Try This One On For Size Part 8

A sum as big as that was worth any risk!

First, he must be sure the icon was in the vanity box. At the first opportunity he must examine the box. If satisfied the icon was in the box, then he must contact Radnitz who would surely do a deal if the price was right.

Even when Claudette took him lovingly in her arms, Pierre couldnat sleep.

The thought of owning five million dollars, to be free forever from debt, made sleep impossible.

He was still awake when the sound of the telephone bell brought him upright. He looked at his watch. The time was 03.30.

aA call for you, sir,a the operator told him. aNew York calling.a Claudette came awake and switched on the bedside lamp.

aPierre? This is Lu.a ah.e.l.lo there, Lu,a Pierre said. aI was meaning to call you.a aWell, you didnat, so I am calling you!a There was a rasp in Bradeyas voice. aWhatas the news?a aNo problems.a Pierre was cautious, knowing they were speaking on an open line. aOur friends are real friends now. No problems.a aWhy havenat you called before?a There was a snarl now in Bradeyas voice. aSure about the problems?a aIam sure.a aRight,a and the line went dead.

aThat was Lu,a Pierre said, replacing the receiver. aHe seems anxious. Sugar, I think your guess is right.a Claudette snuggled against him.

aI know it is right.a Her arms slipped around him. aShow me how a millionaire makes love.a Pierre showed her.

chapter six.

Carrying an overnight case and a gift-wrapped parcel, Ed Haddon took a cab from Kennedy airport to the Sheraton hotel where he found Lu Bradey in the main bar, nursing a Scotch on the rocks.

For a change, Bradey was as himself, wearing a dark lounge suit, his hair in a crew cut, his thin features pallid, his dark eyes alert. He lifted a hand, and Haddon joined him. Bradey signalled to a waiter. Haddon said he would have a Bourbon straight.

aAny news?a he asked as he lit a cigar.

aI talked to Duvine not an hour ago. No problems,a Bradey said. aHe must be handling the job beautifully. He says the Lepskis are now old friends. No problem with the French customs.a The waiter brought Haddonas drink. When he had gone, Haddon sipped, then said, aGood news. Now the Swiss customs.a aPierre will drive them to Monaco, then to Montreux. Heall pick one of the small Swiss customs posts. He knows what he is about.a aSeen the newspapers?a Haddon pulled at his cigar.

aYeah. Plenty of fuss: plenty of heat.a aFront page news even in the continental papers.a aWell, we expected it.a aYes.a Haddon finished his drink. aI have the replica of the vanity box.a He nodded to the gift-wrapped parcel by his feet.

aYouare taking it to Montreux . . . right?a aTo the Montreux Palace hotel when I hand it to Duvine who will handle the switch. Something bothering you, Ed?a aCould present a problem, Lu. A man carrying a ladyas vanity box could attract cop attention.a Bradey chuckled.

aIave thought of that. My girlfriendas coming with me.a Haddon eyed him.

aI didnat know you had a girlfriend.a aOh, sure. Sheas a nice piece of flesh. Sheas out of her tiny mind at the thought sheas going to Switzerland.a aCan you trust her? You know how women will yak. They canat even keep their s.e.x lives to themselves.a aYou donat have to worry about Maggie. Sheas so dumb she thinks Richard Nixon is a pop singer. She does exactly what I tell her to do.a Haddon shrugged.

aOkay. Itas a good way to get the box into Switzerland. Now, how about the Duvines?a Bradey finished his drink.

aWhat about them?a aAll this G.o.dd.a.m.n publicity. Every paper in the world is carrying a photo of the icon and a description and what it is worth. On the plane, I got thinking. Would you say the Duvines are smart?a aCouldnat be smarter. Thatas why Iam using them.a aDo you think they are that smart they could guess whatas in the vanity box?a Bradey stiffened and a look of alarm jumped into his eyes.

aWith all this publicity,a Haddon went on, ait struck me if they are really smart, they could guess right. We are paying them only twenty Swiss francs and expenses, and thereas a reward of two hundred thousand dollars. You know them. I donat. Think we can trust them not to pull a double-cross?a Tiny sweat beads appeared on Bradeyas forehead.

aI donat know. Theyare always in debt. Two hundred thousand would be a h.e.l.l of a temptation.a He thought, then shook his head. aNo. If they claimed the reward the French police would investigate them and thatas something the Duvines couldnat afford. They are in all kinds of rackets. No, Iam sure they wouldnat dare go for the reward.a aLetas take this a step further,a Haddon said, abut first letas have another drink.a Bradey signalled the waiter who brought refills.

aGo on,a Bradey said uneasily when the waiter had gone.

aThey are going to switch boxes. Suppose when they get the Lepski box, they vanish,a Haddon said, staring at Bradey. aHave they any big contacts? Someone they could sell the icon to?a Bradey took out his handkerchief and wiped his forehead.

aI doubt it. The Duvines deal with the little fish. No one who has millions to spend.a aHave you wondered who Kendrickas client is?a Haddon asked.

Bradey nodded.

aCould only be Herman Radnitz . . . right?a aMy thinking too. He fits the scene: Kendrick has had dealings with him. He has a villa in Zurich. Heas interested in Russian art, and he has money.a Haddon paused, then asked, aDo you know if Duvine has ever had contact with him?a Bradey thought, and his expression became more and more unhappy.

aCome to think of it, I believe I did hear he sold a painting to Radnitz about a year ago.a aSo he could go to Radnitz with the icon, offer it at a cutthroat price and double-cross us?a Bradey s.h.i.+fted uneasily.

aWell, yes. Duvine would dig up his fatheras grave if he thought there was money in the coffin.a aAnd Radnitz would deal with him?a aThat sonofab.i.t.c.h would deal with anyone to save a million.a aMy thinking.a Haddon sipped his drink. aLooks as if we have a problem, Lu.a aWe could be jumping to conclusions. Duvine might not guess the icon is in the box.a aI smell a double-cross,a Haddon said quietly. aIf Duvine is as smart as you say, heall have guessed right.a Bradey crossed and recrossed his legs.

aWe have time. The Duvines and the Lepskis are now in Paris. They drive to Monte Carlo on 14th. They leave for Montreux on 20th. If Duvine plans to double-cross us, he will wait until Lepski has carried the icon through the Swiss customs. So we have nine days.a Haddon brooded, staring into s.p.a.ce while Bradey sat still. He had tremendous faith in Haddonas talent for solving problems.

Finally, Haddon said, aThe plan is that Duvine switches the boxes at the Montreux Palace hotel, delivers it to you at the Eden hotel, Zurich, and you pay him twenty thousand Swiss francs and his expenses. Kendrick will already be at the Eden. You give him the box, and he takes it to his client, gets paid and gives us our share. Thatas the operation as planned. Now, if Duvine plans to double-cross us, when he has switched the boxes, he will drive to Zurich, but not to the Eden hotel. He will go to Radnitzas villa which I understand is some way out of Zurich on the lake. He will make a deal with Radnitz, get paid and vanish.a aThis is all surmise.aa Bradey said, wiping his forehead with his handkerchief. aIave worked with Duvine for years. I find it hard to believe he would double-cross us.a aWe are going to a.s.sume he is going to double-cross us,a Haddon said, his face like stone. aWhen so much money is involved, I trust no one except you. So we are going to a.s.sume Duvine will try to pull a smart one and we must take precautions.a aWhat precautions?a aWe will beat him to the punch. He and his party will arrive at the Montreux Palace hotel on 20th. You and your girlfriend will arrive on the 18th. You will tell the reception clerk that you will be leaving on the 21st, but you want to reserve a room for a friend who is a friend of the Duvines. You want a room on the same floor and near the Duvinesa reservation. When Duvine arrives, you will give him the duplicate box and tell him you are leaving for the Eden hotel and you will wait for him to deliver the Lepskisa box. On 21st, you will leave the hotel, making sure Duvine sees you go. You will stop somewhere close to Montreux, send your girl on to Zurich, put on a disguise and return to the Montreux Palace hotel in the name of the friend you have reserved a room for. From then on, you will not let Duvine out of your sight while he is in the hotel. When he has switched the boxes, you will jump him, take the box, pay him off and drive to the Eden hotel. In this way we forestall a double-cross. What do you think?a Bradey thought, then finally he nodded.

aThe idea is sound, but we mustnat forget, if Duvine is really planning a double-cross, he must already be dreaming of owning at least five million dollars. He could turn rough, and heas bigger than I am. Suppose he bashes me and bolts? If I had his muscles, thatas what I would do.a Haddon smiled grimly.

aWhen you arrive at Geneva, you buy a gun. I will give you the address of a man who will sell you a gun without asking questions.a Bradeyas eyes popped wide.

aNo! Iave never touched a gun! No violence! Thatas strictly out, Ed!a aThis operation involves three million dollars: one for you: two for me,a Haddon said, a snarl in his voice. aThe gun neednat be loaded. If Duvine turns rough, all you have to do is to wave the gun in his face and thatall quiet him down. There must be no slip-up on this, Lu.a He took from his wallet a card and wrote an address. aJust mention my name. There will be no problem, but get the gun.a Bradey hesitated, grimaced, then took the card.

aMaybe Duvine isnat going to double-cross us,a he said without much hope. aMaybe we are making a mountain out of a molehill.a Haddon picked up the gift-wrapped parcel and placed it on Bradeyas knees.

aIam going to bed. Donat worry about mountains. Donat worry about molehills. Just make sure Kendrick gets the icon and we get our money.a Leaving Bradey staring uneasily at the gift-wrapped parcel, Haddon walked across the bar and towards the elevators.

Vasili Vrenschov was Herman Radnitzas Russian contact. He was a squat, heavily built man with balding head and eyes like black beans set in white dough.

He lived in a modest three-room apartment at Sellinburen, just outside Zurich. This apartment was owned by his Swiss mistress, allowing him to live there without tiresome police interference. He spent much of his time commuting to Moscow and he was highly thought of by the Soviet upper echelon.

This morning, he had received a telephone call from Radnitz who had invited him to lunch at the Villa Helios, one of Radnitzas many luxury homes, which was situated a few kilometres outside Zurich, set in two acres of ornamental gardens by the lake with its own harbour and motor boats, to say nothing of a luxury yacht on which Radnitz, when in the mood, entertained.

Vasili Vrenschov was always pleased to receive an invitation from Radnitz. He had arranged a number of lucrative deals with Radnitz and the Kremlin, and Radnitz had always paid him a commission which was credited to Vrenschovas numbered account in the Bank of Zurich: money that the Kremlin knew nothing about.

Leaving his shabby Beetle VW car in the parking bay, Vrenschov mounted the marble steps that led to the impressive portals of the villa. He pressed the doorbell and turned to survey the magnificent flowerbeds and looked enviously at the harbour, the yacht and the view of the lake.

The doors were opened and an elderly butler gave him a little bow.

aMr. Radnitz is expecting you, Mr. Vrenschov,a he said. aPlease follow me.a aGood to see you again, Mythen. Tell me, what have you arranged for my lunch?a Vrenschov asked as he removed his hat and walked into the vast hall, decorated with suits of armour and splendid tapestries.

aWhitstable oysters and Scotch grouse, sir,a Mythen said, smiling. He knew what a glutton this Russian was. aThe oysters were flown out from England this morning.a Vrenschov rolled his eyes.

aSplendid! And Mr. Radnitz? I trust he is well.a aHe appears to be in excellent health, sir,a Mythen said and led Vrenschov down a long corridor to Radnitzas study. Radnitz was seated behind a big, antique desk which was littered with papers. As Vrenschov walked in, he rose to his feet with a wide smile of welcome.

aGood to see you, Vasili,a he said, coming around the desk to shake hands. aGood of you to down. A little Vodka?a come at such short notice. Sit Vrenschov settled his bulk in a chair near the desk.

aThat would be nice, Mr. Radnitz. You are too kind.a Mythen served Vodka in large crystal goblets with crushed ice.

aA cigar?a aNothing I would like better.a Mythen took a cigar from a box on the desk, clipped the end, presented it to Vrenschov, offered a light, then with a bow, he left the room.

aMadame? Is she well?a Radnitz asked, sitting behind his desk.

aYes, thank you. She finds the Zurich climate not to her taste, but she survives.a Radnitz paused to light his cigar, then lifting his gla.s.s, nodded to Vrenschov who raised his gla.s.s, then drank. There was a slight pause, then Radnitz said, aI thought it is time we had a talk, Vasili. It is now three months since we last met. Have you any news for me?a Vrenschov lifted his fat shoulders.

aThe Kazan dam?a Radnitzas hooded eyes hardened.

aWhat else but the Kazan dam?a aYes. Well, you may be sure that I am promoting your interests, Mr. Radnitz, as I always do and will.a aAnd . . ?a aThis is, of course, an enormous undertaking, Mr. Radnitz,a Vrenschov said with an oily smile. aThe cost . . .a aWe have gone into all that,a Radnitz said, a snap in his voice. aI am prepared to finance half the project. Your people the other half. My technicians will a.s.sist and advise. That is my proposal. I now want to know what your people are doing about it.a aWell, to be frank, Mr. Radnitz,a Vrenschov paused to sip his drink. aMy people are hesitating. As you can be sure. I have pressed your case, but they think they should consult other contractors to see if the dam can be built for less money.a A tiny flame of rage flickered in Radnitzas eyes and immediately vanished.

aNo other contractor can build the dam for less, and certainly not as well as I can.a aI am quite sure that is correct, but my people are difficult. They are investigating further in spite of what I advise. So, there is a delay. I am confident that before very long, matters will be arranged in your favour.a There came a tap on the door and Mythen entered.

aLunch is served, gentlemen,a he announced.

The oysters were succulent and the grouse impeccable, served with a 1959 Margaux, followed by cheese and a champagne sorbet.

While the two men ate, Radnitz talked lightly of this and that, not referring to business, but Vrenschov knew that after lunch he would come under pressure. His past dealings with Radnitz warned him that Radnitz was a ruthless negotiator and he would have to handle him with kid gloves.

Finally, the two men returned to the study, sat down with brandies and cigars, then Radnitz opened fire.

aYou and I, Vasili, have had a happy and profitable a.s.sociation,a he said, staring with his hooded eyes at Vrenschov. aWe have done four deals together. You have been paid, into your numbered account, some ninety thousand Swiss francs as commission which your masters know nothing about.a Vrenschov smiled. He was too old a hand to react to any hint of blackmail. A Swiss numbered account gave complete security.

aMy people know nothing about my Swiss account and will know nothing about it, Mr. Radnitz,a he said.

Radnitz realized this smiling Russian was not blackmail material. He nodded, and changed tactics.

aIf I get the Kazan dam contract through your efforts, Vasili, I think I promised you a quarter of a million Swiss francs.a Vrenschov smiled again.

aThat was your kind arrangement, and you may be sure I am doing my very best in your favour, but, as I have said, my people insist on getting other tenders.a Radnitz studied the end of his cigar, his toad-like face expressionless.

aIt seems to me,a he said finally, athat a lever is needed to bring your masters down on my side.a aA lever? This I donat understand.a aThe Catherine the Great icon,a Radnitz said, watching Vrenschov closely, but the fat Russian merely lifted his eyebrows.

aAh, yes,a he said. aI hear that it has been stolen when on exhibit in Was.h.i.+ngton. What can it have to do with the Kazan dam?a Radnitz controlled his impatience.

aYour masters are making considerable political capital out of the theft. The theft has put the President in a very awkward position. He is not popular. The world press are critical of him. He has taken immediate precautions the icon does not leave the States and by sealing all exits, he is causing considerable inconvenience to the public who are already protesting, blaming the President. From their point of view, I understand this. Very few Americans care a d.a.m.n about a Russian icon and to have delays and baggage checks at all airports, restrictions on s.h.i.+ps and so on makes the President very unpopular.a aThat is regrettable,a Vrenschov said with a sly smile, abut what has your Presidentas troubles to do with my people?a aCome Vasili, you know as well as I do, any trouble that affects the President is joyful news at the Kremlin.a Vrenschov laughed: a harsh guttural sound.

aOff the record, Mr. Radnitz, I would say you were correct.a aIt is said that the President has a.s.sured your Premier that the icon is still in the States, and before very long, it will be recovered.a aYes, this is so. Pravda has published an account of the conversation, but it may take months or even years to find it, if the thief is prepared to wait.a Vrenschov pa.s.sed his brandy gla.s.s under his fat nose, sniffing at the aroma. aIs it possible that this exit check, delaying travellers, could continue indefinitely until the icon is found?a aNo. I would imagine the check will continue for at least a month, causing the President more and more trouble, then it will gradually be lifted under the pressure of public complaints.a aThat would be the thiefas opportunity?a aNo. There would be spot checks, sudden searches. He would have to have very strong nerves to attempt to smuggle the icon abroad.a Vrenschov finished his brandy.

aHappily, Mr. Radnitz, this isnat in my province. We seem to have moved away from the Kazan dam which is . . .a aI was talking about a lever,a Radnitz said. aHave some more brandy, my dear Vasili.a aThat is kind.a Vrenschov helped himself liberally from the cut-gla.s.s decanter. aSplendid brandy.a aI take it your masters would be glad to have the icon back?a aOf course. The icon is one of the finest exhibits in the Hermitage. It always attracts great interest with the tourists and its value is incalculable.a Radnitz pulled at his cigar.

aThis is the lever I have mentioned. Just suppose I was in the position to return the icon to the Hermitage and give you proof that the President has lied that the icon is still in the States would you think your masters would be pleased enough to give me the Kazan dam contract? Just suppose I can prove that the icon left the States the day after it had been stolen in spite of the security precautions, involving all the police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the CIA, the Army and the Navy. Well handled, the publicity in the world press, once the story was cleverly leaked, would make the President a laughing stock, would it not?a Vrenschov inclined his head.

aYes. That is obvious, Mr. Radnitz. Are you in the position to return the icon or is this just supposition?a aIt depends on your people,a Radnitz said. aIf I get the Kazan dam contract, they will get the icon.a Vrenschov sucked in his breath.

aMr. Radnitz, I have dealt with you for some time and I have come to rely on any statement you make. Then can I take it you have the icon?a aI did not say that. I said I could get it. It will cost me money, but Iam prepared to pay for the icon provided I get the contract.a aIt is no longer in the States?a aNo.a Vrenschov waited, hoping Radnitz would say where it was, but as Radnitz remained silent, he ventured, aYou can guarantee its return?a aProvided your people guarantee me the dam contract,a Radnitz said, looking directly at Vrenschov. aWe can make the exchange here. You get the icon. I get the contract.a aThis is a very interesting proposal, Mr. Radnitz. I will leave for Moscow tomorrow,a Vrenschov said. aI can tell my people that the icon has in fact left the States?a aYou can tell them that and they can have it within ten or fifteen days.a Vrenschov nodded.

aYou may be sure I will do my very best to promote your interests, Mr. Radnitz, but, of course, I canat tell how my people will react. The dam will cost an enormous sum. I hope they will consider the icon enough to tip the scales in your favour.a aThat, of course, is up to them.a Determined to make some profit from the Russians, Radnitz went on, aEven if they donat give me the contract, I would be willing to buy the icon from my contact if your masters would be willing to pay for it.a aHow much would it cost, Mr. Radnitz?a Mindful that it was his intention not to pay Kendrick anything for the icon, Radnitz said, aSix million dollars.a Seeing Vrenschov flinch, he added, aOn the open market, the icon would be worth at least twenty million dollars. Your masters would not only be getting it cheaply, but would be able to make considerable political capital. Who knows? The President might even reimburse them. To avoid more unwelcome publicity, it is very possible, he would do this.a aSo I have two propositions,a Vrenschov said. aEither you get the dam contract and the icon is returned or you donat get the contract, but you will sell the icon to my people for six million dollars. Is that correct?a Radnitz got to his feet.

aYou understand perfectly, my dear Vasili. Get me the contract and I will pay you a quarter of a million Swiss francs. If you fail, but your masters pay six million dollars for the icon, I will pay you fifty thousand Swiss francs. Obviously, it will be to your advantage to press hard for the contract.a aAnd you can be sure I will, Mr. Radnitz.a The two men shook hands.

aYou will hear from me within a week,a Vrenschov said as Radnitz walked with him to the door.

aMythen has put a little parcel in your car,a Radnitz said. aWith the compliments to madame.a aHow kind! How thoughtful!a Vrenschovas greedy eyes lit up.

Radnitz smiled, then waved goodbye.

On the third day of their stay in Paris, Pierre Duvine took the Lepskis on a sightseeing tour. Pierre knew Paris like the back of his hand. After a brief tour of the Louvre, he took them to Notre Dame, then to the Ste Chapelle, and finally to the top of the Eiffel Tower. His commentary was so interesting, even Lepski began to accept this cultural tour.

When they had heard what Pierre proposed, Lepski and Carroll, in their hotel room, had their usual fight.

Lepski said the h.e.l.l with sightseeing. He wanted to walk the streets and see the way the French lived. Who needed to look at dreary museums?

Carroll would have none of it.

aIt is time, Lepski, for you to have some culture! All you think about is crime, food and women. You are going to take this chance to improve your mind!a Making a noise like a wasp trapped in a bottle, Lepski submitted.

They returned to the hotel at 17.50, all of them slightly weary and footsore.

aTonight we go to the Tour daArgent,a Pierre said as they entered the hotel lobby. aOne of the great restaurants of Paris. Then we will go to the Lido. I have booked a table.a He nudged Lepski. aGorgeous girls.a Lepski immediately brightened.

aFine. How about a drink, Pierre? Let the girls go up, and you and me rinse our tonsils.a aLepski! Must you be so vulgar?a Carroll exclaimed.

aYou two go on up,a Lepski said, and catching hold of Pierreas arm, hurried him towards the bar.

This was the opportunity Claudette had been waiting for. As the two girls walked down the corridor to their rooms, she said, aCarroll, dear, that vanity box you have. Iam so envious! I want to persuade Pierre to buy me one just like yours.a aYou havenat even seen the inside,a Carroll said, unlocking her bedroom door. aCome in. Iall show it to you. Itas marvellous!a They entered the room. Carroll went to a closet, opened it and took out the vanity box, set it on a table and unlocked it.

aLook! Isnat it super?a Claudette took her time. She encouraged Carroll to take out all the items, examining them while she gave little gasps of admiration until the box was empty. She then examined the interior, declaiming on the workmans.h.i.+p while Carroll, swelling with pride, watched her.

Claudette then closed the box and lifted it to admire the exterior, noting that there was at least three inches more on the outside than the inside.

aItas perfect!a she exclaimed, abut it is a little heavy.a aYes, but itas so strong! Tom hates carrying it.a Claudette laughed as she set the box down.

aWell, I wouldnat. I must talk to Pierre.a She watched while Carroll, with loving care, replaced all the items, watched as she locked the box, taking note of the key, then said, aWell, darling, have a rest. Weall all meet in the lobby at eight oaclock. I do hope you have enjoyed your day.a aItas been truly wonderful! I canat thank you both enough!a Carroll said. aYou are perfect hosts! You utterly spoil us. Now tonight. We insist that you be our guests. You have done so much for us . . . now, please . . .a aWell, of course.a Claudette smiled. aBut it is our pleasure. We are so happy to have found such good friends. All right, I will tell Pierre.a Returning to her room, Claudette waited impatiently for Pierre who finally arrived an hour later, looking a little flushed.

aMy G.o.d!a he exclaimed, holding his head. aHow that man can drink! What news?a aThe box has a false bottom and it is heavy when empty. The icon must be in it.a Claudette went on to explain her reasons while Pierre listened.

aThe key?a aIt is nothing, a hairpin could turn the lock.a Pierre drew in a long breath.

aNow we must think, sugar. You think, my treasure, I am taking a shower. We have a long night before us.a aAnd we have another six days. This mustnat be rushed.a aAt least, they are paying tonight,a Claudette said as she began to undress.

After a splendid dinner at the Tour daArgent, they all went to the Lido, that glamorous musical show on the Champs-Elysees.

Although Lepski was impressed with the magnificent view from the restaurantas windows of the floodlit Notre Dame, he proved difficult when Pierre proposed the famous pressed duck. Lepski said he didnat dig fancy food, and he would have a steak.

aYou will have nothing of the kind!a Carroll snapped. aYou are in Paris, and you must take advantage of the beautiful food.a aCanat a guy eat what he likes?a Lepski grumbled.