Murder at the Opera - Margaret Truman [111]
“That’s a worthy goal,” Pawkins said, pressing the barrel a little harder against Josephson’s head. “That’s what I want, too.” He laughed.
“We have a lot in common.” He now faced Josephson. “So I’ll make you a deal
“A deal?”
“Yeah. Actually, I’m willing to make a deal for your life. How’s that sound?”
“I…yes, I might be willing to make a deal with you
“You might be willing? I’d like a little more assurance than that, Mr. Josephson
“What is it you suggest?”
“That’s better.” Pawkins took the couch again. “Tell you what. I’d hate to see you not have the sort of retirement you’ve been looking forward to. I think when a man works hard his whole life he deserves to spend his so-called golden years in comfort, free from worry. So, here’s what I’m offering. In return for me taking those silly papers you have and burning them—and in return for you promising me that you’ll do the same with any copies you might have—I’m willing to pay you a princely sum. How’s that sound?”
“I don’t know. I suppose it’s—”
“Hey, Josephson, I’m the one with the gun. Let’s not forget that
“I’m sorry
Neither man said anything for a moment. Josephson broke the awkward silence. “How much?”
“Good. Now we’re down to the nitty-gritty. I like that. How’s fifty thousand sound to you?”
“Fifty thousand dollars?”
“Uh-huh
“In American currency? The exchange rate and—”
“Right, right. Okay. I’m not an unreasonable man. A hundred thousand American. But that’s my final offer
Another silence.
“A problem?” Pawkins asked.
“No, it’s just that—well, there will be taxes and—”
“You want it off the books, under the counter, cash in paper bags, huh? I can arrange that
Pawkins watched as Josephson trembled and wrapped his arms about himself, tears streaming down his face.
“We have a deal?” Pawkins asked.
“Yes
“Great. That deserves a drink to celebrate. I’ll do the honors this time
He made two drinks at the mini-bar and handed one to Josephson. “Here’s to reasonable men resolving an issue the gentlemanly way.” He lifted his glass in his left hand; his right still held the .22. Josephson touched the rim of his glass to Pawkins’.
“Now,” Pawkins said, “I really must be going. You write down your address for me, and I’ll see to it that a hundred large is delivered to you by hand. Put the papers back in the envelope and give them to me
Josephson obeyed.
“Gracias, señor,” Pawkins said. “You can rest assured that the money will be delivered to you, just as I’ve promised. It will take me a week or so to arrange for a transfer of funds, but you needn’t lose any sleep over it. It’ll be there
“I trust you,” Josephson said. He was calmer now; the shaking had stopped, and he actually managed a smile.
“And I trust you,” Pawkins said, again making sure Josephson saw the weapon in his hand. “But we had a president once named Reagan who believed in trusting but verifying, too. I’ll be verifying, Mr. Josephson, and if you were to decide to try this again, or go to the authorities, your retirement will be short-lived. Understand?”
“Perfectly
“My advice to you is to get on the first plane back to jolly old England and wait for your pension to arrive. Agreed?”
“Of course
As Pawkins holstered his weapon and walked to the door, Josephson said, “I don’t wish to be bold in the face of such a generous settlement, Mr. Pawkins, but might I ask how much the Mozart-Haydn scores fetched on the open market?”
Pawkins frowned. “You have it right here in your reports
“Oh, I know. Mr. Saibrón paid you a half a million dollars for them. I suppose what I’m asking is how much of that you’ve managed to save
Pawkins grinned. “Let’s just say I can afford a partner like you, Marc. You don’t mind if I call you Marc, do you?”
“Of course not
“Now I have a question for you.”
“Yes?”
“What did you tell Mackensie and Annabel Smith about this?”
Josephson explained, haltingly, how he’d tried to enlist Mac Smith to negotiate a deal with Pawkins.
“And you showed them these papers?”
“Yes, but—”
“Don’t sweat it, Marc. I’m just pleased to know