Parker Pyne Investigates - Agatha Christie [68]
‘All I want is my boy.’
‘Yes, yes,’ said Mr Parker Pyne soothingly. ‘Who brought the letter, by the way?’
‘A man the landlord didn’t know. A stranger.’
‘Ah! There are possibilities there. The man who brings the letter tomorrow might be followed. What are you telling the people at the hotel about your son’s absence?’
‘I haven’t thought.’
‘I wonder, now.’ Mr Parker Pyne reflected. ‘I think you might quite naturally express alarm and concern at his absence. A search party could be sent out.’
‘You don’t think these fiends–?’ She choked.
‘No, no. So long as there is no word of the kidnapping or the ransom, they cannot turn nasty. After all, you can’t be expected to take your son’s disappearance with no fuss at all.’
‘Can I leave it all to you?’
‘That is my business,’ said Mr Parker Pyne.
They started back towards the hotel again but almost ran into a burly figure.
‘Who was that?’ asked Mr Parker Pyne sharply.
‘I think it was Mr Thompson.’
‘Oh!’ said Mr Parker Pyne thoughtfully.
‘Thompson, was it? Thompson–hm.’
II
Mrs Peters felt as she went to bed that Mr Parker Pyne’s idea about the letter was a good one. Whoever brought it must be in touch with the bandits. She felt consoled, and fell asleep much sooner than she could ever have believed possible.
When she was dressing on the following morning she suddenly noticed something lying on the floor by the window. She picked it up–and her heart missed a beat. The same dirty, cheap envelope; the same hated characters. She tore it open.
Good-morning lady. Have you made reflections? Your son is well and unharmed–so far. But we must have the money. It may not be easy for you to get this sum, but it has been told us that you have with you a necklace of diamonds. Very fine stones. We will be satisfied with that, instead. Listen, this is what you must do. You, or anyone you choose to send must take this necklace and bring it to the Stadium. From there go up to where there is a tree by a big rock. Eyes will watch and see that only one person comes. Then your son will be exchanged for necklace. The time must be tomorrow six o’clock in the morning just after sunrise. If you put police on us afterwards we shoot your son as your car drives to station.
This is our last word, lady. If no necklace tomorrow morning your son’s ears sent you. Next day he die.
With salutations, lady,
Demetrius
Mrs Peters hurried to find Mr Parker Pyne. He read the letter attentively.
‘Is this true,’ he asked, ‘about a diamond necklace?’
‘Absolutely. A hundred thousand dollars my husband paid for it.’
‘Our well-informed thieves,’ murmured Mr Parker Pyne.
‘What’s that you say?’
‘I was just considering certain aspects of the affair.’
‘My word, Mr Pyne, we haven’t got time for aspects. I’ve got to get my boy back.’
‘But you are a woman of spirit, Mrs Peters. Do you enjoy being bullied and cheated out of ten thousand dollars? Do you enjoy giving up your diamonds meekly to a set of ruffians?’
‘Well, of course, if you put it like that!’ The woman of spirit in Mrs Peters wrestled with the mother. ‘How I’d like to get even with them–the cowardly brutes! The very minute I get my boy back, Mr Pyne, I shall set the whole police of the neighbourhood on them, and, if necessary, I shall hire an armoured car to take Willard and myself to the railway station!’ Mrs Peters was flushed and vindictive.
‘Ye–es,’ said Mr Parker Pyne. ‘You see, my dear madam, I’m afraid they will be prepared for that move on your part. They know that once Willard is restored to you nothing will keep you from setting the whole neighbourhood on the alert. Which leads one to suppose that they have prepared for that move.’
‘Well, what do you want to do?’
Mr Parker Pyne smiled. ‘I want to try a little plan of my own.’ He looked around the dining-room. It was empty and the doors at both ends were closed. ‘Mrs Peters, there is a man I know in Athens–a jeweller. He specializes in good artificial diamonds–first-class