Read 1974 - So What Happens to Me for Free Online

Each time I knocked of the moneychanger and then my conscience caught up on me. I began to dream about these old men. I kept seeing their eyes, full of terror, as I shot them. These eyes followed me around even when I was servicing Olson’s kite. So I dropped it. Sitting in this luxe Cadillac, the eyes came back.
    Kendrick was saying. “What have I on my mind? Bernie must tell you that. It’s his operation but there is one thing I would like to ask you. Bernie said you would do anything for big money. The operative word, of course, is ‘anything.’ May I ask if that is your thinking?”
    “It depends on what big money means,” I said.
    He nodded.
    “That is the correct answer.” He released cigar smoke that was immediately taken out of the car by a small but efficient extractor fan. “Yes . . . how big? Would a quarter of a million interest you’?”
    I felt a prickle run up my spine, but I kept my cool.
    “It would interest anyone.”
    “I’m not talking about anyone.” There was a sudden impatient snap in his voice. “I’m asking you.”
    “It depends.”
    “It is a simple question, cheri. Would you do anything for a quarter of a million dollars?”
    “I’ll have to talk to Bernie.”
    “Quite right.” Kendrick picked up a tiny microphone. “We’ll return, Yuko.”
    The Cadillac stopped, turned and headed back to the City.
    “Quite an operation,” I said. “First, Bernie sells me on a phoney job. Then Pam seduces me. Now you appear on the scene, talking about a quarter of a million dollars. It’s not what I call a well-planned operation. It’s too hurried. Suppose I go to the cops right now and tell them what is happening. Do you think they would be interested?”
    Kendrick closed his eyes. He looked like an aged dolphin, at rest.
    “They might, cheri, but I think they would be more interested in you.” He shifted his wig, still keeping his eyes closed. “But don’t let us talk about the police. It is always a depressing subject. There’s money to be had and your cut would be a quarter of a million. You must talk to Bernie and you can always say no. If you say no, you can then take a plane back to your little town and spend the rest of your days trying to make some kind of living. That, of course, is your privilege, but on the other hand you can come in with us and become rich.”
    I lit a cigarette.
    “I’ll talk to Bernie.”
    We sat in silence until the Caddy pulled up outside L’Espandon where Pam and de Mamey were waiting.
    As I got out of the car, Kendrick said, “I hope we can work together, cheri. I have confidence in you.”
    I paused to stare at him.
    “That’s more than I have in you.” I joined Pam who was already moving to where she had parked the Mini.
    “You in this too?” I asked as we folded ourselves into the tiny car.
    “Did Claude talk to you?”
    “You know he did. You threw him at me didn’t you? I’m asking you: are you in this too?”
    She started the motor and began driving the little car fast back towards the airport.
    “You’d better talk to Bernie.”
    “That still doesn’t answer my question, and I want it answered.”
    She shrugged.
    “Yes, I’m in it. Bernie will explain it to you.”
    “If he handles the rest of the operation the way he’s handled it so far, I wouldn’t touch it.”
    She shot me a quick hard glance.
    “What do you mean?”
    “It’s so phoney. This phoney excuse to get me here, then throwing you at me, then you throwing that fat horror at me. Was this all Bernie’s idea?”
    “Well, you’re interested, aren’t you?”
    “The money interests me, but apart from the money, and it’ll take a lot of convincing before I’ll believe that kind of money, the operation, so far, stinks.”
    “You must talk to Bernie.”
    “You can say that again.”
    We drove the rest of the way in silence and when she pulled up outside my cabin, she switched on her sexy smile.
    “Let’s spend the rest of the night together Jack.”