Colin Forbes - This United state

This was waiting time. Waiting for Marler to appear. Waiting for Beck to arrive. And normally, the lull before the storm broke. He realized Tweed had heard every word he had said when he asked his question.

'You did say two people came out of the lift when you were out of sight and saw Denise. Yet you also said Sharon had left the hotel to visit friends. What I'm wondering is, who was the second person who came out of the lift with Denise?'

'I've been keeping that for last as a blockbuster surprise.'

'Then surprise me.'

'And he's staying at this hotel. It was Ed Osborne.'

Newman shook Tweed gently. Waking up instantly, Tweed sat up on the bed. He had taken off his jacket and shoes, had loosened his tie before lying down under the duvet hours earlier. Newman, who had said he didn't feel sleepy, had sat in a chair, insisting on acting as a guard. Tweed stared out of the window into the dark.

'What time is it?'

'4.30 pm.'

'Lord, I've never slept like that before.' He hurried into the bathroom for a cold wash and to brush his hair. 'I've just never slept like that before,' he repeated.

'Showed how much you needed it. You've been on the go for ages, like Paula. She only woke a short time ago. She'll be down here any minute. Reason I woke you is Marler has just arrived. He'll be up very soon.'

'That's better. Think I can face the world now.'

He emerged from the bathroom, his tie neat, wearing his jacket and shoes. He sat in a chair and poured some of the coffee Newman had ordered after waking him. He drank two cups one after the other, the first black, the second with a helping of milk. Someone knocked on the door and Newman opened it cautiously, then let Marler in. He was carrying two large heavy-looking holdalls.

'Sorry I've been so long. Decided it was safer to hire a car at Geneva and drive here – considering what's in these bags.'

'What is in them?', Newman asked.

'Tell you later. More important information to impart.'

There was a tapping at the door and Newman let in Paula. She looked fresh and energetic. Ready to start a new day, Tweed thought. She greeted Marler who said he'd tell her about his trip later. Sitting alongside Tweed on a couch, Paula put a hand to her ear to show she was listening.

'The enemy has arrived in Basel in force,' Marler announced.

'Just what we need,' Tweed said ironically. 'Where are they?'

'Tell it to you in my way. I drove into Basel and parked near Hauptbahnhof. I was going to go into the station to stock up on cigarettes. I was still sitting in my car when who should I see coming out of the Euler Hotel, a five-star job? Jake Ronstadt and Chuck Venacki. Recognized Venacki from the Paris photos. They crossed the street, disappeared into the Victoria, a smaller hotel. I waited.'

'How was Ronstadt dressed?' asked Tweed.

'In an astrakhan fur coat with a hat to thatch. Strode across the street as though he owned Basel. Minutes later he comes out of the Victoria, with six more thugs in tow. All snapped in the pics from Paris. The whole gang walks down to the Hilton and disappears inside. To the bar, would be my guess.'

'We have a spot of trouble,' Tweed said.

'A load of it, I'd say. Missed, out a vital bit. When he came out of the Euler, Ronstadt paid a quick visit to get something from his parked white Citroen. When they'd all trooped into the Hilton I darted across, fixed a little gizmo my supplier of arms had given me. Attached it underneath the chassis of the Citroen. We could follow him now.'

'How could we do that?' Paula asked.

'Good question. I've a good answer. There's a tracking device I can attach to your car, Tweed. Another for you, Bob. Range of ten miles. Incredible.'

'Where did you get this stuff?' Newman enquired.

'My chum in Geneva who gave me weapons and grenades has gone into business on another front. Tracking devices.'

'Where's my Browning?' Paula wanted to know. 'Eager, isn't she?'

Opening one of the holdalls Marler produced a. 32 Browning automatic and spare ammo, handed it to Paula. Newman held out his hand and Marler placed a. 38 Smith amp; Wesson and extra ammo in it. He also provided Newman with a hip holster.

Newman immediately took off his jacket, strapped on the holster, checked the action of the empty revolver, loaded it, slid it inside the holster, put his jacket on again and buttoned it up. He looked down at the holdalls.

'What other little treasures did you buy?'

'Besides the tracking equipment, Walthers for Harry and Pete when they arrive, grenades, and smoke bombs. He even had the type of trick grenade I threw at those four thugs off Regent Street just before the Ear was killed. Can't keep a secret these days. I thought the Park Crescent boffins had come up with something no one else had. Oh, and a dismantled Armalite rifle with sniper- scope for myself.'

'You haven't forgotten the Phantom, then? Hence the Armalite.'

'I haven't forgotten the Phantom,' Marler agreed in a monotone.

'Better get those holdalls out of sight,' Tweed suggested. 'Arthur Beck is on his way here. With some bad news.'

'I thought Marler had brought us enough bad news,' Newman commented.

'Just information,' Marler replied, picking up the holdalls. 'And now I think I'd better get back to my room and hide these away…'

'Well, at least Ronstadt and Co. don't know we're in the same city,' Tweed remarked.

'Be nice to keep it that way,' Paula agreed.

Tweed answered the phone, which had started ringing. When he ended the brief call he looked at the others.

'Marler left just in time. Beck is here. On his way up.'

Arthur Beck entered the room with a smile. He went to Paula and hugged her. There had always been a warm rapport between them. The smile disappeared as he took off his snow-flecked overcoat. Refusing Tweed's offer to have fresh coffee sent up, he sat down in an armchair. Beck was in his late forties, a man of medium height, well-built, with a trim moustache, his thick hair greying. He had a strong face and a hint of humour in his penetrating grey eyes.

`I'll get straight to it. I've been in touch with Lasalle of the French. DST. He told me a small army of American gangster types passed through Paris on their way to London. Some by Eurostar, some by plane. He sent me a number of copies of photos taken of them – sent them by courier. I distributed them to officers at three airports here – Zurich, Geneva and Basel. Just in case. A number of them flew into Basel yesterday. I have these photos of those we spotted.' He took an envelope from his pocket, handed it to Tweed, who took out the prints, glanced at them.

'These are familiar faces, Arthur. Rene also contacted me – or rather, I phoned him. He sent me these pics. By chance we know where they are here. Some at the Euler, others at the Victoria.'

'You do keep up with what is happening in this nasty world.'

'It's likely to get nastier.'

'The frustration is I can't do anything about it. Officers at Basel airport informed me they all carried diplomatic passports. Washington is beginning to worry me. What is happening?'

'Briefly,' Tweed began, 'America is the superpower on this planet. They're well aware of this. Sometimes great power increases a lust for more of it. History tells us this – Napoleon and Hitler are two prime examples.'

'Britain could be in big trouble.'

'We are. It's possible, from information received, to coin a cliche, we may be able to clip their wings here. We're certainly going to try.'

'Any help I can give, I am available. I'll be staying on in Basel. Police headquarters here is just across the street. Spiegelgasse 6. I'll make it my temporary HQ. I notice, Newman, you have a bulge under your jacket.'

'I twisted a muscle, didn't I? Had to have it bandaged.'