The Thousand Faces of Night - Jack Higgins [27]
'I'm glad you agree,' Marlowe told him, 'because you're the one who'll have to make the trip.'
There was a momentary surprise in Mac's eyes that was immediately replaced by something like understanding. Maria said in puzzlement, 'But why shouldn't you go as well, Hugh? Wouldn't it be easier with two drivers?'
Papa Magellan cut in hastily. 'Hugh has his reasons, Maria. If he doesn't want to go to London that's his affair. Let it rest.'
Maria sat back in her chair, frowning and Marlowe said easily, 'What about the market gardeners, Papa? What have they got to say?'
The old man shrugged and looked grave. 'I was right about O'Connor. He's been round to most of the people I deal with, offering to buy direct and at much better prices.'
'How many have accepted?' Marlowe asked.
Magellan shrugged. 'Not as many as you would think. They're pretty shrewd, these men. Most of them are intelligent enough to realize that he won't pay them such fancy prices when he's squeezed me out of business. The majority have stuck with me, but I've had to guarantee them a price.'
'That means you've got to pay them whatever happens?' Maria said.
The old man nodded and Marlowe frowned. 'In other words, the only person who's risking anything is you?'
Papa Magellan smiled. 'I have enough ready cash to guarantee the first couple of loads. But if anything goes wrong... ' he shrugged and left the sentence unfinished.
Mac sighed and got to his feet. 'I guess that means we can't afford any mistakes,' he observed.
At that moment there was the sound of a vehicle. As the engine was cut, Marlowe moved to the window and looked out. A green Jaguar was standing outside. The door opened and a slim, boyish figure slid gracefully out of the upholstered seat. 'Now I wonder what she wants?' Maria said softly at his shoulder.
It was Jenny O'Connor.
6
As the front door bell rang they looked at each other. After a moment or two, Marlowe said, 'It might be a good idea if someone let the girl in.'
'Maria!' Papa Magellan said in a tone that admitted no denial. 'Answer the door.'
Maria went without further argument. They heard the murmur of voices in the hall and then Jenny O'Connor stood hesitating in the doorway. Maria looked over her shoulder, a hostile expression on her face. 'She wants to speak to Hugh,' she said.
Jenny O'Connor smiled and shook her head quickly. 'No, please don't anyone leave. What I have to say concerns you all.'
She was wearing a tailored skirt and a brown suede jacket and her slim legs were encased in the sheerest of nylon stockings. Marlowe was conscious of the same crawling sensation in his stomach and the dryness in throat he had experienced during their first meeting. He swallowed hard and said: 'What did you want to see me about, Miss O'Connor?'
She coloured with embarrassment and dropped her eyes. For a moment she seemed at a loss for words and Papa Magellan with old-fashioned Latin courtliness took her by the arm and led her to a chair. 'Sit down, my dear,' he said. 'You have no enemies here.'
Maria snorted with anger and folded her arms. Her lips were pressed tightly together as if to bottle up her rage. Jenny O'Connor smiled at her. 'Please, Miss Magellan. Don't condemn me until you've heard what I have to say.'
There was silence as they waited for her to carry on. She seemed to experience even greater difficulty in speaking, but quite suddenly, the words poured from her like a torrent. 'I know Mr O'Connor is my uncle and my action in coming here must seem very strange, but I can't stand by and see all this trouble and violence going on without a stop.'
Maria made an impatient sound and Marlowe said gently, 'What do you suggest we do about it, Miss O'Connor?'
She looked up slowly and there was great trouble in her candid blue eyes. 'Mr Magellan must sell,' she said simply.
There was a brief moment of astonished