The Thousand Faces of Night - Jack Higgins [48]
'And you'll go running to her,' Maria stormed jealously. 'She's got you just where she wants you. You're like a puppet on a string.'
He turned and walked out into the night before she could say any more. He took one of the two remaining trucks and drove into Barford, seething with anger. What right had she to say what he should, and should not, do? He cursed and swung the wheel savagely as he skidded on a dangerous bend. She'd appointed herself his conscience, judging everything he did and always finding him guilty. He lit a cigarette and began to calm down. After a while he was even smiling again. Now that he had the money he wouldn't have to put up with her much longer. A few more days at the most.
The truck skidded and lurched over the greasy cobbles of the square and he turned into the side street that led to Jenny O'Connor's flat and pulled into the pavement. He switched off the engine and walked the rest of the way.
He approached the flat cautiously and stood in the entrance of the court, his eyes carefully searching the shadows. After a moment or two he was satisfied and crossed to the door and rang the bell.
There was a short silence before footsteps approached and he heard her call, 'Who is it?'
'It's Marlowe,' he told her.
A bolt was withdrawn and a key clicked in the lock before the door opened to disclose her pale, frightened face. 'What's all the fuss about?' he demanded.
She pulled him inside and locked and bolted the door again before turning to him. 'Oh, Hugh, darling. You've no idea how glad I am to see you.' She threw her arms around his neck.
Marlowe held her for a little while and then gently pushed her away and frowned. 'What's been going on here?'
She led him into the lounge and pulled him down on to the settee beside her. 'I got back late this afternoon,' she said. 'I hadn't been in long when my uncle arrived.' She shuddered at the memory. 'He was almost insane with rage. He said I was a traitor and accused me of helping you. I told him I was leaving.'
'And what was his reaction to that?'
An expression of disgust crossed her face. 'He slapped me twice and knocked me down.' She pulled away the neck of her dress to disclose a livid bruise on her right shoulder. 'Look, that's what he did to me. He said I didn't have the guts to leave him. He took all my money and jewellery. Even my fur coat. He said I'd soon come to my senses.'
Marlowe leaned back, eyes narrowed. 'Frankly, it doesn't sound like a very healthy relationship to me. Did he ever make a pass at you?'
She shook her head. 'No, never. To tell you the truth, I used to wonder at first if he thought about me in that way, but until today he's always behaved perfectly.'
'Why did you lock the door?' Marlowe asked.
She smiled wanly. 'He sent Monaghan round to pick up my car. He tried to get into the house, and I had to slam the door in his face.' An expression of loathing appeared in her eyes. 'He called to me for ages through the letter-box.' She shuddered. 'The things he was saying were horrible.'
Marlowe scowled and clenched a fist. 'Don't worry about that, angel. Next time he crosses my path I intend to pay him back for a few things.'
She went to the cocktail cabinet and poured a whisky and soda. She smiled wryly as she handed it to him. 'What on earth am I going to do, Hugh? I've made such a mess of things.'
Marlowe put his drink down carefully. 'Why did you come back?'
'Because I'm weak,' she said candidly. 'Because the moment I was alone in London this morning, all my good intentions left me and I was afraid. Afraid of being on my own against the world. Afraid of not having any money.'
'Afraid of having to work for a living?' he asked, gently.
She made a face. 'Don't be cruel, Hugh. I know I'm weak. At least I'm honest about it. I came back because I thought I might be able to compromise, but instead I find that I've got to take sides.'
'And whose side are you on?'