Why Pick On ME? (24 page)

Ames didn’t bother to answer him, but grasping Corridon’s arm, pushed him down the corridor to the hall.

“That’s the signal,” he explained, opening the front door. “Someone’s passed through the ray zone. You take the right-hand path, I’ll go left. Here, have this,” and he pushed a small automatic into Corridon’s hand. “Don’t use it unless you have to. I want whoever this is alive.”

“How about the dogs?” Corridon asked, not anxious to repeat the encounter.

“Never mind about them,” Ames said impatiently. “They’ll be with the guards. Go on, get off.”

He ran off down the path away from the house, and Corridon, after a quick look to right and left, set off along the path in the opposite direction.

Who could it be? he wondered as he moved silently into the darkness, his ears cocked and his eyes searching the deep shadows. He had warned Rawlins to keep away. It was possible, of course, one of the prisoners had escaped from the house.

As he neared the rhododendron grove, he moved off the path and crossed the lawn. Away to his left he heard dogs barking and he grimaced. He hoped the guards knew he and Ames were in the grounds and wouldn’t release the dogs.

He picked his way silently through the giant shrubs. Suddenly he paused to listen. He thought he heard a sound a little ahead of him. As he paused, a shadowy figure darted to cover.

“Hold it or I shoot!” he exclaimed.

“Martin!”

He stiffened. The shock of hearing her voice was like a blow in the face.

“Marian!”

She appeared before him and caught hold of his arm.

“You little fool!” he said softly. “They know you’re here, and they’re looking for you. You’ve got to get out at once!”

“Listen, Martin,” she said, shaking his arm. “I had to come. Kara’s escaped. I came to warn you. She may turn up here at any moment.”

II

Before he had time to realize the significance of what she was telling him, he heard someone running towards them.

“Run for it!” he whispered, but before she could move Ames burst through the shrubs and came on them.

If he helped her escape now, Corridon thought, his hopes of meeting the Leader and smashing the organization were finished. He cursed Ritchie and Rawlins for letting her come into the grounds. He had to decide whether to sacrifice her or the job he had undertaken. He remembered saying to Ritchie, “If I’m to get to the top man I can’t keep anyone covered,” and he knew, even though Marian was his niece, Ritchie would have put the job first.

He was holding Marian by the arm by the time Ames reached them.

“She ran right into me,” he said, then turning to Marian and giving her a little shake he demanded, “Who are you and what are you doing here?”

Ames flashed a torch on Marian’s face.

“Speak up!” he snarled. “What are you doing here?”

“I wanted to see the house,” Marian said, her voice cool and steady. “Must you both spring on me as if I was a burglar?”

“How did you get in?” Ames demanded.

“I climbed over the wall. I’ve heard so much about Baintrees. They told me in the village no one’s allowed near the house so I thought I’d look for myself. Will you please let go of me?”

“Bring her to the house,” Ames said. “She’s lying, of course. She’s from Ritchie.”

“Come on,” Corridon said, and gave Marian’s arm a little squeeze. “Don’t make a fuss. It won’t get you anywhere.” She tried to jerk free, but he easily held her.

“Want any help?” Ames asked, stepping closer.

“It’s all right,” Corridon said. “She’s going to be sensible,” and pulled Marian onto the path, forcing her towards the house.

“This is really ridiculous,” Marian protested. “I only wanted to see the house.”

“You’re going to see it,” Ames said. “Take her to Homer’s office.”

Corridon was in two minds to let her go. If Ames hadn’t come on them, it would have been easy. Now it was either Marian or the job. He consoled himself that there was still time to get her out of the house before anything happened to her.

He pushed her up the steps into the hall and along the corridor to Homer’s office. Homer was waiting in the corridor. He stood aside and waved Corridon in.

He and Ames followed and closed the door. Corridon released Marian as Ames set his back against the door.

“Who are you?” Homer said, flashing his yellow teeth. There was fear in his small, deep-set eyes.

“My name is Marian Holly, and I live in the cottage across the way,” Marian said coolly. “I wanted to see the house and as no one seems to be allowed to see it, I climbed over the wall. I’m sorry to have been so silly, and I apologize. Now may I please go?”

“You work for Ritchie, don’t you?” Ames said.

“Ritchie? I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Marian returned, facing him. “I know I was trespassing, but surely there’s no need to make quite such a fuss?”

Corridon admired the steady stare she gave Ames. Her expression was the right blend of bewilderment and indignation. He could see Ames was a little doubtful.

Ames looked at him for support.

“You know most of Ritchie’s agents. Seen her before?”

Corridon shook his head.

“As far as I know she isn’t one of Ritchie’s people. I’ve seen them all.”

Homer began to look relieved.

“Is it possible she’s telling the truth?” he asked. “People do get curious about Baintrees.”

“I do wish I knew what you were talking about,” Marian said. “I’ve already apologized for trespassing. What do you expect me to do – grovel?”

Corridon began to wonder if she wasn’t going to bluff herself out of trouble. Both Ames and Homer were looking undecided, and Marian, seeing she was making heady way, pressed them.

“If you want to sue me for trespass, you’d better do it,” she said, her voice sharpening. “But you have no right to keep me here against my will,” and she turned and made for the door.

She’s going to get away with it, Corridon thought, as neither Ames nor Homer attempted to stop her. She opened the door, then stepped back, and Corridon heard her catch her breath sharply.

Standing just outside was Kara, a .38 automatic in her hand, her eyes looking past Marian at Corridon. Seeing her, he felt a chill run up his spine.

For a moment no one moved or said anything. Kara’s black sweater was covered with mud, her black trousers were torn at the knees, and there was a streak of blood on her white, drawn face.

“Get back!” she snarled at Marian. “I know who you are. You’re Ritchie’s niece!”

Realizing the situation couldn’t be more dangerous, Corridon’s hand stole to his hip-pocket for his gun, but Kara’s eyes were on him.

“Put up your hands!” she exclaimed. “Make a move, you rat, and I’ll kill you!”

As Corridon lifted his hands, he gave her a jeering grin.

“Don’t be so dramatic,” he said. “You should have kept this show of ferociousness for Ritchie.”

“Ritchie’s niece!” Ames said. “What are you talking about?”

Without taking her eyes from Corridon, Kara said, “He’s properly fooled you. They’re working together. He murdered Chicho. I saw him.”

Corridon looked across at Ames and lifted his shoulders.

“What do you expect?” he said. “She lost her nerve, and now she’s trying to lie her way into your good books again.”

“It’s you who are lying!” Kara cried, her face white. “He and this woman are working together. She’s Marian Howard – Ritchie’s niece.”

Ames caught hold of Marian and shook her.

“Is that right?”

“How dare you!” Marian exclaimed. “I don’t know what you’re talking about! I warn you. I’ll complain to the police!”

“Is she Ritchie’s niece?” Ames asked, turning to Corridon.

Corridon shook his head.

“I’ve no idea. Ritchie has a niece, but I’ve never met her. Is it likely he’d mix his niece up in any danger? It’s my bet Kara’s trying to confuse the issue.”

“We’ll soon find that out!” Ames said savagely. “I’ll make her talk!”

He caught hold of Marian’s arm and twisted it behind her.

“Now,” he said, “are you working for Ritchie?”

“Let me go!” Marian cried. “How dare you…!” she broke off with a little scream as Ames screwed her arm back, nearly dislocating it.

Corridon had to make an effort not to smash his fist into Ames’ face. He was aware that Kara was watching him, and somehow, he controlled himself.

“Answer me,” Ames said and twisted again, forcing Marian onto her knees.

“Be careful,” Homer said anxiously. “If she isn’t…”

“Wait,” Corridon said. “Let me talk to her.”

Still retaining his grip, Ames relaxed the pressure.

“Go ahead,” he said. “If she doesn’t talk to you, I’ll break her arm.”

Corridon bent over Marian.

“If you work for Ritchie you’d better say so. He’s not bluffing. He will break your arm,” and he looked meaningly at Marian, trying to convey that bluff wouldn’t help her.

For a moment she hesitated, then, as Ames suddenly screwed her arm up towards her head, she gasped out, “Yes… I am working for Ritchie.”

Ames let go of her and stepped away. Homer caught his breath in a long, hissing gulp.

“Then they must know we’re here,” he said, and got unsteadily to his feet.

“They’ve known all along!” Kara said furiously. “Don’t you understand? He’s fooled you! Ritchie isn’t dead. She came to warn him I had escaped.”

“She’s lying!” Corridon snapped. “I’ve never seen this woman before. Ritchie is dead.” He turned to Homer who was staring at him, his face white. “She’s trying to get even with me. After all it’s her word against mine.”

“She knows him!” Kara said, pointing to Marian. “Ask her. If you can’t make her talk, I can!”

Ames caught hold of Marian’s arm again.

“Do you know him?”

Marian shook her head.

“No.”

“We’re wasting time,” Homer broke in, a quaver in his voice. “If they know we’re here, they may be already in the grounds.”

“They can’t prove anything,” Ames snarled. “Let them come! Keep out of this.” He walked up to Corridon, his eyes glittering dangerously. “As you say, it’s your word against Kara’s. I’m going to find out who’s lying. If this girl doesn’t know who you are, then as far as I’m concerned, you’re in the clear.”

Corridon shrugged.

“I don’t knew her,” he said. “Kara’s trying to make mischief. If you believe her, you’re playing right into her hands.”

Ames’ hand dipped into Corridon’s hip pocket and pulled out the .38 he had given him.

“I’ll keep this until I’m satisfied.” he said evenly, and crossed the room to press the bell push on Homer’s desk. “The test will be a simple one. If this girl knows you, she’ll know your name. I intend to ask her your name under pressure. If she can’t tell me, I shall be satisfied.”

“She’ll tell you!” Kara said viciously. “Let me handle her!”

“Shut up!” Ames snarled at her.

Corridon’s heart sank. He knew Ames. He cursed himself for not acting at once.

The door opened and Yevski came in.

“Take this woman to the basement room and prepare her for questioning,” Ames said.

Yevski caught hold of Marian, and half-carried, half-dragged her from the room.

Ames looked narrowly at Corridon.

“You and Kara will come with me,” he said, then, turning to Homer, went on, “Make certain there’re no papers about. Get the prisoners under cover. We shall have adequate watching if the police arrive. Hurry! Don’t stand there like a frightened sheep!”

He waved Corridon and Kara to the door. Corridon went first. Kara followed him, still covering him with her gun. Ames brought up the rear.

They went down into the basement to the room where Corridon had seen the dead man hanging from the hook when he had first come to Baintrees.

Marian was sitting in a heavy wooden chair. Her arms and legs were strapped to the chair. She looked at Corridon, her face pale, but her eyes steady. He could scarcely bring himself to look at her.

Yevski stood near the door. Kara moved away to the other side of the room where she kept Corridon covered.

Ames took off his coat, opened a cupboard and took out a white, mackintosh smock. He put it on, his wolfish face expressionless.

“From experience,” he said in a cold, flat voice, “I’ve found the most brutal method is the quickest. We have no time for elaborate persuasion. Whatever happens, this woman can’t be allowed to leave Baintrees.” He looked at Corridon. “I am going to take out her left eye. I shall do this immediately. Then I shall ask her to give me your name, and if she refuses to talk, I shall take out her right eye. I am satisfied that if she does know, she will tell me. I have had many obstinate people through my hands in the past. This method has never failed.

Corridon felt himself go white. He watched Ames move over to Marian who was looking at Ames in horror.

“This is your last chance. Do you know his name?” Ames demanded, bending over her. “You heard what I said, I’m not bluffing.”

“I don’t know who he is,” Marian gasped, shrinking back in the chair. “Don’t touch me!”

Ames smiled.

“It is done very quickly, but unfortunately with great pain,” he said, and twined his fingers in her hair, dragging her head back.

As she screamed, Corridon said sharply, “Wait!”

Ames looked at him, his glittering eyes darkening.

“Well?”

“Leave her alone,” Corridon said, and forced a grin. “Of course she knows who I am. I’ve always been Ritchie’s man. Kara is right. I’ve been fooling you.”

Ames stood motionless.

“You mean that?” he said, and the corners of his mouth turned down.

“Certainly,” Corridon said. “You don’t think I’d waste my time with a crack-pot organization like yours, do you? If she had kept out of it, I would have had you all behind bars in a few days. A pity. Well, never mind. Luck’s running your way, but not for long.”

Slowly Ames released Marian. He walked up to Corridon.

“So you tricked me,” he said, and with a quick movement, he slapped Corridon across his mouth.

III

Now or never, Corridon thought as his hand flashed up and imprisoned Ames’ wrist. He spun Ames round and crashed his foot into the small of his back, catapulting him across the room at Kara.