Read 1944 - Just the Way It Is for Free Online Page A

his throat as he looked at her.
    She shook her head, avoiding his eyes.
    ‘You were asking about Timson?’ Duke went on. ‘He’s Bellman’s manager. Why? Do you know him?’
    ‘Is he?’ Clare looked over at Peter. ‘Then if he’s bought Pinder’s End, it would be for Bellman?’
    ‘But you don’t know that he has bought it,’ Peter pointed out.
    Duke shifted forward in his chair, but before he could speak the waiter came for their order. When he had gone away, Duke said, ‘What’s this about Pinder’s End?’
    Clare told him briefly.
    Duke half closed his eyes. ‘That’s interesting,’ he said. ‘Do you know anything about Fairview’s land. I mean there’d be no chance of a silver mine or anything like that?’
    Clare looked startled. It was an angle she hadn’t thought of. ‘I don’t think so, but I could find out, of course.’
    ‘I wish you two wouldn’t go on as if there’s a mystery in this. We don’t know that Timson has bought anything yet,’ Peter said again.
    Duke ignored him. ‘Do me a favour, will you?’ he said to Clare. ‘You’re out there. If you hear anything, give me a ring. I’m interested.’
    ‘All right,’ Clare said. ‘What do you think’s going on?’
    Duke shook his head. ‘I don’t know yet, but I’ve got an angle.’ He took out his wallet, found a scrap of paper and scribbled his telephone number on it. ‘You’ll find me any time at this number.’
    She took the scrap of paper, glanced at it and put it in her bag. ‘I won’t forget,’ she said.
    Peter watched this with mixed feelings. Then he said without thinking. ‘That’s pretty smooth. He’s given you his telephone number right under my nose. What are you trying to do, Harry? Steal her from me?’
    Clare flushed scarlet.
    Duke looked at her and then at Peter. His eyes had gone frosty. ‘That sounded like a cheap crack, Peter,’ he said, gently.
    A sudden feeling of jealousy swamped Peter’s better judgment. ‘Oh, rot!’ he said, angrily. ‘I was kidding. But, you two needn’t look so damned guilty about it.’ He gave Clare a sharp look. ‘What are you blushing for, anyway?’
    Clare pushed back her chair and stood up. ‘I won’t be a minute,’ she said, and left them She crossed the restaurant and went into the Ladies’ room.
    Peter stared after her blankly.
    ‘You were flat footed there,’ Duke said quietly, toying with his glass.
    Peter ran his fingers through his hair. ‘What’s the matter with the girl? I’ve never seen her like that before.’ He looked at Duke, anger in his eyes. ‘I think I’ve made a mistake introducing…’
    ‘Shut up!’ Duke said, curtly. ‘That kid’s tired. She’s nervy and she doesn’t want a lot of funny stuff from hick comedians. Look after her, can’t you? You’ve got someone worthwhile.’
    ‘Where do you get all that stuff from?’ Peter said, furiously, his temper getting the better of him. ‘I’ve known her a damn sight longer than you. Until you barged in we’ve never had any trouble.’
    ‘Take it easy,’ Duke said, with a hard little smile. ‘I didn’t ask to barge in, you know. Just treat her right, will you, and tell her I’ve been called away.’
    Peter got hastily to his feet. ‘Now look, Harry, I’m sorry for what I said. I was just rattled. Sit down and forget it.’
    Duke shook his head. ‘I’ve got to go. I’ve just remembered a date with Bellman. See you tomorrow, Pete, and watch out.’
    He went away before Peter could protest and walked into the lounge. He picked out a short thickset man who was standing at the bottom of the wide staircase that led to the roulette room and went over.
    ‘Where’s Bellman?’ he said.
    The short thickset man eyed him coldly. ‘Who shall I say?’
    ‘Tell him it’s his mother,’ Duke said.
    The short thickset man shrugged and moved up the stairs. Duke followed him and at the end of the corridor the man paused outside a door. ‘Don’t let’s have any funny stuff,’