Джеймс Чейз - I Hold the Four Aces

Archer heaved a sigh.

With a million dollars, he too could have been as impressive as this man, he thought.

The New York flight was announced.

‘There they go,’ Bazzi said, turning to look down on the tarmac.

Archer saw Helga moving towards the aircraft. Behind her was de Villiers, followed by two other people. Archer watched Helga’s easy stride; then half-way to the aircraft, she dropped something white which could have been a handkerchief, but Archer was too far away to be sure. De Villiers picked it up, and lengthening his stride, gave it to Helga. Archer watched her pause and look up at this imposing man, and then give him a flashing smile. They exchanged words, then de Villiers took her small bag, and together, they walked to the aircraft.

Bazzi chuckled.

‘That, I think, was fast work,’ he said.

‘She has always worked fast, and always will,’ Archer said sourly, then hearing his London flight called, he got to his feet.

‘Good-bye, Mr. Archer.’ Bazzi shook hands. ‘Good luck.’

Knowing he would need all the luck in the world, Archer thanked him.

See An Ace Up My Sleeve .

See The Joker in the Pack .

See The Joker in the Pack .