I only know he likes to maintain a rule of fear... and we get the examples here as casualties."

Modesty said, "Does n.o.body ever bring charges?"

The young doctor laughed shortly. "He can always produce a dozen witnesses to swear he wasn't there, and anyway there's always a threat to the victim's womenfolk. I'll wager your unfortunate friend had a word or two whispered in his ear before he was dumped out on the pavement." The doctor squeezed his eyes shut for a moment. "And there's that wife of his. Blind. Don't quote me, but I'd like to get a few volunteers from my rugby club and beat that b.a.s.t.a.r.d to a pulp." Bitterness infused his voice. "And you know what would happen? We'd all be charged, probably lose our jobs, have to pay compensation and Christ knows what else." He shook his head and ran a hand through his hair. "Sorry. I got a bit carried away. Will you be taking care of his wife?"

Modesty said, "Yes, we're close friends and she can stay with us."

"That's fine. We'll keep him in overnight but he'll probably be discharged tomorrow. Will she be able to look after him for a few days?"

"Yes," said Modesty, "but there's no need. They can both stay with me. Can we see him now?"

"No problem." The young doctor stood up. "I'm glad you'll be taking care of Mrs Collier. I only wish somebody would take care of that b.l.o.o.d.y man Pike. Excuse the language."

Modesty said, "That's all right. We feel much the same way."

Stephen Collier lay in bed in a small room. What could be seen of his face between bandages looked like a bruised plum. Dinah sat holding his hand, turning a tearstained face to the door as Modesty and Willie entered.

"It's us, Dinah."

"Hallo, honey." Her voice was croaky. "I'm sorry to drag you out." Modesty took her in her arms as she stood up, holding her close.

Collier surveyed them with his one good eye, then looked at Willie. "I'm not sorry about dragging you out," he said, articulating with difficulty. "I just hope you've missed your dinner. I can't stand people who aren't suffering when I am."

Willie hid a sigh of relief. "Is it worse than when Cetewayo clobbered you with 'is k.n.o.bkerry?" he asked.

Dinah began to laugh and cry at the same time, then recovered herself and whispered an apology. Collier said, "Willie, I'd be vastly obliged if you'd take Dinah to the canteen or whatever they have here and buy her a cup of tea and a wagonwheel. This has been much tougher for her than for me, and you're good for her nerves. Tell her stories of your indecent past while I have a quick word with Modesty. Nothing special, but I know I'm going to be pestered about what happened and I'd like to get it over with and then go to sleep."

Dinah hesitated. Collier said, "Please, sweetheart."

Willie said, "Come on, love," and took her hand. "I'll throw in a packet of crisps if you're a good girl."

When the door closed after them Modesty took the chair where Dinah had been and said, "Go on, Steve."

"It was all such a shock," he said slowly, and there was no humour in his eye now. "We got lost in the East End. Stupid me. Went into this pub, The Black Horse. Took Dinah with me rather than leave her alone in the car. It was so weird, Modesty. There were about fourteen or fifteen men standing around or sitting with drinks. One barman, no women. And the moment we entered there was silence. Everything stopped. I moved up to the bar and said very amiably that we'd lost our way and could they tell me the best way to get to the M 11."

He closed his eye. She saw that his bandaged hand was shaking and took it gently in her own. "Take your time, Steve."

He nodded feebly, and after a moment continued. "n.o.body answered. Then a man moved away from the bar and walked past Dinah. He was a biggish chap, square face, black hair cropped short, huge chest, very light on his feet. As he pa.s.sed Dinah he jostled her with his shoulder so she almost fell. I said something like, "Please be careful, my wife is blind."

Collier drew a quivering breath, then winced, a hand to his ribs. "That was all I said, Modesty, and then he turned on me suddenly, raving at me. Insults. Abuse. Who the effing h.e.l.l did I think I was? He'd b.l.o.o.d.y well teach me to give him his props - whatever that might mean."

"Proper respects. It's topthug talk. Go on, I've got the picture."

"Well, I tried to move past him to take Dinah out, and that's when he hit me the first time." Collier shook his head slowly. "I've never been really hit before. I was dazed, and I fell down. After that it's all a blur. He kept hitting me, kicking me sometimes, hauling me up and knocking me down again."

Collier stopped speaking and gazed into s.p.a.ce as if mentally reliving those moments. When he went on, his voice was a whisper. "There were two terrible things. One was that the other men seemed to be... excited, stimulated. They watched, and giggled, and said approving things in a sycophantic sort of way. n.o.body spoke a word of protest. But worse... far worse, I could hear Dinah calling out, begging them to stop what was happening. Begging the man to stop. She couldn't see, of course, but she didn't need to. G.o.d, I was so scared for her. I kept trying to call out to her to go. I thought this madman might turn on her, and I couldn't protect her..."

His voice tailed away and tears welled from the eye Modesty could see. Quickly she moved to dab them away with her handkerchief. He swallowed, fought for control and croaked, "Oh Christ, darling. Can you imagine it? My poor Dinah."

"We've been imagining it, Steve," she said quietly. "Now just do some deep breathing until you steady up."

"Sure. Can't breathe too deep with these sodding ribs." A ghost of a laugh and a wince of pain. Two minutes later he said in a steady voice, "I won't apologise for the exhibition. Not the first I've done for you, is it?"

She bent to kiss his cheek, then sat down again. "Are you up to telling me the rest?"

"There's not much left. I think they dumped me outside the pub and pushed Dinah out with me. I vaguely remember her supporting me, trying to get me to the car. When I came round a bit more I was sitting half in the car with my feet on the ground, and pa.s.sersby were giving us a wide berth. I couldn't drive and Dinah couldn't do anything, but then a builder's van stopped to ask what was wrong. He had a mobile phone and rang for an ambulance. His name's Dan Ringmer, of Ringmer Contractors- remember it for me, Modesty. I must get in touch to thank him. I guess that's about all."

She studied him thoughtfully. "No. What is it you wanted to say that you don't want Dinah to hear?"

"Oh G.o.d, yes. That's the important thing. The only thing that really matters." He put out his hand to her. "I'm not going to the police about this because I'm sure it's a waste of time, and I know what you and Willie will be thinking but I don't want you to do anything. Anything at all."

"Because you're afraid for Dinah? I know how it works, Steve. The doctor told me."

"All right, maybe it's all a big bluff, but I can't put her at risk, Modesty. I can't."

"Do you think Willie or I would? She's very precious to us, Steve. Look, do you trust us?"

He stared. "Of course I b.l.o.o.d.y do. Christ, you've seen us through all kinds of lethal s.h.i.+t."

"Then you can be sure that nothing we do will create a threat to Dinah. Okay?"

He sighed. "I've never yet won an argument with you. Okay, then." He closed his eyes. "G.o.d, I'd like to see that animal get his comeuppance."

"So would that doctor and a lot of other people. We'll see what can be done. Now I'll just fetch Dinah to say goodnight, then we'll take her home, and if you behave yourself we'll probably be able to collect you tomorrow. All right?"

He opened his eye and looked at her quietly, remembering many things they had shared. "In some ways you're not too bad," he said. "Not too bad at all."

At ninethirty that evening when they were at the coffee stage of dinner at the penthouse there came a phonecall from Sayle Manor. Lord Sayle would like to speak to Miss Blaise if convenient to her. It was Old Alex, and she left Dinah and Willie to talk, taking her coffee through to the drawingroom. Old Alex had nothing in particular to say, yet after half an hour he was still speaking, remembering the occasion of his finding her in the cave, reminiscing about his life on the farm, practising a little of his returning English, and describing the wonders of his life today, of London, of his caring family, of his visit to the House of Lords.

At ten Inspector Brook phoned from reception to ask if it was too late to call with some information he had gathered. Willie said, "No, come on up, Brookie. She's talking to one of 'er upper cla.s.s friends but she won't mind coming downmarket for a copper."

By the time Brook reached the penthouse foyer she was waiting for him. "Hallo Brookie, do you mind if we talk at table? Weng's just making some fresh coffee."

"I'd love some, thanks." He kissed her cheek.

"And our friend Dinah is with us. You've met her a couple of times."

"Indeed. Not a lady I'm likely to forget. I'm an admirer." In the diningroom when he shook hands with Dinah he said, "I'm deeply sorry about what happened to your husband, Mrs Collier. This has been a great ordeal for you."

Her smile was tired but genuine. She said, "Thank you, Inspector. If you'll excuse me I'll leave you to talk with Modesty and Willie alone." She turned her head to Modesty. "Look in on me later, honey. I won't be asleep."

"I'll do that."

Brook watched as she walked to the door and turned into the pa.s.sage without hesitation. "How does she do it?" he said softly.

"She knows the layout," Modesty answered, "and we're careful to keep everything in place while she's with us. But in a strange area she can locate any sizeable object by making a highpitched whistle on the edge of human hearing and picking up the reflection." Her lips tightened. "It didn't help her at The Black Horse. When I think-" She broke off. "Never mind. What have you got for us, Brookie?" She gestured to Dinah's chair and began to pour coffee.

Inspector Brook said, "This evening I went over to see Harry Lomax, my oppo who covers that area. He knows all about The Black Horse and Pike, and he reckons Pike is the enforcer for a pretty powerful group." He took the cup Modesty pa.s.sed him. "Thanks. Possibly Salamander Four."

She stared in surprise. "Salamander Four? Oh, surely not. They're into highcla.s.s big money projects, not East End thuggery."

"Yes, I know you've crossed swords with them once or twice, and my first reaction was the same as yours, but Harry Lomax doesn't exaggerate and he says things have changed. There's a h.e.l.l of a lot of money slos.h.i.+ng about in the East End these days, and the mobs are getting more sophisticated all the time. Salamander Four always contract out. Okay, if they want an industrial espionage job done they'll give it to a suitable upmarket specialist. If they've taken on a killing they'll pick the right hitman for it. But think of the loot that's gone missing from bank robberies, ramraids, security van holdups over the last few years. Those jobs call for basic thuggery, hard men with iron bars, the lowest layer of the criminal world. So the bigboys are taking over that area, controlling it, subcontracting. And for that they need enforcers, men who create intense fear, who can intimidate witnesses, intimidate people on juries. s.a.d.i.s.tic psychopaths like Pike."

Brook had been speaking ever more quickly, now he stopped abruptly and shook his head.

Willie said, "You got a bit carried away there."

Brook drank some coffee and leant back in his chair. "Sorry. I must have picked up some of Harry Lomax's frustration about it."

Modesty said, "There's nothing he can do?"

"Like what, for G.o.d's sake? We can't move without evidence, you know that. If people won't bring charges and won't give evidence we're hogtied. Will your Professor Collier bring a charge of a.s.sault?"

"I'm afraid not. He's scared for his wife."

"There you are, then."

There was a long silence. At last Modesty said, "Well, thanks for calling in, Brookie. If you haven't eaten, Weng can put up a simple supper, or you can stay and have a general natter with some background jazz." She smiled and touched his hand. "You're always welcome."

"Thanks, but I'll be getting home." Brook sat frowning for a moment, then went on, "Let's get this clear. I'm a copper, and I don't approve of anything in the way of vigilante action."

Willie Garvin looked hurt. Modesty said, "Neither do we. But if I'm attacked I'm ent.i.tled to defend myself, surely?"

Willie said, "And if the attacker doesn't bring charges there's nothing to answer, is there?"

Brook got to his feet. "Let's leave it at that," he said. "Thanks for the coffee."

Two weeks later Collier stood by the great picture window of the penthouse looking out over Hyde Park. They're up to something," he said. "I can smell it."

Dinah came up beside him and slipped an arm round his waist. "If you can smell, that's good," she said. "The nose feels normal now, but it's great to know you've got it working again."

"All the Collier organs are in working order," her husband announced with dignity, "as I'm prepared to demonstrate. How about going to bed?"

"Any time, honey. But it's only seven of a summer's evening and maybe we should hold off the demonstration till after our hostess returns."

"You've been reading books on etiquette. Moreover, you too can smell that they're up to something and you're dying to know what. All right, I'll give you a thras.h.i.+ng at backgammon while we wait. Come on."

Collier had spent three days at the penthouse after leaving hospital, then he and Dinah had gone down with Modesty to her cottage in Wilts.h.i.+re for a further ten days. Now they were back at the penthouse and planned to return to their home in Surrey tomorrow. That morning Willie had come up from The Treadmill, his pub on the Thames. An hour ago he and Modesty and Weng had left on unspecified business.

"Do you think it's to do with us?" Collier said quietly as he set up the backgammon board. "I mean with what happened to us at The Black Horse?"

Dinah picked up the cup and dice. "I don't know. Modesty tells me just about everything, but she's said nothing about that."

"They never do when it's a caper," he observed. "Neither before nor after unless you drag it out of them. Come to think of it, we might just as well go to bed."

She laughed. "I'll get something out of Willie. Oh golly, it's good to see you back in form, tiger."