James Chase: Vulture Is a Patient Bird

Now, she had worked for him for six months and she had more than earned her basic salary.

Delighted with her, he had sent her off on a skiing vacation. He was sure she hadn’t gone alone, but what was left of her private life was no concern of his. Then the Borgia ring affair came up and he had sent a telegram to Gstaad telling her to return immediately.

She returned by the first available aircraft and when she walked into his office, burned golden brown by the Swiss sun, her tawny hair around her shoulders, Shalik thought she looked magnificent.

He explained about the Borgia ring and was pleased by her interest.

“You will like Natal,” he said. “The country is splendid. The three men who will work with you are all experts and should present no difficulties for you.” He stared at his evenly burning cigar. “I think I should warn you that there are risks. Kahlenberg is dangerous.”

She shrugged her beautiful shoulders. Her smile was confident.

“Many men are dangerous,” she said quietly, “so are many women.”

As Gaye Desmond paused beside Shalik, the three men got to their feet. While Shalik introduced them, Gaye regarded them searchingly. She liked the look of Kennedy Jones. She decided he was harmless and would be easy to handle and could be fun. Her green eyes swept over Fennel. This man was not only dangerous but he could be tricky to handle. Her experience of men and the expression in his washed out grey eyes as he looked at her, told her sooner or later, there would have to be a showdown with him. Then she took in Garry Edwards who was looking at her with an appreciative expression that she found flattering and pleasing. He was all right, she decided. Well, they were a mixed bunch to travel with, but at least two of them could be handled. The fat one was bound to be a nuisance.

“This is Miss Gaye Desmond… our Trojan Horse,” Shalik said.

“That I love,” Gaye laughed. “I would rather be Helen than the horse.”

“Sit down, please.” Shalik drew up a chair for Gaye. “Miss Desmond will travel with you. You will be flying to Johannesburg on Tuesday. I have arranged for your rooms at the Rand. International hotel. You will stay there until Mr. Jones has organized the expedition. I have also arranged for the hire of a helicopter which Miss Desmond and Mr. Edwards will use.” He touched ash off his cigar, then went on, “I have managed to obtain a certain amount of information about Kahlenberg’s place, but none of this information is completely reliable. Before you can hope to get at the ring, it is essential for Miss Desmond to get into Kahlenberg’s house and check the information I have obtained: this information is to do with various security measures and where the museum is located. Miss Desmond will pose as a professional photographer after wild game. I have arranged that she is credited to Animal World which is a sound, small American magazine for whom I have done past favours. It is possible that Kahlenberg might check, and it would be stupid not to be covered. Mr. Edwards will be her professional pilot. A helicopter is the ideal machine from which to get photographs of wild animals. Kahlenberg has an airfield. You two…” Here Shalik looked at Gaye and Garry, “will land on the airfield. Your story will be that you saw the house from the air and can you take photographs? You will be refused, of course, but I am certain Kahlenberg will want to meet Miss Desmond.”

“But suppose he doesn’t?” Garry said.

Shalik frowned at him.

“I said I was certain, and that means he will. I don’t use words lightly.” The snub administered, Shalik went on, “I have no idea where the museum is. I imagine it must be somewhere in the house which is a vast one storey building. As the museum contains many stolen treasures, it will be well hidden and well guarded. One of my agents in Durban, some eight years ago, happened to be watching a ship unload and noticed a considerable number of crates coming ashore with Kahlenberg’s name on them. Knowing I was interested in Khalenberg, he investigated. The crates came from Bahlstrom of Sweden who you may know are the best safe makers and security experts in the world.” He glanced at Fennel. “Am I telling you anything new?”

Fennel grinned.

“I know all about Bahlstrom. Years ago, I worked for them. They are good.”

“Yes, Mr. Fennel,” Shalik said. “This is the main reason why I am hiring you.” He again touched off his cigar ash and continued, “Fortunately, my agent was intelligent. He obtained a copy of the invoices from the shipping agent at some cost and sent it to me. I give it to you now to examine. It is possible with your knowledge of Bahlstrom’s security system and with these invoices, you may get some idea of Kahlenberg’s security setup.” He handed a plastic envelope to Fennel who glanced at it and then shoved it in his hip pocket. “You have until Monday morning to let me know what you think.”

“Okay,” Fennel said, crossing one fat leg over the other. “I’ll tell you.”

Shalik turned to Garry.

“Mr. Edwards, I have aerial maps of the Drakensberg range and of Kahlenberg’s estate.” Again another plastic envelope passed across the desk. “I will want you to tell me if you can land the helicopter from a place chosen by Mr. Jones on the Kahlenberg airfield. This we will also discuss on Monday.”

Garry nodded, taking the envelope.

Shalik now turned to Kennedy Jones.

“You will be responsible for fitting out the expedition and for transport. You and Mr. Fennel will go by road while Miss Desmond and Mr. Edwards fly. You can spend what you like but you must insure against the many difficulties which you could meet on the way in. The route to Kahlenberg’s estate is exceptionally difficult at this season when the rains can be expected. But this is your affair. You will also have to find a way through the circle of Zulus who guard the approaches. You are the expert, so I don’t propose making any suggestions.”

“I’ll take care of it,” Jones said.

“Well then, we will have our final meeting on Monday,” Shalik said. “We will then clear up the final details. Any questions?”

Fennel leaned forward.

“How about some money? We are being paid nine thousand each for this caper, but how about something in advance?”

Shalik made a grimace that could pass for as a smile.

“I was expecting that request from you.” He took from a drawer four envelopes and handing One to Gaye, he passed the other three across his desk. “You will find in each envelope blank Travellers Cheques to the total of $3,000. When you have successfully completed your mission, you will get the balance.” He glanced at his gold Omega. “Then we meet here at 09.30 hrs. on Monday.”

Gaye left the room by the door behind Shalik. Garry and Ken Jones watched her going with regret. They started towards the far door as Fennel got to his feet.

“Mr. Fennel…”

Fennel looked at Shalik.

“There are a few additional things to discuss without wasting the time of these other gentlemen,” Shalik said quietly.

Fennel shrugged and sat down again. Shalik waved to the other two, dismissing them.

When they had gone, Shalik selected another cigar, clipped the end and lit it while he looked stonily at Fennel.

“It is necessary, Mr. Fennel, to have a straight talk with you. Your two companions have both served jail sentences, but you can hardly describe them as criminals. However, you are not only a criminal, but a dangerous and vicious one. I have selected you for this operation because of your expertise, but don’t imagine I am ignorant of your criminal background. I know you are on the run and anxious to get out of England. You betrayed five criminals in order to reduce your own sentence and the leader of this gang — a man called Moroni — has sworn to kill you. An attempt was made last night, but failed. The second attempt might not fail.” Shalik paused to stare at Fennel who was now sitting up straight, his eyes glittering. “So from what I am telling you, Mr. Fennel, you will see I keep myself well informed about the people I employ. Now I have received additional information about you. You are wanted for three vicious murders in Hong Kong, Cairo and Istanbul. Two of your victims were females: the third was a male prostitute. I have evidence of these crimes that Interpol would gladly receive. Does all this that I am telling you, Mr. Fennel, interest you?”