Gardner, Erle Stanley - Mason 10 - The Case of the Dangerous Dowager

8/12/2019 Gardner, Erle Stanley - Mason 10 - The Case of the Dangerous Dowager

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E S Gardner - Perry Mason 10 - Dangerous Dowager

CHAPTER 1

PERRY MASON studied t e w ite- aired wo!an wit t at interest w i" new "#ients a#ways

aroused$ S e returned t e #awyer%s ga&e wit 'rig t gray eyes in w i" a ard g#itter gradua##yso(tened to a twin)#e$

*No+* s e said+ *, a en%t )i##ed anyone - not yet+ , a en%t$ .ut don%t t in) ,%! a /ea"e(u# o#d#ady w o sits 'y t e (ire and )nits+ 'e"ause ,%! not$ ,%! a ard-'itten o#d e##ion$*

T e #awyer #aug ed$ *Per a/s+* e said+ *t is ga!'#ing gir# you wanted to see !e a'out !ay 'eo ers adowed 'y a$$$*

*Dowager+* s e said+ as e esitated$ *Go on and say it - a dangerous dowager$ , saw you in "ourtw en you were trying t at ow#ing dog "ase+ Mr$ Mason$ , #i)ed you 'e"ause you (oug t e ery

in" o( t e way$ ,%! so!et ing o( a (ig ter !yse#($*

De##a Street+ "at" ing Mason%s eye+ said to t e wo!an+ *,%d #i)e to a e your na!e+ age+ andaddress (or our o((i"e re"ords$*

*T e na!e%s Mati#da .enson+* t e dowager said$ *T e address is 10 0 edgewood Dri e$ T eage is none o( your 'usiness$*

*How #ong a e you 'een s!o)ing "igars2* Mason as)ed "urious#y$

Her eyes (#i")ed 'a") to is$ *E er sin"e , )i")ed #oose (ro! t e "on entiona# tra"es$*

* en was t at2*

*A(ter !y us'and died and , rea#i&ed w at s/ine#ess y/o"rites !y re#ati es were$$$ do youa e to go into a## t at2*

Mason said+ *,%d #i)e to )now so!et ing a'out your 'a")ground$ Go a ead$ You%re doing (ine -So you )i")ed o er t e tra"es2*

*Yes$ And ,%! getting worse e ery year$ My us'and%s re#ati es t in) ,%! a 'rand (or t e 'urning- and , don%t gi e a da!n w at t ey t in)3 You ear a #ot a'out /eo/#e w o are a(raid to die$

e##+ t ey%re not ing "o!/ared to t e ones w o are a(raid to #i e - /eo/#e w o go t roug #i(e 4ust !a)ing !otions - and "on entiona# !otions at t at$ My re#ati es t in) ,% e started Sy# ia ont e downward /at and$$$*

* o%s Sy# ia2* Mason interru/ted$

*My granddaug ter$*



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*Married2*

*Yes$ To 5ran) O6!an$ And t ey a e a daug ter+ 7irginia$ S e%s si6 now$*

*So+* Mason said+ *you%re a great-grand!ot er2*

S e /u((ed "ontented#y at t e 'ig "igar$ *Yes+* s e ad!itted+ *,%! a great-grand!ot er$*

*Te## !e so!e !ore a'out your us'and%s re#ati es+* t e #awyer in ited$ *Ha e you 'een (ig tingwit t e!2*

*Not /arti"u#ar#y$ , got (ed u/ wit t e!+ wit w at t ey stood (or$ , 4ust re o#ted+ t at%s a##$*

*Re o#ted at w at2*

S e (rowned i!/atient#y+ * y worry so !u" a'out !y ideas o( #i(e2*

*.e"ause t ey%re interesting$ , want to get your !enta# 'a")ground 'e(ore , de"ide w et er , "anta)e your "ase$*

* e##+* s e said+ *,%! !a)ing u/ so!e o( !y #ost #i(e$ , was 'roug t u/ a""ording to rigid+ /uritani" standards$ None o( t e /eo/#e around !e too) ti!e out to en4oy #i(e$ T ey "ou#dn%ten4oy yout 'e"ause t ey were /re/aring to ta)e a /art in #i(e$ T ey "ou#dn%t en4oy t e!se# esa(ter t at 'e"ause t ey were sa ing !oney (or t eir o#d age$ And t ey /ut in t eir o#d age !a)ing

/ea"e wit God$ , was 'roug t u/ on t at / i#oso/ y$ T en !y us'and died and , was #e(ta#one$ T ere was so!e insuran"e !oney$ , in ested t at and did we## wit it$ , started to tra e#+#oo)ed around !e+ and de"ided , !ig t as we## en4oy #i(e$ , was /ast si6ty and ,%d ne er rea##y#i ed$

*Now , drin)+ swear+ s!o)e "igars+ and do as , da!n /#ease$ ,%! tired o( #i ing a tread!i##e6isten"e$ , a e enoug !oney to a##ow !e to do t ings t e way , want$*

*And you need a #awyer2* Mason as)ed$

S e nodded+ sudden#y serious$

* y2 Are you in so!e trou'#e2*

*Not yet$*

*.ut you e6/e"t to 'e2*

S e /ursed er #i/s t oug t(u##y+ regarded t e ti/ o( er "igar+ (#i")ed t e as (ro! it wit a de(t#ye6/ert #itt#e (inger+ and said+ *, o/e it won%t "o!e to t at$*

*E6a"t#y w at is it+* Mason as)ed+ *t at you want !e to do2*



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*Do you )now a !an 'y t e na!e o( Sa! Grie'2*

*No$ o is e2*

*He%s a ga!'#er He and a !an 'y t e na!e o( Dun"an run T e Horn o( P#enty$ T at%s t ega!'#ing s i/ t at%s an" ored out 'eyond t e twe# e-!i#e #i!it$*

* at a'out Grie'2* Mason as)ed$

*He%s /ut Sy# ia in a s/ot$*

*How2*

*He as er ,O8%s$*

*5or ow !u" 2**So!ew ere around se en t ousand do##ars$*

* at were t ey gi en (or2* Mason as)ed$

*Ga!'#ing de'ts$*

*And you want !e to get t ose wit out /aying$$$*

*Certain#y not+* s e interru/ted$ *, want you to /ay e ery "ent t at%s due on t e!$ .ut , don%twant to 'e e#d u/ (or a 'onus$ ,%## /ay de'ts+ 'ut , won%t /ay '#a")!ai#$*

*Do you !ean to say+* Mason as)ed+ /u&ed+ *t at Grie' won%t surrender t e ,O8%s (or t eir (a"ea#ue2 y+ e%d a e to$ He%d 'e$$$*

*Don%t 4u!/ at "on"#usions+ young !an+* s e sna//ed$ *T ere%s a #ot !ore to t is t an you )nowa'out$ T ere%s a #ot !ore to it t an ,%! going to te## you$ .ut Grie' as eard in a rounda'outway t at Sy# ia%s us'and+ 5ran) O6!an+ !ig t 'e wi##ing to /ay !ore t an (a"e a#ue (or t ose,O8%s$*

* y2* Mason as)ed$

*E iden"e+* s e sna//ed$

*E iden"e o( w at2*

*E iden"e t at Sy# ia is a " roni" ga!'#er and "an%t 'e trusted wit !oney$*

* y does 5ran) want to get e iden"e o( t at2*



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*.e"ause e does$*

* y does e2*

*, don%t t in)+* s e said+ *,%! going into t at rig t now$ A## , want you to do is get t ose ,O8%s$,%## gi e you t e !oney to ta)e t e! u/$ ,( you a e to /ay a 'onus+ /ay a 'onus+ 'ut don%t /ay a 'ig one$ , ate '#a")!ai# and , ate '#a")!ai#ers$*

*.ut+* Mason o'4e"ted+ *you don%t need !e$ Si!/#y gi e your granddaug ter t e !oney and te##er to go to t e ga!'#ing s i/ and ta)e u/ t e ,O8%s$ T ey%d a e to surrender t e! i( s eo((ered to redee! t e!$*

Mati#da .enson s oo) er ead$ *, don%t want to !a)e it t at easy (or er$ ,%! going to tea" !ygranddaug ter a #esson 'y s"aring t e e## out o( er$ , want you to get t ose ,O8%s and gi et e! to !e as soon as you get t e!$ , don%t "are ow you get t e!$*

*,%! a(raid+* Mason said+ *, wou#dn%t "are to and#e it$ A(ter a##+ t is isn%t a #ega# !atter$ ,t%sso!et ing a dete"ti e "an and#e to 'etter ad antage$ Now+ Pau# Dra)e+ o( t e Dra)e Dete"ti eAgen"y+ and#es !y wor)$ He%s t oroug #y "o!/etent and trustwort y$ ,%## /ut you in tou" witi! and$$$*

*, don%t want a dete"ti e+* s e interru/ted$ *, want you$*

*.ut i( you ired !e+* Mason /rotested+ *,%d turn around and ire Dra)e$ He does a## !y #egwor)$*

*, don%t "are w at you do+ nor w o! you ire+* Mati#da .enson said$ *T at%s u/ to you$ Anddon%t t in) t is is going to 'e an easy 4o'$ You%re going u/ against a "roo) w o is s!art as a stee#tra/ and a'so#ute#y rut #ess$*

Mason said+ *,%! a(raid you%re !a)ing a !ountain out o( a !o#e i##$*

*No+* s e said+ *you%re t e one w o%s !a)ing a !o#e i## out o( a !ountain$ ,%## /ay you a retainero( twenty-(i e undred do##ars$ ,%## /ay you anot er twenty-(i e undred w en you get t ose,O8%s+ i( you "an get t e! in su" a way t at !y na!e doesn%t (igure in it$ And ,%## /ay a## youre6/enses+ in"#uding w ate er you a e to /ay out (or dete"ti es and w ate er you a e to /ay toget t ose ,O8%s$ T at%s (air+ isn%t it2*

Mason wat" ed er wit a /u&ed (rown$

*Cou#d ,+* e as)ed+ *go out to "a## on Grie' and te## i! , was a"ting as Sy# ia%s attorney and$$$*

*No+ 'e"ause e%d te## Sy# ia+ and Sy# ia !ustn%t )now anyt ing a'out it$*

*And you don%t want Grie' to )now t at you%re interested in it2*



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*No$ Aside (ro! t at+ t e s)y%s t e #i!it$ You "an wor) any s" e!e on i! you want to$ .utdon%t #et i! )now you%re wi##ing to /ay a 'onus+ 'e"ause t e !inute you do e%## sta## you o((unti# e "an get to 5ran) O6!an (or a 'igger 'id and start /#aying you+ one against t e ot er$*

*T at+* Mason ad!itted+ *"o!/#i"ates !atters$*

*O( "ourse it "o!/#i"ates !atters$ , a en%t t e (aintest idea ow you%re going a'out it$ .ut , do)now t at i( anyone "an and#e t ose two "roo)s+ you%re t e one to do it$*

*You don%t t in) t ey% e a//roa" ed O6!an yet2*

*Not yet$*

Mason stared t oug t(u##y at t e "ar/et (or a !o!ent+ t en raised is eyes and said s!i#ing#y+*9et%s go$*

Mati#da .enson /u##ed a s ea( o( undred-do##ar 'i##s (ro! er and'ag$ *T is+* s e said+ *is t e!oney you "an use in ta)ing u/ t e ,O8%s$ You%## a e to /ay "as $ T e 'a#an"e wi## a//#y onyour (ees and e6/enses$*

Mason too) t e !oney$ *My se"retary wi## gi e you a re"ei/t+ Mrs$ .enson+ and$$$*

*, don%t want a re"ei/t+* s e said$

T e #awyer regarded er :ui&&i"a##y$

*You see+* s e said+ *, )now a## a'out t e /erson wit w o! ,%! dea#ing$ And+* s e added wit a" u")#e+ *t at%s !ore t an you "an say+ Mr$ Perry Mason$ Good day3*

CHAPTER ;

PERRY MASON+ t u!'s oo)ed t roug t e ar! o#es o( is est+ /a"ed is o((i"e+ g#an"ingi!/atient#y at is wristwat" $ *You #e(t word (or Pau# Dra)e to "o!e in as soon as e "a!e to iso((i"e2* e as)ed$

De##a Street nodded$ *How are you going a'out it+ C ie(2* s e as)ed$

*,% e got a s" e!e+* e to#d er+ *t at !ay wor)$ e%## #ay a tra/ and see i( Sa! Grie' wa#)s intoit$*

*Su//ose e doesn%t2*

Mason grinned and said+ *T en we%## t in) u/ anot er s" e!e$*

*, don%t su//ose+* s e said+ er eyes wist(u#+ *t at it wou#d do any good to as) you to 'e "are(u#2*



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wit it$*

* at%s is re/utation+ Pau#2* Mason as)ed$

*Hard as stee# and "o#d as "on"rete+* t e dete"ti e said$ *He%s a good 'usiness !an+ and e%s

re/orted to 'e !a)ing !oney$ , "an (ind out a## a'out i! wit in twenty-(our ours i( you want$*

*No+* Mason said+ *t at isn%t going to 'e ne"essary+ Pau#$ Here%s t e s)et" $ A !arried wo!an+na!e o( Sy# ia O6!an+ as #e(t ,O8%s wit Grie'$ T ese ,O8%s a!ount to so!ew ere aroundse en t ousand do##ars$ S e asn%t t e !oney to ta)e t e! u/ rig t now$ And er us'and%swi##ing to /ay a 'onus to get is ands on t e!$ T at%s a## anyone as to#d !e+ and t at%s a## ,%!te##ing you$ , did a #itt#e t in)ing$ You "an do t e sa!e$*

* e##+* Dra)e said+ *i( Grie' wants to /edd#e t ose ,O8%s to t e us'and+ t ere isn%t any way we"an sto/ i!+ is t ere2$$$ 8n#ess t e wo!an went out t ere and /aid o(( t e ,O8%s and de!anded

/ossession o( t e!$*

Mason grinned$ *9oo)ing at it (ro! a /ure#y et i"a# and #ega# stand/oint+ Pau#+ you !ay 'erig t$*

T e dete"ti e "rossed is (ingers$ *, su//ose you% e at" ed out so!e s" e!e 'y w i" we%## 4usts"ra/e /ast t e wa##s o( State%s Prison+ i( we%re #u")y+ and 'e "or/ses or "on i"ts i( we%re not$e##+ Perry+ "ount !e out$ ,% e ad enoug $*

Mason said+ *Now+ #isten+ Pau#+ t ere%s no #aw against a !an ta)ing any na!e e wants to+ /ro ided e doesn%t do it (or t e /ur/ose o( de(rauding so!e ot er /erson$ Now , want you to godown to a 'an) w ere you%re not /ersona##y )nown and de/osit one t ousand do##ars in t e na!eo( 5ran) O6!an$ Register your signature as 5ran) O6!an and get a 'oo) o( '#an) " e")s$*

Dra)e straig tened to rigid attention and said sus/i"ious#y+ *T en w at2*

*T en+* Mason said+ *we go out a'oard t e ga!'#ing s i/ and you #ose a "ou/#e undred 'u")sga!'#ing$ You !a)e out a " e") (or (i e undred do##ars+ sign it %5ran) O6!an% and as) t e"rou/ier i( e%## a""e/t it$ T e "rou/ier wi## send t e " e") in to Sa! Grie' (or an o)ay$ Grie'wi## (igure 5ran) O6!an as "o!e a'oard and t at it%## 'e a swe## " an"e to se## i! t e ,O8%s ata 'onus$ He%## as) you to ste/ into t e o((i"e to 'e identi(ied and start as)ing you :uestions$ You"an /retend t at you%re a(raid e%s trying to tra/ you+ and deny t at you%re t e 5ran) O6!an et in)s you are> 'ut you%## do it in su" a way t at it wi## "on in"e Grie' you%re #ying$ T en Grie'wi## !a)e us an o((er on Sy# ia O6!an%s ,O8%s$

*Now get t is s)et" + Pau#$ ,( O6!an i!se#( isn%t wi##ing to /ay a /re!iu! (or t ose ,O8%s+ noone is$ So w en Grie' suggests t at you ta)e t e! u/+ you s ow a 'ig #a") o( ent usias!$5ina##y o((er i! a (i e- undred-do##ar or a t ousand-do##ar 'onus and say t at%s as ig as you%##go$ e%## go anot er (i e undred i( we a e to$*

* ait a !inute+* Dra)e /rotested+ *ain%t t at getting /retty "#ose to t e #ine+ Perry2 , don%t want to



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get oo)ed$*

*.os +* Mason said$ *,%## 'e wit you a## t e ti!e$ You%## te## i! re/eated#y t at you%re not t e!an e t in)s you are+ 'ut t at you !ig t 'e interested in 'uying t ose ,O8%s$*

Dra)e s#ow#y s oo) is ead$ *No di"e+ Perry$*

Mason said+ *O)ay+ ,%## do t e ta#)ing$ ,%## 'e a#ong wit you as your (riend+ and ,%## do a## t eta#)ing$*

*, sti## don%t #i)e it+* Dra)e said$

*You%d #i)e (i e undred do##ars+ wou#dn%t you2*

*Yes$*

*O)ay+* Mason to#d i!+ *we%## #ea e ere a'out (i e-t irty$ ,%## /i") you u/ in !y "ar$**You%re sure we won%t get in trou'#e o er t is2* Dra)e as)ed$

*Not ing we "an%t get out o(+* Mason said$ *A(ter a##+ we so!eti!es a e to (ig t t e de i# wit(ire$*

Dra)e said+ wit out ent usias!+ *You (ig t i! wit an a"ety#ene tor" $ So!e day+ Perry+ you%regoing to get your (ingers 'urnt$*

T e #awyer nodded$ *T at%s w at !a)es #i(e interesting$ Go o!e and do## u/ in your sou/ and(is + Pau#+ and wi/e t at worried #oo) o(( your !a/$ Tonig t we ga!'#e$*

Dra)e started (or t e door$ *,%## say we do+* e said$

CHAPTER ?

9,GHTS 5ROM t e a!use!ent "on"essions reddened t e ea ens and re(#e"ted in s i!!ering 'ea!s (ro! t e water$ .eneat t e /i#es o( t e /ier t e sur( 'oo!ed into (oa!+ to run issing u/on t e 'ea" $ Out at t e end o( t e w ar( a !an so#d ti")ets to *e6"ursion* tri/s ia s/eed 'oat$Perry Mason and Pau# Dra)e+ attired in (u## dress+ wearing o er"oats and s"ar(s+ /assed t rougt e gate and down a (#ig t o( stairs to a (#oat w i" was "rea)ing on t e #ong swe##s$ Tied to t is(#oat was a #ong+ narrow s/eed 'oat+ "ontaining so!e a#( do&en /assengers$

Dra)e said+ *, sure as e## (ee# disguised$ , o/e none o( t e gang (ro! ead:uarters sees !e$*

Mason " u")#ed$ *,( you don%t s!e## too strong o( !ot 'a##s you%## get 'y a## rig t+ Pau#$ You#oo) #i)e a ri" /#ay'oy$*

T ey too) seats in t e s/eed 'oat$ A !an '#ew a w ist#e+ and t e !otor+ w i" ad 'een id#ing+



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roared into a sta""ato song o( /ower+ ratt#ing out e6/#osions w i" drowned a## ot er sounds$ T e!an on t e (#oat 4er)ed #oose a #ine+ and Mason%s ead s ot 'a") wit t e t rust w i" swe/t t es/eed 'oat out o( t e #ig ted area into t e dar) waters$ ite-'ordered wa es "ur#ed u/ 4ust 'a") o( t e 'ow$ Dro/s o( s/ray /e//ered t e winds ie#d in (ront o( t e #awyer%s (a"e as t oug t eyad 'een 'u")s ot$ T e s!a## "ra(t i'rated into greater s/eed+ t en raised its 'ow to s)i! o er

t e #ong swe##s$ Mason grinned at Pau# Dra)e and ye##ed+ *More (un t an ,% e ad (or a !ont $*His words were '#own (ro! is !out $

T e #awyer sett#ed 'a") against t e "us ions+ turned to #oo) 'a") at t e di!inis ing #ig ts o( t ea!use!ent /ier+ at t e (rosty g#itter o( t e "ity #ig ts+ t en /eered a ead into t e dar)ness$ Hisnostri#s di#ated> e 'reat ed dee/#y o( t e nig t air as is #i/s /arted in a s!i#e o( s eeren4oy!ent$

T e dete"ti e sat udd#ed in is o er"oat+ is (a"e wearing t e #ugu'rious e6/ression o( one w ois su'!itting to a disagreea'#e e6/erien"e w i" e as 'een una'#e to a oid$

At #engt + out o( t e dar)ness a ead+ #oo!ed t e g#itter o( t e ga!'#ing s i/$ T e s/eed 'oatswe/t in a #ong "ir"#e$ T e !otors s#owed+ and t e nose o( t e (rai# "ra(t see!ed to 'e /u##ed intot e water 'y so!e giant and$ A !an standing on a grated #anding-stage sur eyed t e 'oat witdisinterested a//raisa#+ #oo/ed a ro/e around a 'it and ye##ed+ *A## a'oard$*

T e /assengers !ade t e #anding an o""asion (or !u" !erri!ent$ o!en in e ening dress e#dt eir #ong s)irts we## a'o e t eir )nees as t ey 4u!/ed$ Two gir#s in s/orts out(its #ea/tunassisted to t e #anding and ran u/ t e stairway$ Mason and Dra)e were a!ong t e #ast todise!'ar)$ T ey "#i!'ed t e swaying stairway to (ind a grou/ o( eig t or ten /ersons e#d 'a")(ro! t e stee/ in"#ine 'y a taut ro/e 'etween two stan" ions$ en t e #ast o( t e in"o!ing

/assengers ad #e(t t e stairway+ a !an 4er)ed t e ro/e to one side and "a##ed out+ *A## a'oard (or t e s ore tri/$ P#ease don%t "rowd$ T ere%s /#enty o( roo!$*

Mason #ed t e way a#ong t e de") and into a #ig ted sa#on+ (ro! w i" "a!e t e sound o( oi"es+t e ratt#e o( " i/s and t e w ir o( rou#ette w ee#s$ *O)ay+ Pau#+* e said+ *do your stu(($*

*You going to 'u") t e tiger2* t e dete"ti e as)ed$

*, t in) ,%## wat" (or t e ti!e 'eing+* Mason said$ *You start /#unging$ Try to attra"t /#enty o(attention$*

Dra)e /us ed is way toward a "rowded rou#ette w ee#+ w i#e Mason+ stro##ing ai!#ess#y a'out+si&ed u/ t e genera# #ayout+ #ost a (ew do##ars on rou#ette+ re"ou/ed is #osses /#aying t e (ie#dnu!'ers in a "ra/ ga!e+ turned to t e w ee# o( (ortune and )i##ed ti!e 'y /#a"ing se era# s!a##

'ets$ He (e#t a tou" on is e#'ow and Dra)e said+ grinning+ *,%! t ree undred do##ars to t egood+ Perry$ at i( , 'rea) t e 'an)2 ou#d , a e to "redit our e6/ense a""ount2*

*You won%t 'rea) it+ Pau#$*

*How a'out sa#ting t ese winnings2 , ate to "redit a "#ient wit winnings$*



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*O)ay+ go to anot er ta'#e$ Try your #u") t ere$ =ee/ dri(ting around$ Don%t )ee/ !u" !oney in(ront o( you$ As soon as you run into a #osing strea)+ 'u") t e ga!e ard$ T en write a " e")$Soon as you do t at+ gi e !e t e ig -sign and ,%## "o!e o er$*

Dra)e !o ed to a near'y ta'#e$ T e #awyer wat" ed i! :uiet#y$ Steady winnings aug!ented t esta") o( " i/s at (irst+ t en Dra)e started to #ose$ He in"reased t e si&e o( is 'ets+ s"attered!oney re")#ess#y around t e ta'#e$ T e "rou/ier wat" ed i! wit a//raising eyes$ ,t was (ro!!en w o 'e"a!e angry as t ey #ost t at t e ga!'#ing ta'#es !ade t e 'iggest winnings$

en t e /i#e o( " i/s disa//eared+ Dra)e e!/tied one o( is trousers /o")ets o( "ru!/#ed 'i##sand si# er$ He ga!'#ed (irst wit t e si# er+ t en " anged t e 'i##s and (#ung t e! around t e

'oard$ He ste//ed 'a") (ro! t e ta'#e+ /u##ed a " e")'oo) (ro! is /o")et and s"raw#ed out a" e") to *Cas * in t e a!ount o( (i e undred do##ars$ He signed t e " e") *5ran) O6!an* and

/assed it a"ross to t e "rou/ier$ *How a'out t is+* e as)ed$

T e "rou/ier #oo)ed at t e " e")$ Dra)e "aug t Mason%s eye and nodded$ T e "rou/ier e#d u/t e " e") in is rig t and$ A !an in a dinner 4a")et g#ided to is side$ T e "rou/ier w is/ered inis ear$ T e !an nodded+ too) t e " e") and anis ed$

Dra)e said+ *How a'out it2*

*


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T e !an in t e dinner 4a")et e#d t e door o/en (or Mason and Dra)e$ Mason+ ta)ing t e #ead+entered a su!/tuous#y (urnis ed o((i"e$ A s ort+ sto")y !an wit a /asty (a"e twisted is (at #i/sinto an a!ia'#e s!i#e$ His eyes see!ed as /a#e as t e star" ed (ront o( is s irt - and as ard ande6/ression#ess$

*T is is Mr$ Grie'+* t eir guide said+ and /u##ed t e 'ig !a ogany door s ut 'e ind i! as este//ed into t e outer o((i"e$ Mason eard t e "#i") o( a s/ring #o")$ Grie' said+ *Pardon !e$* Heste//ed to t e door+ /us ed a #e er w i" s ot iron 'ars into /#a"e+ t en "rossed t e o((i"e andseated i!se#( in a swi e# " air 'e ind a uge+ g#ass-to//ed des)$

T e des) was de oid o( any /a/ers sa e t e " e") Dra)e ad 4ust written$ ,t #ay on a 'rown '#otter+ en"ased in a #eat er 'a")er$ Aside (ro! t is " e")+ t e '#otter and t e #eat er 'a")er+t ere was not ing w ate er on t e g#ass-to//ed sur(a"e$

* i" one o( you is O6!an2* t e !an 'e ind t e des) as)ed$

Dra)e g#an"ed e#/#ess#y at t e #awyer$

Mason ste//ed (orward and said+ *My na!e%s Mason$*

Grie' nodded$ *G#ad to )now you+ Mr$ Mason+* e said+ and s i(ted is /a#e eyes to Pau# Dra)e$*You wanted a " e") "as ed+ Mr$ O6!an+ and it%s "usto!ary to as) a (ew :uestions to esta'#is"redit$ ,s t is your (irst isit to t e s i/2*

Dra)e nodded$

*=now anyone out ere2* Grie' as)ed$

*No+* Dra)e said$

* ou#d you !ind gi ing !e your residen"e address+ your o""u/ation+ and your te#e/ onenu!'er+ 'ot at your residen"e and at your o((i"e2*

Mason said+ *, t in) we "an sa e you a## t is trou'#e+ Mr$ Grie'$*

Grie' raised is eye'rows+ and in a (#at+ tone#ess oi"e said+ *How do you (igure in t is+ Mr$Mason2*

*,%! wit t is gent#e!an+* Mason e6/#ained+ indi"ating Dra)e wit a nod o( is ead$

*5riend o( is2*

*,%! is #awyer$*

Grie' inter#a"ed (at ands a"ross is sto!a" $ Huge dia!onds on is (ingers "aug t t e #ig t and



12/166


g#ittered s"inti##ating a""o!/ani!ent to t e !otion$ *A #awyer+ e 2* e said+ a#!ost !using#y$

Mason nodded+ !o ing "#oser to t e edge o( t e des)$

*And 4ust ow did you /ro/ose to sa e us a## t is trou'#e2* Grie' as)ed+ sti## in t at sa!e (iat

oi"e$

Mason+ s!i#ing a!ia'#y+ sudden#y rea" ed a"ross t e des) and /i")ed u/ t e " e") (ro! t e '#otter$ *You won%t a e to "as it+* e said$

Grie' sat 'o#t-u/rig t in is " air$ His dia!onds !ade a g#ittering strea) o( !otion as e startedto rea" (or t e " e")+ t en "aug t i!se#(+ and sat wit is (inger-ti/s resting on t e edge o( t e

'#otter$ * at%s t e idea2* e as)ed$

Mason said+ *My "#ient isn%t a ery good ga!'#er$ He%s rat er a ard #oser$ He started to /#a"e a(ew "asua# 'ets+ t en won a #itt#e !oney+ got into t e s/irit o( t e t ing+ and was swe/t o(( is

(eet$ He%s "o!e down to eart now$ He doesn%t want any !ore !oney$ He%s (inis ed ga!'#ing$*Grie'%s eyes (o"used on Mason%s (a"e$ *T is #itt#e 'usiness !atter+* e said "o#d#y+ *is 'etweenO6!an and !e$*

Mason anded t e " e") a"ross to Dra)e$ *.etter tear it u/+* e said$

Dra)e tore it into /ie"es and s o ed t e /ie"es down dee/ into is trousers /o")et$ Grie' got tois (eet$ Mason !o ed so t at e was standing 'etween Dra)e and t e ga!'#er$ *My "#ient !adea !ista)e in gi ing you t is " e")+* e said+ 'y way o( e6/#anation$

*You !ean t ere aren%t any (unds in t e 'an) to "o er it2* Grie' as)ed o!inous#y$

*O( "ourse t ere are+* Mason said$ *Te#e/ one t e 'an) to!orrow i( t at%s w at%s 'ot ering you$at , !eant was t at , don%t want !y "#ient to a e one o( is " e")s "as ed t roug t is

ga!'#ing s i/$ You see+ we didn%t "o!e out ere to ga!'#e$*

Grie' s#ow#y sat down+ eyed t e two !en (or a !o!ent+ t en indi"ated " airs wit a g#itteringgesture o( is rig t and$ *Sit down+ gent#e!en+* e said$ *, want to ta#) wit you$*

Dra)e #oo)ed to Mason (or instru"tions$ Mason nodded and seated i!se#( on Grie'%s #e(t$ Dra)erat er ostentatious#y !o ed o er to a " air nearer t e door+ (art er (ro! Grie'$ T e ga!'#er sti##sat ery ere"t+ is (ingerti/s resting on t e edge o( t e '#otter$ *T at " e")%s good2* e as)ed$

Mason #aug ed$ *,%## guarantee t is gent#e!an%s " e")s u/ to any a!ount e wants to writet e!$*

* it t at signature and on t at 'an)2* Grie' /ersisted$

Mason nodded and said+ a//arent#y as an a(tert oug t+ *Or wit any ot er signature$*



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14/166


*T en e is 5ran) O6!an$*

*, won%t e en ad!it t at+* Mason said+ s!i#ing$

Grie' said s#ow#y+ *You two "a!e out ere to try and "o##e"t e iden"e$*

Mason re!ained si#ent$

*You t oug t you "ou#d #oo) t e 4oint o er+ !ay'e stri)e u/ an a":uaintan"e wit one o( t e"rou/iers+ sti") around unti# t e ta'#es "#osed+ get one o( t e !en in "on ersation+ and (ind outso!et ing you wanted to )now+* Grie' " arged$

Mason too) a "igarette "ase (ro! is /o")et+ e6tra"ted a "igarette+ and #it it$ *A(ter a##+* e said+*does it !a)e any di((eren"e w y we "a!e out ere2*

Grie' said+ *You%re da!n rig t it does$*

Mason e6 a#ed "igarette s!o)e as e s#i//ed t e "o!/a"t "igarette "ase 'a") into is /o")et$*


15/166


Mason s oo) is ead$ *Any reason w y we "an%t go as ore2* e as)ed$

*,%d /re(er to a e you wait a #itt#e w i#e$*

* ait (or w at2*

Grie' said s#ow#y+ *You "a!e out ere to get so!e e iden"e$*

Mason%s (a"e #ost its s!i#e as e said+ *, don%t t in) , "are to dis"uss w y we "a!e out ere$You%re running a /u'#i" /#a"e$ ,t%s o/en to anyone w o wants to "o!e a'oard$*

Grie'%s oi"e was soot ing$ *Now wait a !inute+ Mr$ Mason+* e said$ *9et%s not argue$*

*,%! not arguing+ ,%! te##ing you$*

*A## rig t+* Grie' grinned+ *t en you%re te##ing !e+ and t at%s t at$$$ How%d you 'oys #i)e to #oo)

t e s i/ o er2*Mason s oo) is ead$ Grie' said irrita'#y+ *9oo) ere$ My ti!e%s 4ust as a#ua'#e as yours$ ,% egot so!et ing to say to you+ 'ut , want to wait unti# C ar#ie gets ere$ C ar#ie Dun"an%s !y

/artner$*

Mason g#an"ed at Pau# Dra)e$ T e dete"ti e s oo) is ead$ Mason said+ *, don%t t in) we%d "areto wait$*

Grie' #owered is oi"e$ *Su//ose , "ou#d gi e you t e e iden"e you were #oo)ing (or2*

*You don%t )now w at e iden"e we%re a(ter+* Mason said$

Grie' #aug ed$ *Don%t /#ay !e (or a da!n (oo#+ Mason$ Your "#ient is 5ran) O6!an$ His wi(e isSy# ia O6!an$ He wanted to (ind so!e e iden"e w i" wou#d e#/ i! in a di or"e a"tion$*

Mason+ a oiding Dra)e%s eyes+ said+ a(ter a !o!ent+ *,%! not saying anyt ing$ You%re ta#)ing$ ,%!#istening$$$*

*,% e said a## ,%! going to+* Grie' went on+ is /a#e eyes studying Mason$

*How #ong do you t in) it%## 'e 'e(ore your /artner gets ere2*

*Not o er (i(teen !inutes$*

Mason s i(ted is /osition+ !a)ing i!se#( "o!(orta'#e in t e " air$ *5i(teen !inutes isn%t #ong+*e said$ *Ni"e /#a"e you a e ere$*

*, #i)e it+* Grie' ad!itted$ *, designed it and /i")ed out t e (urniture !yse#($*



16/166


*T at a au#t o er t ere2* Mason as)ed+ 4er)ing is ead toward a stee# door$

*Yes+ we turned an ad4oining "a'in into a au#t$ ,t%s #ined wit "on"rete$ 9i)e to ta)e a #oo) at it2*

Grie' "rossed o er to t e stee# door o( t e au#t and (#ung it o/en+ dis"#osing a "o!!odious+

#ig ted interior$ ,n t e 'a") o( t e au#t was a "annon'a## sa(e$

*=ee/ your "as in t at sa(e2* Mason as)ed+ (o##owing Grie' into t e "o#d interior o( t e au#t$

*Our "as +* Grie' said+ staring at i! steadi#y+ *and our e iden"es o( inde'tedness$*

*Meaning ,O8%s2* Mason as)ed$

*Meaning ,O8%s+* Grie' said+ regarding t e #awyer wit steady eyes$

*,%! "o!!en"ing to 'e interested+* Mason said$

*, t oug t you wou#d+* Grie' to#d i!$ *O er ere in t ese /#us -#ined re"e/ta"#es+ we )ee/ t ew ee#s+ w ere no one "an ta!/er wit t e!$ You see+ we%re out 'eyond t e twe# e-!i#e #i!it andt at /uts us 'eyond /o#i"e /rote"tion$ e%re on t e ig seas$*

*You !ust )ee/ :uite a 'it o( "as on and+ t en$*

* e do$*

* at%s to )ee/ a !o' (ro! 'oarding t e s i/+ ta)ing /ossession o( it and "#eaning you out2*

*T at%d 'e /ira"y+* Grie' said$

*So w at2* Mason as)ed+ #aug ing$

Grie' said+ * e% e (igured a## t at out+ Mr$ Mason$*

*How2*

* e##+ in t e (irst /#a"e+ it%s i!/ossi'#e to get into t ese o((i"es e6"e/t 'y "o!ing down t at"orridor wit t e rig t-ang#e turn in it$ en a !an "o!es down t at "orridor+ e as to wa#)o er a wired se"tion o( (#ooring$ His weig t "auses a "onta"t and rings a 'u&&er ere in t eo((i"e$ T e door to t is o((i"e is a#ways )e/t #o")ed$ ,t%s "o ered wit wood on 'ot sides+ 'ut t e"enter is stee#$ ,t wou#d ta)e a #ong w i#e to s!as t at door down$ T ere are signa#s /#anted a##o er t e o((i"e$ , "an sound an a#ar! (ro! any /art o( t e o((i"e+ and wit out !o ing !y ands$

*Moreo er+ t ere%s an ar!ed guard w o%s a#ways so!ew ere around$ He%s as andy wit is (istsas e is wit t e $@ auto!ati" e "arries$*

Mason nodded$ *, saw i! w en we "a!e in$ , noti"e e as a 'adge w i" reads SPEC,A9



17/166


O55,CER$ at does t at !ean2 ,( you%re out 'eyond t e twe# e-!i#e #i!it e "an%t 'e a de/utys eri(($*

Grie' #aug ed$ *T e 'adge+* e said+ *is 4ust (or its /sy" o#ogi"a# e((e"t$ T e '#ue uni(or! t esa!e way$ T e rea# aut ority "o!es (ro! t e gun$ Re!e!'er+ you%re on t e ig seas now and

,%! in su/re!e "o!!and$*

*Su//ose a !o' dro//ed in so!e (oggy nig t2* Mason as)ed$

*T ey wou#dn%t get anyw ere$*

*Your guard wou#dn%t #ast #ong$*

*You t in) e wou#dn%t$*

*You ad!it you )ee/ a #ot o( "as ere+* Mason said$

*Sure$*

*.an)s )ee/ "as $ .an)s a e guards+ and 'an)s get stu") u/ regu#ar#y$*

Grie' said+ * e##+ we don%t get stu") u/$ ,t%s not genera##y )nown+ 'ut in "ase you%re interested+t ere%s a 'a#"ony in 'a") o( t at ga!'#ing "asino$ T e (ront wa## is o( 'u##et-/roo( stee#$ T ere%san in" -and-a- a#( s#it in t e wa##+ and two guards are on duty u/ t ere$ T ey a e !a" ine gunsand tear gas 'o!'s$*

*T at+* Mason ad!itted+ *is di((erent$*

*Don%t e er worry a'out us+* Grie' said$ * e$$$*

He 'ro)e o(( as t e e#e"tri" 'u&&er sounded its warning$

*So!eone%s "o!ing+* e said$ *,t%s /ro'a'#y C ar#ie$ 9et%s go 'a") into t e o((i"e$*

He #ed t e way t roug t e stee# door o( t e au#t+ into t e /ri ate o((i"e+ wa#)ed to t e"o!!uni"ating door and s#id 'a") t e /ane#$ As e did so+ a s/eed #aun" /u##ed away (ro! t eside o( t e s i/ on its return tri/ to t e s ore+ and t e roar o( its e6 aust+ sounding t roug t eo/en /ort o#es 'a") o( Grie'%s des)+ "o!/#ete#y drowned out a## ot er sounds+ in"#uding a swi(te6" ange o( words 'etween Grie' and t e !an on t e ot er side o( t e door$

Grie' 4er)ed 'a") t e #e er w i" (reed t e 'ars (ro! t eir so")ets+ twisted t e )no' o( t es/ring #o")+ and o/ened t e door as t e roar o( t e s/eed 'oat died to a t ro''ing undertone o(

/u#sating /ower$ A 'a#d- eaded !an o( (orty-(i e+ wit /er/etua# s!i#e-wrin)#es a'out is eyes+and "a#i/ers stret" ing 'etween nose and !out + stood on t e t res o#d$ He was wearing a gray-" e")ered suit+ and is #i/s+ twisting 'a") in an a((a'#e s!i#e+ s owed t ree g#ea!ing go#d teet $



18/166


Grie' said+ *Gent#e!en+ s a)e ands wit !y /artner+ C ar#ie Dun"an$ Dun"an+ t is is PerryMason+ t e #awyer$ And t e ot er !an$$$*

*,( it%s a## t e sa!e to you+* Mason said+ e6tending is and+ *t e ot er gent#e!an wi## 'ena!e#ess$*

Dun"an+ /us ing (orward is rig t and+ sudden#y (ro&e into i!!o'i#ity$ T e go#d teet anis edas is #i/s "a!e toget er$ His eyes s i(ted (or a :ui") !o!ent to is /artner and e said+ * atis t is+ Sa!2*

*,t%s o)ay+ C ar#ie+* Grie' said asti#y$

Dun"an%s ands gri//ed Mason%s$ *G#ad to )now you+ Mr$ Mason+* e said$ His eyes s i(ted tostudy Pau# Dra)e in "o#d a//raisa#$

*Co!e on o er and sit down+ C ar#ie+* Grie' in ited$ * e%re going to ta#) so!e 'usiness$ ,

wanted you to 'e ere$** e%re not doing any ta#)ing+* Mason said$

*No+* Grie' to#d i!+ s/ea)ing wit ner ous aste$ *No one%s as)ing you to$ You "an #isten$*

*A## rig t+* Mason agreed$ * e%## #isten$*

T ey seated t e!se# es+ and Grie' turned to Dun"an$ *C ar#ie+* e said+ *t is guy* - indi"atingDra)e wit a nod o( is ead - *started 'u")ing t e ga!e$ He was /#aying easy at (irst$ T en egot ot and started ra)ing %e! in$ en t ings didn%t go so we##+ e started /#unging$ en ewent 'ro)e+ e wanted to "as a " e")$


19/166


20/166


*On w at ter!s2*

* e##+* Grie' said+ (#as ing a swi(t g#an"e at is /artner+ *we%d a e to dis"uss t e ter!s$*

*Your idea o( e iden"e !ig t not 'e !y idea o( e iden"e+* Mason said$

*T e e iden"e is a## rig t+* Grie' re4oined$ *,t%s 4ust a :uestion o( w at you 'oys wou#d 'ewi##ing to do$*

* e%d want to see t e e iden"e+* Mason said$

Grie' #oo)ed at Dun"an signi(i"ant#y and 4er)ed is ead toward t e au#t$ Dun"an+ is (a"e sti##wearing a set s!i#e+ "rossed to t e au#t and ste//ed inside$ T e t ree !en in t e roo! sat intense si#en"e$ A(ter a (ew se"onds t ere was t e /e"u#iar w oos ing sound !ade 'y air es"a/ingas t e door o( t e "annon'a## sa(e was s#a!!ed s ut$ Dun"an e!erged (ro! t e au#t "arryingt ree o'#ongs o( /a/er w i" e s#id a"ross t e g#ass to/ o( t e 'ig des)$

Grie'%s dia!onds again !ade g#ittering strea)s as e s"oo/ed u/ t e o'#ongs o( /a/er and said+*T ree de!and notes+ signed 'y Sy# ia O6!an+ and tota#ing se en t ousand (i e undreddo##ars$*

Mason (rowned$ * e adn%t (igured on anyt ing #i)e t is+* e said$

Grie'%s oi"e was ars wit greed$ *5igure on it now+ t en$*

Mason /ursed is #i/s$ *, su//ose+* e entured+ *you 'oys want so!et ing$*

Grie' !o ed i!/atient#y$ *Don%t 'e so God da!n "agey$ You% e drawn "ards in t is ga!e 'ut weo#d a## t e a"es$ Buit sta##ing$ You%re going to a e to "o!e a"ross - and #i)e it$*

Dun"an said " iding#y+ *Now+ Sa!!y3*

Mason said+ *,%d want to ins/e"t t ese$*

Grie' s/read t e! out on t e des)+ o#ding t e! (#at against t e g#ass+ is e6tended (ingers /ressing (ir!#y against t e u//er edges$ *9oo) %e! o er+* e in ited gri!#y$

Mason o'4e"ted$ *T at%s not w at ,%d "a## ins/e"ting t e!$*

*T at%s w at , "a## ins/e"ting t e!+* Grie' said$

Dun"an said soot ing#y+ *Now+ Sa!!y$ Now+ Sa!!y$ Ta)e it easy$*

*,%! ta)ing it easy+* Grie' said$ *T ere was a " e") on t is des) and e /i")ed it u/ to %ins/e"t% it$ Now it%s torn in /ie"es and is in t is guy%s /o")et$*



21/166


*T e " e") was di((erent+* Mason said$

* e##+ , didn%t #i)e t e way you did it+* Grie' to#d i!$

Mason%s eyes were "o#d$ *No one as)ed you to+* e said s ort#y$

Dun"an inter/osed$ *Now+ wait a !inute+ 'oys$ T is isn%t getting us anyw ere$*

Grie'%s (a"e dar)ened wit rage$ He /i")ed u/ t e o'#ongs o( /a/er and said irrita'#y+ *T at%s t eway e%s 'een e er sin"e e "a!e in$ You%d t in) e was God and , was so!e sort o( a "roo)$ Toe## wit i!3*

Dun"an !o ed o er to t e des)+ e6tended is ands (or t e notes$ His (a"e sti## s!i#ing+ 'ut iseyes were ard$ *T is is a 'usiness dea#+ Sa!!y+* e said$

*,t isn%t wit !e+* Grie' to#d i!$ *As (ar as ,%! "on"erned+ t ere%s no di"e$ e%re anding t ese

guys a #awsuit on a si# er /#atter and t ey%re trying to !a)e us "o!e a## t e way$ To e## wit it$*Dun"an said not ing+ 'ut stood 'y t e des)+ is and e6tended$ And a(ter a !o!ent+ Grie'anded i! t e s#i/s o( /a/er and said+ *A## rig t+ you do it+ i( you )now so !u" a'out it$*

Dun"an anded one o( t e notes to t e #awyer$ *T e ot er two+* e said+ *are #i)e t is$*

*,%d want to see t e! a##+* Mason said+ wit out rea" ing (or t e note$

*You "an #oo) t e! o er one at a ti!e+* Dun"an to#d i!$

Dra)e said+ *T at%s (air+ Perry$ e%## #oo) t e! o er one at a ti!e$*

Mason s#ow#y e6tended is and and too) t e o'#ong o( /a/er$ He and Dra)e studied it "are(u##yw i#e Dun"an wat" ed t e! wit "o#d eyes o er s!i#ing #i/s$ Grie' o/ened t e #e(t- and drawero( t e des) and dro//ed is and "asua##y into t e interior$

T e note was on a /rinted (or! su" as !ig t a e 'een readi#y o'tained in any stationery store$,t was in an a!ount o( twenty-(i e undred do##ars+ signed *Sy# ia O6!an+* and in t e '#an) #e(t(or t e na!e o( t e /ayee ad 'een (i##ed in+ in t e sa!e (e!inine andwriting+ t e #etters+*,O8$* T e date s owed t at t e note was si6ty days o#d$

Mason anded it 'a") to Dun"an$ Dun"an anded i! anot er one and said+ *T is one was !adea !ont ear#ier+* and as Mason (inis ed is ins/e"tion and returned it+ anded i! t e t ird+saying+ *T is is t e (irst one$*

As Mason returned t e ,O8 to Dun"an+ Grie' re!o ed is and (ro! t e des) drawer ands#a!!ed it s ut$ Mason said so(t#y+ *So w at2*

* e##+* Dun"an said+ *you%re a #awyer$ You don%t need !e to te## you w at t ose t ings are$*



22/166


Grie' said+ * e )now w at t ose t ings are wort $*

Dun"an%s oi"e was soot ing$ * it t ose in your and+ Mr$ Mason+* e said+ *you%d o#d a## t etru!/s$ A "ourt wou#d ne er #et a wo!an and#e a )id%s !oney i( s e was a (iend (or ga!'#ing$

Su//ose you !a)e us an o((er$*

*O((er+ e##+* Grie' interru/ted$ * e%## set t e /ri"e on t ose+ C ar#ie$ T is !eans a #ot to O6!an$,t%s 4ust w at e%s 'een #oo)ing (or+ and e "an%t get to (irst 'ase wit out t e!$ T ey% e 'eensnoo/ing around+ trying to get so!e o( our !en to ta#)$ You )now as we## as , do ow !u"" an"e t ey stand o( doing t at$ e o#d t e "ards and we%## "a## t e tru!/s$* Mason got to is(eet$

*Now+ wait a !inute+* Dun"an said$ *Don%t 'e #i)e t at+ Mason$ My /artner%s ot- eaded+ t at%sa##$*

*He%s not ot- eaded+ e%s "o#d- earted$** e##+ a(ter a##+ it%s a !atter o( 'usiness+* Dun"an /ointed out$

Mason nodded$ *Sure it is+ 'ut you%re t e ones w o don%t )now it$ Sy# ia asn%t any !oney rig tnow$ S e "an%t e en /ay t e (a"e o( t ose notes$ You t in) t ey%re wort a #ot to !e and you t in) you "an o#d !e u/$ T at%s w ere you%re !a)ing a !ista)e$ T ere isn%t any "o!/etiti e !ar)et$

No one e#se gi es a da!n a'out t e!$*

*9et%s /ut %e! 'a") in t e sa(e+ Dun"an+* Grie' said+ *, don%t #i)e to do 'usiness wit /i)ers$*

*And+* Mason to#d i! steadi#y+ *, don%t #i)e to do 'usiness wit "roo)s$*

Grie' got to is (eet so io#ent#y t at t e swi e# " air s ot 'a") on its ro##ers to "ras against t ewa##$ His /asty (a"e !ott#ed into '#uis /at" es$

C ar#ie Dun"an+ ti#ting is " air 'a") against t e wa##+ t rust is t u!'s t roug t e ar! o#es o(is est and said " iding#y+ *Now+ 'oys+ don%t 'e #i)e t at$*

Mason wa#)ed a"ross to t e des) to stare steadi#y at Grie'$ *Now+* e said+ *,%## te## youso!et ing a'out w ere you get o(($ You%re out 'eyond t e twe# e-!i#e #i!it+ w i" !eans out o(t e state$ , "an ser e a su'/oena du"es te"u! on you+ a e a "o!!ission a//ointed to ta)e yourde/osition+ "o!e out ere and !a)e you swear under oat t at you a en%t got t ose ,O8%s+ ore#se !a)e you /rodu"e t e!$ ,n t at way , won%t a e to /ay so !u" as a t in di!e$*

C ar#ie Dun"an #aug ed so(t#y$ *Sa!!y%s !e!ory%s aw(u##y 'ad at ti!es+ Mason$*

* e##+ !ine isn%t+* Mason sna//ed$ *,%d as) you a'out t ose ,O8%s$ ,( you !ade (a#se answers ,%ddo t ings to you in a (edera# "ourt$ You%re outside t e state+ 'ut you%re in 8nited States territory as#ong as your s i/ is registered under t e A!eri"an (#ag$



23/166


*Now t en+ t e on#y " an"e you stand o( getting one "ent a'o e t e (a"e o( t ose ,O8%s is to se##t e! to !e$ ,%## o((er you a 'onus o( one t ousand do##ars$ T at doesn%t grow on 'us es$ You "anta)e it or #ea e it$ ,%! going to gi e you t irty se"onds to say yes or no+ and t en ,%! going towa#) out$*

Grie' was 'reat ing ea i#y$ *=ee/ on wa#)ing+ as (ar as ,%! "on"erned+* e said$ *T e answer isno$*

Dun"an didn%t 'ot er to #oo) at Grie'$ His eyes were a//raising Mason$ T ey were ard and!er"i#ess+ 'ut is go#d teet sti## g#ittered t roug grinning #i/s$ *,% e got so!et ing to say a'outt is$ Sa!!y+ )ee/ your s irt on$ Now+ Mr$ Mason+ you )now as we## as , do t at t ese notes arewort a #ot !ore t an a t ousand do##ars a'o e t eir (a"e$*

*Not to !e t ey aren%t+* Mason said$

Grie' snorted$ *T row t e /i)er o(( t e s i/+ C ar#ie$**Ta)e it easy+ Sa!!y+* Dun"an said+ sti## #oo)ing at Mason$ *Ta)e your weig t o(( your (eet ands ut u/$ ,%! and#ing t is$*

*, guess , a e so!et ing to say a'out it+* Grie' /rotested$ *, don%t )now w o t e e## you t in)you are$ You%re gu!!ing t e wor)s$ T ese notes are wort ten t ousand do##ars a'o e t eir (a"e+and , won%t #et t e! go unti# , get !y s are$*

Dun"an+ sti## ti#ted 'a") in is " air+ said+ *You see ow !y /artner (ee#s+ Mason$ Su//ose we"o!/ro!ise on (i e grand$*

*, don%t gi e a da!n ow your /artner (ee#s+* Mason said$ *,% e o((ered you a t ousand do##arsand t at%s !y #i!it$ ,( you su")ers )ee/ on o#ding t ose notes+ you%## (ind yourse# es o#ding t esa")$ .y t e ti!e t e s!o)e '#ows away+ Sy# ia isn%t going to 'e a'#e to /ay e en t e (a"e o(t ose notes$*

*T at%s a '#u((+* Grie' said$

*Now+ Sa!!y+ )ee/ your s irt on+* Dun"an to#d i!$

Grie' started toward Dun"an$ *9isten+ C ar#ie+* e s outed$ *,%! running t e o((i"e end o( t is 'usiness$ You a en%t in ested anyt ing ere e6"e/t a #ot o( "on ersation$ , )now w at t ose,O8%s are wort + and you ain%t going to !a)e a " ea/s)ate out o( !e$*

Dun"an turned to #oo) at i! t en+ and is go#d teet anis ed$ *Sit down+ you da!n (oo#+* esaid+ *and s ut u/$ ,( 5ran) O6!an doesn%t 'uy t ese notes+ w o%s going to2*

*Sy# ia wi## ta)e t e! u/$*



24/166


* en2*

*Pretty soon$*

*5or ow !u" 2*

* e##+ i( s e )new we ad a " an"e to se## t e!$$$*

Dun"an%s "o#d#y "onte!/tuous ga&e si#en"ed is /artner$ He turned to Mason+ *Su//ose you 'oysgo out in t e ot er roo! (or a #itt#e w i#e+* e said+ *and #et !e ta#) to !y /artner$ , want to 'ereasona'#e+ 'ut , agree wit i! a t ousand do##ars is a#toget er too s!a## a su! to$$$*

*T en+* Mason interru/ted+ *t ere%s no need o( our waiting$ ,% e o((ered you a t ousand do##ars+and t at%s (ina#$ Ta)e it or #ea e it$ Don%t e er (orget , "an /ut you two 'irds on t e witness standand (ind out e eryt ing , want to )now wit out its "osting !e a da!n "ent$ Anyti!e a$$$*

*Now+ ta)e it easy+* Dun"an interru/ted soot ing#y$ *T is isn%t going to get us anyw ere+ Mason$,t%s a 'usiness /ro/osition$ You two 'oys go out in t e ot er roo! and wait a (ew !inutes$* Hewa#)ed o er to t e ea y door+ 4er)ed t e #e er w i" /u##ed t e 'o#ts 'a")+ twisted t e )nur#ed)no' o( t e s/ring #o") and e#d t e door o/en$ *Ma)e yourse# es at o!e+ 'oys$ T ere%s so!e!aga&ines rig t o er t ere$ e won%t 'e o er (i e !inutes$*

*,( you%re as #ong as (i e !inutes+* Mason said+ *you won%t (ind us ere w en you "o!e out$*

Grie' ye##ed+ *Go a ead and go+ you da!n /i)er+ and see w o "ares3*

Dun"an+ sti## s!i#ing+ "#osed t e door on Mason and t e dete"ti e$ T e s/ring #o") "#i")ed into /osition$ A a#( se"ond #ater t e iron 'ars s ot o!e$

Dra)e turned to Mason and said+ * y not 'oost it to (i(teen undred+ Perry2 T ey%d ta)e t at$ ,twou#d gi e Grie' a " an"e to sa e is (a"e$*

Mason said+ *To e## wit Grie'+ and is (a"e too$ , don%t #i)e is da!ned '#a")!ai#ing ide$*

Dra)e s rugged is s ou#ders$ *,t%s your (unera#+ Perry$*

Mason s#ow#y grinned and said+ *No+ it isn%t$ Dun"an%s no'ody%s (oo#$ T at ta#) , ga e i! a'outta)ing t eir de/ositions s"ared e## out o( i!$ ,t%s 4ust a :uestion o( ow #ong it%## ta)e i! tow i/ Grie' into #ine$$$ E ident#y t ere%s (ri"tion 'etween t e!$*

*T at%s going to !a)e it a## t e arder (or us+* Dra)e said$

Mason s oo) is ead$ *No+ it isn%t+ Pau#+ it%s going to !a)e it easier$*

* y2*



25/166


*.e"ause t is /artners i/ isn%t going to #ast ery !u" #onger$ T ey%re (ig ting$ Dun"an is as rewd t in)er$ Grie' (#ies o(( t e and#e$ Now t en+ (igure it out$ ,( t is /artners i/ is going to

'ust u/+ it%s a #ot 'etter to a e eig ty-(i e undred do##ars in "as to di ide t an se enty-(i eundred in ,O8%s to try and "o##e"t$*

Dra)e said+ *T at%s so+ Perry$ , adn%t (igured on t at$*

*Dun"an%s (iguring on it+* Mason said$

T ey were si#ent (or a !o!ent$ Bui")+ ner ous ste/s sounded in t e /assageway outside o( t eo((i"e$ T e two !en #istened w i#e t e ste/s swung around t e rig t-ang#e turn in t e "orridorand a//roa" ed t e door o( t e re"e/tion o((i"e$ ,ron 'ars were 4er)ed 'a") on t e ot er side o(t e door (ro! t e inner o((i"e$ A )no' twisted$ T e door o/ened e6/#osi e#y and Dun"an+"arrying t e ,O8%s+ said to Mason+ *O)ay$ Pay o er t e !oney$ ,t%## a e to 'e "as $*

*How a'out your /artner2* Mason as)ed$

*Pay o er t e "as +* Dun"an said$ *, a e t e ,O8%s ere$ T at%s a## you want$$$*

T e door (ro! t e a##way o/ened$ A wo!an in er !idd#e twenties+ er tri! (igure "#ad in adar)+ tai#ored suit+ stared at t e! wit '#a")+ disinterested eyes+ t en turned to Dun"an and said+*, want to see Sa!$*

Dun"an "ru!/#ed t e o'#ongs o( /a/er in is rig t and and /us ed t e! down into is "oat /o")et$ His go#d teet "a!e into e iden"e$ *Sure+ sure+* e said$ *Sa!%s rig t inside$* .ut e"ontinued to stand in t e doorway+ '#o")ing er /assage$

On"e !ore s e (#as ed er eyes in :ui") a//raisa# o( t e two !en+ t en ste//ed (orward unti# s ewas standing wit in two (eet o( Dun"an+ w o )e/t is #e(t and on t e )no' o( t e /artia##yo/ened door$ * e##2* s e as)ed s!i#ing$ *Do , go in2*

Dun"an s i(ted is eyes to study Mason and Dra)e+ and s e+ (o##owing t e dire"tion o( is ga&e+g#an"ed at t e! (or t e t ird ti!e$ Dun"an%s s!i#e e6/anded into a grin$ *Sure+* e said+ is eyes(o"used on Dra)e%s (a"e+ *go rig t on in$* He s o ed t e door o/en+ ste//ed to one side+ raisedis oi"e and said+ *Don%t you two ta#) any 'usiness unti# , get t ere$*

S e swe/t t roug t e door and Dun"an+ sti## grinning /u##ed it s ut 'e ind er$

* e##+ 'oys+* e said+ *it%s too 'ad your #itt#e s" e!e didn%t wor)$ ,%## see a #awyer to!orrow+Mason+ and see i( we "an%t /in so!et ing on you$ e !ay a e so!et ing to ta)e 'e(ore t eD$A$ ,n t e !eanti!e+ don%t (orget t e s i/+ 'oys$ ,t%s a ni"e /#a"e to ga!'#e$ e gi e you a goodrun (or your !oney$*

Mason said+ *No+ Dun"an+ we won%t (orget t e s i/$*

*And+* Dun"an assured i!+ *we won%t (orget you$* He es"orted t e! down t e "orridor unti# t e



26/166


uni(or!ed guard ad o/ened t e outer door$ * e##+ good nig t+ 'oys+* e said$ *Co!e 'a") anyti!e$*

He turned and retra"ed is ste/s down t e "orridor$ Mason too) t e dete"ti e%s ar! and #ed i!toward t e gangway w ere de/arting /atrons "aug t t e s/eed 'oat$

* as t at Sy# ia O6!an2* Dra)e as)ed$

*,t !ust a e 'een+* Mason said+ *and w en s e (ai#ed to re"ogni&e you and you ga e er a dead /an+ Dun"an saw t e /#ay$ Re!e!'er+ you%re su//osed to 'e t e #ady%s us'and$*

*Doesn%t t at #ea e us in so!et ing o( a s/ot+* Dra)e as)ed an6ious#y+ * a ing tried to /i") u/t e #ady%s notes and /u##ed a## t is o"us-/o"us2*

*T at de/ends on t e 'rea)s+* Mason said g#oo!i#y$ *E ident#y it isn%t our nig t to ga!'#e$*

Dra)e /us ed is (ingers down inside is "o##ar+ ran t e! around t e ne")'and o( is s irt+ andsaid+ *9et%s 'eat it$ ,( we%re going to 'e /in" ed+ , sure as e## don%t want to go to 4ai# in t isout(it$*

CHAPTER @

MASON 9OO=ED a"ross is des) at Mati#da .enson and said+ *, sent (or you 'e"ause ,%!going to as) you a #ot o( :uestions$*

*May , as) you so!e (irst2* s e in:uired$

He nodded$

*You saw Grie'2*

*Yes$*

*Get anyw ere2*

Mason s oo) is ead and said+ *Not yet$ T e 'rea)s went against !e$*

S e eyed i! in s rewd a//raisa#$ *, su//ose you don%t go in !u" (or a#i'is and e6/#anations$*

Mason s oo) is ead and was si#ent$

*Do you want to te## !e a'out it2*

*No$*

* e##+ t en+ w at%s t e ne6t !o e2* s e as)ed$



27/166


Mason said+ *,%! going to try i! again - t is ti!e (ro! anot er ang#e$ .e(ore , do+ , want to)now !ore o( w at ,%! u/ against$*

S e o/ened er /urse+ too) out er "igar "ase and se#e"ted a "igar$ i#e s e was "utting o(( t e

end+ Mason s"rat" ed a !at" and e#d it a"ross t e des) to er$ S e regarded i! wittwin)#ing eyes t roug t e (irst w ite /u((s o( "igar s!o)e and said+ *A## rig t+ go a ead$ As)your :uestions$*

* at do you )now a'out Grie'2*

*Not ing !u" $


28/166


*So er us'and%s trying to get so!e e iden"e w i" %## gi e i! a di or"e and "ause Sy# ia to#ose er s are o( t e trust (unds2*

*Yes$*

* y2*

*So is daug ter wi## a e twi"e as !u" !oney+ and so e "an a e t e and#ing o( t at !oney$,( e e er (inds out a'out t ose ,O8%s+ e%## get t e! and use t e! to s ow Sy# ia "an%t 'e trustedwit !oney$ He as ot er e iden"e+ too+ 'ut+ rig t now+ e wants to s ow s e "an%t 'e trustedwit !oney$ You%## a e to wor) (ast$ , want t ose ,O8%s 'e(ore Sa! Grie' (inds out owi!/ortant t ey are$*

Mason said s#ow#y+ *, t in) Grie' a#ready )nows$*

*T en we%re #i")ed 'e(ore we start$*

*No+ we%re not #i")ed+ 'ut , 'egin to see w y you wanted a #awyer$ How !u" is t e trust (und2*

*Ha#( a !i##ion in a##$ ,( 5ran) O6!an e er gets t e "ustody o( 7irginia and gets is ands on t e!oney it%## 'e #i)e signing t e )id%s deat warrant$*

*Sure#y not t at 'ad+* Mason said$

*T at !an%s #i)e a ratt#esna)e$*

*He%d 'e under t e "ontro# and su/er ision o( t e "ourts+* Mason /ointed out$

S e #aug ed !irt #ess#y$ *You don%t )now 5ran) O6!an$ Sy# ia isn%t any !at" (or i!$ As #ongas ,%! ere ,%## (ig t i!+ 'ut ,%! a#!ost se enty$ ,%! not going to 'e ere (ore er$*

*.ut #oo) ere+* Mason said+ *a "ourt wou#dn%t de/ri e Sy# ia o( t e "ustody o( er " i#d si!/#y 'e"ause s e%d 'een ga!'#ing$*

*T ere are ot er t ings+* Mati#da .enson said gri!#y$

*How a'out 5ran) O6!an> does e a e any !oney2*

*He as a #itt#e to ga!'#e wit $*

* at sort o( ga!'#ing2*

*T e sto") !ar)et !ost#y$ T at%s "onsidered res/e"ta'#e$ Sy# ia /#ays rou#ette+ and t at%s"onsidered i!!ora#$ Peo/#e !a)e !e si")$ T ey%re y/o"rites$*

* at ,%! trying to (ind out+* Mason said+ *is ow O6!an is going to get t e !oney to ta)e u/



29/166


t ose ,O8%s$*

*Don%t worry+ e%## raise t at a## rig t$*

*How2*

*T ere%s a ring t at wi## /ut u/ !oney (or t ings #i)e t at+* s e said$ *O""asiona##y 5ran) is a'#eto (i6 a /ri&e (ig t or a orse ra"e or so!et ing o( t at sort$ He "an a#ways raise t e ne"essary!oney to !a)e a )i##ing t en$*

*Sy# ia wi## /ay o(( t ose ,O8%s i( s e gets t at !oney (ro! t e trust (und2*

*O( "ourse$*

*No !atter w o as t e ,O8%s2*

Mati#da .enson nodded$*,t wou#d e#/ a #ot+* Mason said s#ow#y+ *i( s e wou#dn%t$*

* at do you !ean2*

*,( 5ran) O6!an is going to 'uy t ose ,O8%s e%d a e to o((er "as (or t e!$ He%d a e to o((ert e a!ount o( t e notes /#us a 'onus$ ,( e%s 'orrowing t e !oney+ e%d a e to /ut u/ t e ,O8%sas "o##atera#$ ,( t e /eo/#e w o were #oaning t e !oney t oug t t e "o##atera# wasn%t good+ t ey%dre(use to /ut u/ t e !oney$*

*No+* s e said s#ow#y+ *t at won%t wor)$ Sy# ia wou#d ne er go 'a") on er word$*

Mason said+ *, a e an idea$ , don%t )now ow good it is+ 'ut , t in) it !ay wor)$ 5ro! w at ,saw #ast nig t+ , t in) t ere%s (ri"tion 'etween Grie' and Dun"an$ , a e an idea t at (ri"tion !ay

'e su((i"ient#y intensi(ied to t row t e! into a "ourt o( e:uity$ A "ourt wou#dn%t "onsider t ega!'#ing 'usiness an e:uita'#e asset$ .ut t ere%s :uite a #ot o( !oney in ested in (urniture and(i6tures+ and t e /artners i/ !ust a e t at ga!'#ing s i/ under #ease$ Now+ i( , "ou#d start t e

/air (ig ting+ and one o( t e /artners s ou#d drag t e ot er into "ourt and a e a re"ei era//ointed to wind u/ t e /artners i/ 'usiness+ t ey "ou#dn%t trans(er t ose notes$ And i( , /ointedout to a (edera# "ourt t at t e notes ad 'een gi en to se"ure a ga!'#ing de't+ it wou#d /ro'a'#yre(use to "onsider t e! as assets$*

Mati#da .enson #eaned (orward$ *9isten+* s e said+ *, don%t want to 'e e#d u/ 'y a "ou/#e o("roo)ed ga!'#ers$ .ut i( you "an /u## so!et ing #i)e t is+ t e s)y%s t e #i!it so (ar as e6/ensesare "on"erned$*

* i" 'rings us+* Mason said "asua##y+ *to t e :uestion o( w y you%re so an6ious to get t ose,O8%s$ ,( you !a)e Sy# ia a /resent o( t e!+ t e e((e"t is 4ust t e sa!e as t oug you%d gi en er t e !oney to go and /ay t e! o(($ And t at wou#dn%t ta)e any /re!iu!$ T ere(ore$$$*



30/166


De##a Street gent#y o/ened t e door (ro! t e outer o((i"e and said in a #ow oi"e+ *C ar#esDun"an is in t e outer o((i"e+ C ie($ He says e wants to see you /ersona##y and t at it%si!/ortant$*

Mati#da .enson%s gray eyes stared signi(i"ant#y at t e #awyer$ *T at !eans+* s e said+ *t ey% ea#ready a//roa" ed O6!an+ and Dun"an is going to /#ay one 'idder against t e ot er$*

Mason s oo) is ead+ is (ore ead (urrowed into a /u&ed (rown$ *, don%t t in) so+* e to#der$ *, a e dete"ti es on O6!an+ Dun"an and Grie'$ T is "ertain#y isn%t a !atter t ey%d dis"usso er t e te#e/ one+ and i( t ere%d 'een a /ersona# !eeting ,%d a e )nown o( it$*

*T en w at does e want to see you a'out2*

Mason said+ *T e 'est way to (ind out is 'y ta#)ing wit i!$* S e nodded$ He turned to isse"retary and said+ *De##a+ ta)e Mrs$ .enson into t e #aw #i'rary$ Te## Mr$ Dun"an to "o!e in$$$

Does Dun"an )now you+ Mrs$ .enson2**No+ e ne er saw !e in is #i(e$*

*A## rig t+ you wait in t e #aw #i'rary$ , t in) Dun"an is going to !a)e so!e /ro/osition$ ,t !ay /ro e interesting$*

De##a Street said+ *T is way+ /#ease+* es"orted Mati#da .enson into t e #aw #i'rary+ and t en 'roug t C ar#ie Dun"an into Mason%s /ri ate o((i"e$

Dun"an%s (a"e was twisted into is "usto!ary "ordia# grin+ /ro!inent#y dis/#aying t e 'urnis edgo#d teet in is u//er 4aw+ *No ard (ee#ings 'e"ause o( #ast nig t2* e as)ed$

*No ard (ee#ings+* Mason said$

*You /#ayed a /retty s!art ga!e+* Dun"an went on$ *,( it adn%t 'een t at t e 'rea)s wentagainst you+ you%d a e ad us #i")ed$*

Mason said not ing$

Dun"an said+ *O + we##+ we "an%t a#ways win+ you )now$*

Mason indi"ated a " air and said+ *Sit down$*

Dun"an too) a "igar "ase (ro! is /o")et and e6tended it to Mason$

*No+* Mason to#d i!+ *, on#y s!o)e "igarettes$*

Dun"an sni((ed and t en indi"ated Mati#da .enson%s #eat er "igar "ase w i" s e ad #e(t on t edes)$



31/166


32/166


*How2*

*,%d want you to do so!et ing (or !e$ You%re s!art$ , need a s!art #awyer$*

Mason stared steadi#y at t e ga!'#er and said+ *Get !e straig t on t is+ Dun"an ,%! interested in

t ose ,O8%s$ ,%! not interested (or !yse#(+ 'ut (or a "#ient$ Now+ , don%t )now w at you a e in!ind+ 'ut , don%t want you to te## !e anyt ing you wou#dn%t want re/eated to !y "#ient$ ,n ot erwords+ you and , are dea#ing at ar!%s #engt $ ,( you te## !e anyt ing+ ,%! not going to )ee/ t e"on ersation "on(identia#$ ,( , "an "a/ita#i&e on w at you te## !e+ ,%! going to do it$ A #awyer"an%t ser e two !asters$

*Now t en+ wit t at understanding+ i( you want to ta#) a'out t ose ,O8%s+ go a ead$ ,%d ad iseyou not to$*

Dun"an%s go#d teet (#as ed into /ro!inen"e$ * e##+* e said+ wa ing is "igar in a #itt#e gesture+*, "an%t say you didn%t warn !e$*

Mason sat si#ent$

*9isten+* Dun"an went on+ *,% e 'een a ga!'#er a## !y #i(e$ ,%! going to ta)e a " an"e on you$ ,a e a /ro/osition , t in) wi## #oo) good to you$*

Mason said s#ow#y+ *,%! going to te## you on"e !ore+ Dun"an$ ,%! not in t is 'usiness (or !yea#t $ ene er , do so!et ing it%s 'e"ause so!e "#ient is /aying !e !oney to do it$ T at!eans ,% e a#ready 'een e!/#oyed 'y so!e "#ient w ose interests are ad erse to yours$ ,( youdon%t te## !e anyt ing+ you won%t a e anyt ing to regret #ater on$*

*S/o)en #i)e a gent#e!an+* Dun"an said$

*No+* Mason "orre"ted+ *s/o)en #i)e a #awyer$*

*O)ay+* Dun"an said+ *you% e to#d !e - not on#y on"e+ 'ut twi"e$ ,( , /ut !y ead in a noose it%s!y own (unera#$ ,s t at it2*

*T at%s it+* Mason said$

*A## rig t+ now su//ose you #isten to !e (or a w i#e$ , need a s!art #awyer$ , need you$ You% e 'een e!/#oyed to get t ose ,O8%s$ T at%s t e #i!it o( your interest in !y a((airs+ at /resent$ A##rig t+ ,%## see t at you get t e ,O8%s$ ,%## gi e t e! to you$ ,n return+ , want you to do so!et ing(or !e$

*, want to get rid o( Sa!$ He%s ard to get a#ong wit $ He t in)s e%s t e w o#e s ow$ , don%t #i)eit$ Now t en+ is it true t at w en a /artners i/ is organi&ed (or an uns/e"i(ied ter!+ eit er /artner "an disso# e t e /artners i/ at any ti!e e wants to2*

Mason said+ *Su//osing t at%s t e #aw+ t en w at2*



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*, want to disso# e t at /artners i/$*

*You don%t need a s!art #awyer to do t at+* Mason /ointed out$

*, need a s!art #awyer to do it t e way , want to do it$*

*Aren%t you two doing a /retty good 'usiness out t ere2*

*A #and-o((i"e 'usiness$*

*T e !inute you disso# e t e /artners i/+* Mason said+ *you%## )no") t at 'usiness into a "o")edat$*

*No+ we won%t+* Dun"an said$ *9et !e te## you so!et ing+ ,%! /retty s!art+ !yse#($ Grie' adso!e !oney and a (ine o/inion o( i!se#($ He wanted to o/en a ga!'#ing s i/+ 'ut good u##s

t at "an 'e !ade into ga!'#ing s i/s aren%t so easy to (ind$ , a//ened to )now a !an w o adone$ T e !an didn%t )now Grie'$ He )new !e$ He ga e us a #ease+ and in t at #ease t ere%s a"#ause t at any ti!e t e /artners i/ o( Grie' and Dun"an is disso# ed+ t e #ease is auto!ati"a##yter!inated$*

*So w at2* Mason as)ed+ is eyes staring steadi#y in #e e#-#idded s"rutiny$

*So+* Dun"an said+ *,%! going to ter!inate t e /artners i/$ T at%## ter!inate t e #ease$ e%## windu/ t e /artners i/ 'usiness$ ,t isn%t wort a da!n wit out a /#a"e to "arry on$ T e (urniture and(i6tures won%t 'ring ten "ents on t e do##ar at a (or"ed sa#e$ ,%## see t ere%s a (or"ed sa#e+ and ,%##

'id t e stu(( in t roug a du!!y$ Ten !inutes a(ter , a e tit#e to it+ t e owner o( t e s i/ wi##e6e"ute a new #ease wit !e$ T at%## s ow Mr$ Sa! Grie' 4ust ow s!art e is$

*He struts around t at /#a"e ten in" es ta##er t an God+ te##ing !e w at , "an do and w at , "an%tdo+ trying to gi e !e orders+ 'ossing !e around+ "ounter!anding !y instru"tions+ 'u##ying t ee!/#oyees+ and 'eing a genera# /ain in t e ne")$

*Now t en+ you "an go a ead and re/resent !e in t is t ing$ Part o( t e /artners i/ assets aret ose ,O8%s$ ,%## get a## t e /artners i/ assets$ ,%## turn t e ,O8%s o er to you as your (ee$ , don%t"are w at you do wit t e! a(terwards$ You "an "o##e"t as 'ig a 'onus as you want$ , didn%t)now t e grand!ot er was interested in %e!+ 'ut i( s e is+ you% e got er on t e one and and5ran) O6!an on t e ot er$ You "an run t e /ri"e u/ and se## out to t e 'est 'idder$*

*T at%s not !y way o( doing 'usiness+* Mason said$

* e##+ you )now your way o( doing 'usiness+* Dun"an to#d i!+ *and , )now !ine$ You )noww at , want$ You )now w at you%## get$ Now t en+ do we s oot or not2*

* e don%t+* Mason said un esitating#y$



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* y not2*

*.e"ause , don%t #i)e t e way you%re going a'out it+ Dun"an$ , don%t want to re/resent you$ ,%!re/resenting interests ad erse to you$ ,%! (ig ting you$*

Dun"an said a((a'#y+ *.etter t in) it o er+ Mason$ ,%! gi ing you an out$ ,t%s t e on#y out youa e$ You% e ti//ed your and on t ose ,O8%s$ ,( you don%t /#ay 'a## wit !e ,%## /#ay it 'ot endsagainst t e !idd#e+ t e grand!ot er on one side and 5ran) O6!an on t e ot er+ and Sy# ia in

'etween$ T e one w o /ays t e !ost !oney gets t e ,O8%s$ O6!an%## want %e! (or e iden"e+ andt e grand!ot er wi## want to )ee/ %e! (ro! "o!ing into "ourt$ e don%t "are w i" side "o!esout on to/$ at we%re a(ter is !oney$*

Mason s oo) is ead$

Dun"an got to is (eet$ *And to t in) , t oug t you were s!art3* e said$ *T at s ows w at asu")er , was$$$ How do , get out o( ere2*

*T roug t at door into t e "orridor$*

Dun"an strode a"ross t e o((i"e+ 4er)ed t e door o/en and s#a!!ed it s ut 'e ind i!$

Mason /i")ed u/ t e re"ei er on is des) te#e/ one and said+ *Ring t e #aw #i'rary$ Te## De##a to 'ring Mrs$ .enson 'a") in ere+ and get Pau# Dra)e on t e #ine (or !e rig t away$* He dro//edt e re"ei er 'a") into /#a"e and stared !oodi#y at t e '#otter on is des)$


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re"ei ers i/ so e "an ta)e ad antage o( a 4o)er in t e #ease$*

Mati#da .enson re#a6ed "o!(orta'#y in t e 'ig o erstu((ed #eat er " air and said+ *, t oug tDun"an was 4ust a yes-!an$*

* e##+ you%re going to a e one !ore t in) "o!ing$ He%s s!art$*

*Can e !a)e it sti")2* s e as)ed$

*Yes+* Mason said s#ow#y+ *, t in) e "an$ , t in) e%s got Grie'$ Grie' was trying to /ut Dun"anon t e s/ot in so!e way+ 'ut Dun"an 'eat i! to it 'y /utting a 4o)er in t e #ease+ and nowDun"an is ready to "#a!/ down on Grie'$ ,t%s a "ase o( two "roo)s+ ea" trying to outs!art t eot er+ wit Dun"an o#ding !ore tru!/s$*

* y did Dun"an te## you a## t is2*

*He wanted !e to a"t as is #awyer$** y you2 at , !ean is+ e !ust )now you%re osti#e to i! and$$$*

*T at was t e 'ait e e#d out+* Mason said$ *He to#d !e e%d #et !e a e t ose ,O8%s as !y(ee$*

*Cou#d e do t at2*

*Pro'a'#y$*

* y didn%t you do it2*

*.e"ause+ in t e (irst /#a"e+ , don%t #i)e Dun"an$ ,n t e se"ond /#a"e+ , don%t #i)e 'usiness o( t atsort$ And in t e t ird /#a"e+ we don%t a e to do it$ T ey%re /#aying dire"t#y into our ands$


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*Do w at2*

*Go out to t at ga!'#ing s i/ tonig t$*

* y2*

*T ere%s going to 'e trou'#e out t ere$ T ose !en are going to get nasty$*

*, "an 'e nasty !yse#(+ on o""asion+* e to#d er$

*.ut you%re out on t eir s i/$ You%## 'e out o( t e 4urisdi"tion o( a## state #aws$ You%re surrounded 'y t eir !en w o wi## do e6a"t#y w at t ey%re to#d$*

*T ey%re rats+* Mason said$ *, don%t #i)e eit er o( t e!$ ,%! /arti"u#ar#y sore at Grie'$ ,t%## do !e a#ot o( good to /oint out to Grie' 4ust w ere e stands and s ow Dun"an w ere e%s o errea" edi!se#($*

*And t en w at%## t ey do2* s e said$

* en , get (inis ed t ey%## turn o er t e ,O8%s to !e at t eir (a"e a#ue+ or /er a/s (or a (ewundred do##ars 'onus+* Mason said$

S e s!i#ed down at i! as is ar! "ir"#ed er waist and drew er "#ose$ * e##+* s e to#d i!+*t ere%s not ing #i)e 'eing o/ti!isti"$*

CHAPTER

.EADS O5 MO,ST8RE g#inted on t e u/turned "o##ar o( Perry Mason%s gray o er"oat as estood in t e te#e/ one 'oot o( t e 'ea" -town drugstore$ His 'rown (e#t at was a#so "o eredwit g#istening /arti"#es$ 5ro! ti!e to ti!e+ e sna//ed is #e(t ar! into /osition to "onsu#t iswristwat" $ T e te#e/ one in t e /ay station sudden#y s attered t e si#en"e$ Mason 4er)ed t ere"ei er (ro! its oo) a#!ost as soon as t e 'e## started to ring$ A (e!inine oi"e said+ *Mr$Perry Mason+ /#ease$*

*Yes+ t is is Mr$ Mason$*

*Go a ead+ /#ease$*

Mason eard Dra)e%s oi"e saying+ *O)ay+ Perry$ Dun"an%s (i#ed is #awsuit$ He%s ad a su!!onsand an order to s ow "ause issued and is on is way down to t e 'ea" wit a de/uty !ars a#w o%s going to ser e t e /a/ers$ He%## go rig t to t e ga!'#ing s i/$*

Mason said+ *T an)s+ Pau#$ en your s adows "a## in ne6t+ te## t e! not to (o##ow Dun"an any(art er t an t e /ier$*

*Rig t+* t e dete"ti e said$ *Now #isten+ Perry+ ere%s so!et ing e#se 5ran) O6!an is eaded (or



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t e 'ea" $ T e o/erati e w o%s s adowing i! te#e/ oned in t e re/ort$*

*How #ong ago2* Mason as)ed$

*A'out a#( an our ago$*

*T en O6!an wi## get a'oard t e s i/ 'e(ore Dun"an gets t ere2*

*,t #oo)s t at way$*

*T at+* Mason said+ *!ay "o!/#i"ate t ings$ Grie'%s e ident#y$$$*

* ait a !inute+* Dra)e "ut in+ *you a en%t eard anyt ing yet$ Sy# ia O6!an%s 'een outso!ew ere and !y !en "ou#dn%t /i") u/ er trai#$ ,% e ad o/erati es s adowing er a/art!ent+and 4ust to 'e on t e sa(e side+ , assigned a !an to s adow er !aid$ Now+ t e !aid went out a#itt#e w i#e ago wearing one o( Sy# ia%s O6!an%s (ur "oats$ T e s adow tai#ed a#ong+ and#ing it

4ust as a routine assign!ent> 'ut e drew t e #u")y nu!'er$ T e !aid "onta"ted Sy# ia+ and !y!an ad a " an"e to te#e/ one in (or instru"tions$ O( "ourse+ , to#d i! to dro/ t e !aid and /i") u/ Sy# ia$*

*=now w ere s e was going2* Mason as)ed$ *,t%s (oggy as t e de i# down ere now+ Pau#+ andt at (ur "oat !ay !ean t at s e%s eading (or t e ga!'#ing s i/$*

*T at%s w at ,%! a(raid o(+* Dra)e said$ *Here%s a /e"u#iar "oin"iden"e+ Perry$ , ad to /ut so!any !en on t is "ase t at , didn%t a e a " an"e to " e") t e! o er "are(u##y$ ,% e 4ustdis"o ered t at t e !an w o%s tai#ing Sy# ia )nows Dun"an and Grie' /ersona##y$ i## t at !a)eany di((eren"e2*

*,t !ay$ Do t ey )now e%s a dete"ti e2*

*No+ , don%t t in) t ey do$ 5ro! a## , "an #earn+ t is " a/+ w ose na!e%s .e#grade+ ad so!e sorto( a /artners i/ wit Dun"an and Grie' and t ey (ro&e i! out$ , t in) e dro//ed a (ewt ousand$ ,t was a## t e !oney e ad in t e wor#d and e ad to go to wor)$ He%d 'een adete"ti e 'e(ore+ and w en e stru") !e (or a 4o' , #i)ed is #oo)s and ga e i! a tria#$ Hesee!ed to do a## rig t+ so , )e/t gi ing i! #itt#e 4o's$*

Mason said s#ow#y+ *, don%t t in) you%d 'etter #et i! go a'oard t e ga!'#ing s i/+ i( t at%s t e"ase+ Pau#$ ,t !ig t "o!/#i"ate !atters$*

*T at%s t e way , (igured+* Dra)e said$ *O( "ourse+ s adowing t e !aid was 4ust a routine 4o'+ 'ut a(ter t is !an "onta"ted Sy# ia , re!e!'ered so!et ing a'out is a ing 'een !i6ed u/wit ga!'#ers and #oo)ed u/ is istory$ ,n"identa##y+ Perry+ e "#ai!s t at Dun"an is t e !ore"roo)ed and t e !ore dangerous o( t e two+ 'ut t at t ey%re 'ot a "ou/#e o( "roo)s$*

* e##+* Mason said+ *you%d 'etter 4er) i! o(( 'e(ore e gets out on t e s i/$*



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*Yea + ,%! rus ing a !an down to t e w ar( to re#ie e .e#grade$ Sta/#es is is na!e$ You%## /ro'a'#y re!e!'er i!$ He wor)ed on t at Da#ton !urder "ase$ O( "ourse+ , don%t )now t atSy# ia%s eaded (or t e s i/$ ,( s e is+ t e re#ie( wi## ta)e o er$*

*O)ay+* Mason said$ *Anyt ing e#se2*

*T at%s a##+ Perry+ 'ut #isten , don%t #i)e t e way t ings are s a/ing u/$ You%re /#aying witdyna!ite$ T ese ga!'#ers are 'ad a"tors+ and i( Grie' gets t e idea you en"ouraged Dun"an to

/#ay (o6y+ it !ay not 'e so ot$ en you get a'oard t at s i/ you%## 'e on t e ig seas and t e!en w o are wor)ing as a "rew are /retty toug "iti&ens$*

*5orget it+* Mason to#d i!$ *,%## 'e a## rig t$*

* e##+* Dra)e said+ *re!e!'er t at i( Sy# ia O6!an goes a'oard t at s i/ ,%## a e Sta/#ess adowing er$ Sta/#es )nows you$ ,( you s ou#d a e any trou'#e you "an "ount on i!$ He%s

/a")ing a $? auto!ati" and )nows ow to use it$ ,( it "o!es to a s owdown+ re!e!'er e%##

stand 'a") o( you$*Mason #aug ed into t e trans!itter and said+ *You%re doing too !u" worrying+ Pau#$*

* e##+ wat" your ste/+ Perry$*

*O)ay+* t e #awyer said+ and ung u/$ His (a"e was granite-gri! as e #e(t t e drugstore andwent out to is "ar$

5og ung o er t e 'ea" town in a t i")+ w ite /a## w i" !u((#ed sounds and '#an)eted t estreet #ig ts wit reddis + "ir"u#ar auras$ Mason dro e s#ow#y+ is winds ie#d wi/er 'eating!onotonous#y$ He s/eeded u/ as e "a!e to t e 'etter-#ig ted 'usiness distri"t+ dro e to t ea!use!ent /ier+ /ar)ed is "ar+ and wa#)ed down t e #ig ted /at way 'etween t e "on"essions$

Here t e 'rig t '#a&e o( #ig ts dis/ersed t e g#oo! o( t e (og+ 'ut a (ew (eet a'o e t e to/s o( t e"on"essions t e !oisture "#osed in as a "urtain+ re(#e"ting t e i##u!ination 'e#ow as a "ri!song#are$

A !an was se##ing ti")ets at t e ste/s w i" #ed down to t e (#oat+ w ere a s/eed 'oat waswaiting$ *Here you are+* e said+ *t ree 'oats running "onstant#y$ Ta)e a "ruise out to t e igseas$ Out 'eyond t e twe# e-!i#e #i!it$ o%s ne6t2*

Mason 'oug t a ti")et+ went down t e s#i//ery ste/s+ is g#o ed ands s#iding a#ong t e ro/erai#$ Two !en "a!e 4ust 'e ind i!+ and Mason eard t e ti")et se##er say+ *T at%s a## (or t is#oad$ T ere%## 'e anot er 'oat in+ in 4ust a (ew !inutes$*

T e water was #i)e '#a") oi#$ T e g#ossy sur(a"e 'are#y !o ed to a #ong #a&y swe## w i" gent#yro")ed t e waiting s/eed 'oat$ Moisture dri//ed (ro! t e w ar( to t e water> and in t e (og-!u((#ed si#en"e "ou#d 'e eard t e gent#e #a//ing o( wa es against t e /i#es o( t e w ar(+ t esound o( t e id#ing !otor in t e s/eed 'oat$



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Mason studied t e toe o( is s oe (or a !o!ent in (rowning "on"entration+ t en turned to er andsaid+ *You%## /ardon !e+ 'ut do you a e an a//oint!ent wit Mr$ Grie'2*

*No+* s e said+ *no a//oint!ent$ , 4ust wanted to see i!$*

*,+* Mason to#d er+ * a e a ery de(inite a//oint!ent+ and it%s (or t is our$ , don%t #i)e toin"on enien"e you+ 'ut it%s i!/ortant t at , see i! as soon as e "o!es in$ My 'usiness wi##ta)e a'out twenty !inutes$ Per a/s it wou#d in"on enien"e you #ess i( you went out and returnedt en$*

S e got swi(t#y to er (eet$ *T an) you ery !u" (or te##ing !e+* s e said$ And Mason t oug tt ere was re#ie( in er oi"e+ as t oug e ad said so!et ing s e ad 'een o/e(u##yanti"i/ating$

*,%! sorry it%s i!/ossi'#e (or !e to /ost/one t e a//oint!ent in your (a or+* Mason said+ s!i#inga((a'#y$ *, t in) ,%## wait (or i! in is /ri ate o((i"e$*

Mason /us ed o/en t e ea y door as Sy# ia O6!an tossed er !aga&ine on t e ta'#e andstarted (or t e /assageway$

Sa! Grie'%s 'ody+ seated in t e swi e# " air+ #ay s#u!/ed o er t e uge des)$ One s ou#der was /ro//ed against t e side o( t e des)$ T e ead #o##ed at a grotes:ue ang#e+ s owing a red 'u##eto#e in t e #e(t te!/#e$ A s aded #a!/+ w i" (#ooded i##u!ination o er t e dis"o#ored (a"e+ wasre(#e"ted (ro! t e g#assy sur(a"es o( o/en+ staring eyes$ T e dia!onds on is rig t and sent outs"inti##ating 'ri##ian"e$ His #e(t and was out o( sig t+ under t e des)$

Mason w ir#ed 'a") toward t e outer o((i"e$ Sy# ia O6!an was 4ust ste//ing into t e "orridor$*Sy# ia3* e said s ar/#y$

S e /aused at t e sound o( is oi"e+ stood un"ertain#y in t e doorway+ t en turned+ dar) eyes#u!inous wit so!e e!otion$

*Co!e ere+* Mason ordered$

*


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'een waiting in t e re"e/tion o((i"e 'e(ore , "a!e2*

*


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S e said not ing+ er ra/id 'reat ing s#ig t#y distending er nostri#s$

*Did you )i## i!2* Mason as)ed$

*No$$$ o( "ourse not$$$ , didn%t )now e was in ere$*

*Do you )now w o did2* S e s#ow#y s oo) er ead$

Mason said+ *9isten$ ,%! going to gi e you a 'rea)$ Get out t roug t at door+ try to a oid 'eingseen w en you #ea e t e /assageway$ Start ga!'#ing at one o( t e rou#ette ta'#es$ ait (or !e$,%## ta#) wit you out t ere+ and you%## te## !e t e trut $ Re!e!'er t at+ Sy# ia+ no #ies$*

S e esitated a !o!ent+ t en said+ * y s ou#d you do t is (or !e2*

Mason #aug ed gri!#y$ *,%## 'ite+ w y s ou#d ,2


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"orridor toward t e o((i"e$ A s/#it-se"ond #ater it &i//ed into noise on"e !ore - two /eo/#e werea//roa" ing$

T e #awyer "ru!/#ed t e 'its o( 'urned as in is and+ t rust t e "orners w i" ad 'eenun"onsu!ed into is !out + and ste//ed swi(t#y into t e re"e/tion o((i"e+ /u##ing s ut t e door

to t e inner o((i"e 'y "at" ing t e )no' wit is e#'ow$ He wi/ed is dar)ened ands on t esides o( is trousers+ t rew i!se#( into a " air+ o/ened a !aga&ine+ and was unwra//ing a sti")o( " ewing gu! w en t e door o( t e re"e/tion o((i"e o/ened+ to dis"#ose Dun"an+ a""o!/anied

'y a ta## !an wit watery '#ue eyes+ dressed in a tweed suit$ .ot !en wore o er"oats+ and (og /arti"#es g#istened (ro! t e sur(a"es o( t e "oats$

Dun"an 4er)ed to a dead sto/+ stared at Mason and said+ * at t e e## are you doing ere2*

Mason "asua##y (ed t e sti") o( " ewing gu! into is !out + ro##ed t e wra//er into a 'a##+dro//ed it into an as tray+ !un" ed t e " ewing gu! into a wad and said+ *, was waiting (orSa! Grie' 'e"ause , wanted to ta#) to i!$ Now t at you%re ere+ , "an ta#) to 'ot o( you$*

* ere%s Sa!2*

*, don%t )now$ , )no")ed on t e door+ 'ut got no answer+ so , de"ided ,%d wait - not a inganyt ing e#se to do$$$ ,t%s a wonder you wou#dn%t get so!e u/-to-date !aga&ines ere$ You%d t in) t is was a dentist%s o((i"e$*

Dun"an said irrita'#y+ *Sa!%s ere$ He%s got to 'e ere$ ene er t e ta'#es are in o/eration oneor t e ot er o( us as to 'e in t is o((i"e$*

Mason s rugged is s ou#ders+ #et is eye'rows s ow !i#d sur/rise$ *,ndeed+* e said$ *Any wayin e6"e/t t roug t is roo!2*

*No$*

* e##+* Mason said+ *su//ose , ta#) wit you w i#e we%re waiting$ , understand you% e (i#ed your"ase$*

*O( "ourse ,% e (i#ed it+* Dun"an said irrita'#y$ *You aren%t t e on#y attorney in t e "ountry$ ,(you%re too da!ned du!' to ta)e good 'usiness w en it%s o((ered you+ t ere are ot ers w o aren%tso (ini")y$*

Mason said /o#ite#y+ *How a'out a sti") o( gu!2*

*No$ , don%t " ew it$*

*O( "ourse+* Mason said+ *now t at you% e dragged your di((i"u#ties into "ourt+ you% e su'!ittedyourse#( to t e 4urisdi"tion o( a "ourt o( e:uity$ T at t rows your assets into "ourt$*

* e##+ w at i( it does2*



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*9isten+* Dun"an said+ s/ea)ing ra/id#y+ *we "o!e in and (ind t is guy /er" ed in t e outero((i"e+ " ewing gu! and reading a t ree-!ont s-o#d !aga&ine$ ,t #oo)s (is y to !e$ Sa!%s 'eens ot$*

*Sui"ide+ /er a/s+* Mason suggested$

* e%## ta)e a #oo) around+* Dun"an said+ *and see i( it%s sui"ide$*

*Don%t tou" anyt ing+* t e !an in tweeds warned$

*Don%t 'e a sa/+* Dun"an said$ *How #ong a e you 'een ere+ Mason2*

*O + , don%t )now$ 5our or (i e !inutes$*

*Hear anyt ing sus/i"ious2*

Mason s oo) is ead$

T e !an in tweeds 'ent o er t e des) and said+ *T ere%s no sign o( a gun$ And it%s an aw)ward /#a"e (or a !an to a e it i!se#( wit a 'u##et+ i( it%s sui"ide$*

*9oo) under t e des)+* Mason suggested$ *T e gun !ig t a e dro//ed (ro! is and$*

T e !an in tweeds )e/t is attention "on"entrated on t e 'ody$ *He%d a e ad to o#d t e gun inis #e(t and to do it i!se#(+* e said s#ow#y$ *He wasn%t #e(t- anded+ was e+ Dun"an2*

Dun"an+ is '#ue eyes wide and start#ed+ stood wit is 'a") against t e au#t door+ is !outsagging o/en$ *,t%s !urder3* e said+ and gu#/ed$ *5or God%s sa)e+ turn o(( t at des) #ig t3 ,tgi es !e t e wi##ies to see is o/en eyes staring into t at #ig t3*

T e !an in tweeds said+ *No you don%t3 Don%t tou" a t ing$*

Mason+ standing in t e doorway 'etween t e two roo!s+ ta)ing "are not to enter t e roo! w i""ontained t e 'ody+ said+ *9et%s !a)e sure t ere isn%t a gun down t ere on t e (#oor$ A(ter a##+ you)now+ it%s going to !a)e a #ot o( di((eren"e w et er t is is !urder or sui"ide$ ,+ (or one+ wou#d#i)e to )now 'e(ore we send out a re/ort$ He "ou#d a e dro//ed a gun$$$*

Dun"an ste//ed (orward+ 'ent o er t e 'ody+ /eered down under t e des) and said+ *No+ t ere%sno gun ere$*

T e !an in tweeds as)ed+ *Can you see2 ,%## get a #ig t and$$$*

*Sure , "an see+* Dun"an e6"#ai!ed irrita'#y$ *T ere%s no gun ere$ You )ee/ your eyes on t isguy+ Per)ins$ He%s trying to get us 'ot #oo)ing (or so!et ing so e "an /u## a (ast one$ He%sta#)ed too da!n !u" a'out a gun 'eing down t ere$*



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Mason said o!inous#y+ * at" your #i/+ Dun"an3*

T e ta## !an nodded$ *,%d 'e "are(u# w at , said+ Mr$ Dun"an$ You a en%t any /roo(+ you )now$T is !an !ig t !a)e trou'#e$*

*To e## wit i!+* Dun"an sna//ed$ *T ere%s se en t ousand (i e undred do##ars in ,O8%sso!ew ere around ere+ and Mason wants t e!$ ,%! going to ta)e a #oo) in t e au#t$ You )ee/your eye on Mason$*

Dun"an "rossed o er to t e au#t+ is 'a") turned to t e !en as e (a"ed t e au#t door+ ratt#edt e and#e+ t en started s/inning t e "o!'ination$ *, don%t #i)e t e #oo)s o( t ings+* e "a##ed outo er is s ou#der$ *T is guy Mason is s!art+ too da!n s!art$*

T e ta## !an said+ *, wou#dn%t tou" anyt ing+ Mr$ Dun"an$ ,( , were you+ , wou#dn%t o/en t atau#t$*

Dun"an straig tened u/ and turned to (a"e Per)ins$ *,% e got to (ind out a'out t ose ,O8%s+* esaid indignant#y$ *A(ter a##+ , own a a#( interest in t is /#a"e$*

*


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T e !an in tweeds said+ *.etter 'e "are(u#+ Mr$ Dun"an+ , t in) e%s #aying a tra/ (or you$ Don%ta""use i! o( anyt ing$*

*,%! not a(raid o( i!+* Dun"an said+ *'ut , sure want to )now a #ot !ore a'out t is t ing 'e(ore

, #et i! go wandering o(( t e s i/$*

* e##+* Mason said+ *su//ose you sear" !e now$ ,%## du!/ e eryt ing out o( !y /o")ets ere+and you "an 'ot " e") t e stu(($*

*T at%s a good idea+* t e !an in tweeds said$ *,%d #i)e to a e so!eone " e") u/ on$$$*

*Ta)e i! into !y 'edroo!+* Dun"an said$ *T at%s t roug t e door !ar)ed %Pri ate+% at t e endo( t e 'ar$ You go down a "orridor+ and !y roo!%s t e se"ond door on t e #e(t$ Ta)e i! in t ereand wait unti# , "o!e$*

* en%## t at 'e2* Mason as)ed$*T at%## 'e 4ust as soon as , "an get Art ur Manning in ere$ Manning%s t e one to and#e t is

'usiness$ He%s a s/e"ia# de/uty$ He%s around t e "asino so!ew ere$ You try and (ind i!+Per)ins$ You%## )now i! w en you see i!$ He%s wearing a '#ue uni(or! wit a 'adge on it t atsays SPEC,A9 O55,CER$*

*You want !e to /arade around wit t is guy unti# , #o"ate t is de/uty2*

*No - wait a !inute - ,%## signa# i! (ro! ere$*

Dun"an ste//ed 'e ind t e des)+ rea" ed down /ast Grie'%s 'ody and /ressed a "on"ea#ed 'utton$ T e !an in tweeds said+ *, don%t )now w at !y #ega# rig ts are+ 'ut i( ,%! going to a"tunder your orders+ you%re going to ta)e a## t e res/onsi'i#ity$ ,s t at understood2*

*O( "ourse it is+* Dun"an said i!/atient#y+ *'ut wat" Mason$ Don%t #et i! /u## any (ast ones+and don%t #et i! dit" anyt ing$*

Mason draw#ed+ *,( you (ee# t at way a'out it+ Dun"an+ in 4usti"e to !yse#(+ , de!and t at , 'eand"u((ed$*

*You%re as)ing (or it2* Per)ins in:uired$ Mason nodded$

Per)ins ea ed a sig o( re#ie( and said+ *You eard i! say t at+ Dun"an$*

Dun"an said+ *Sure , did$ Don%t 'e so da!n te" ni"a#$ Put t e 'ra"e#ets on i!$*

Mason e#d out is wrists$ Per)ins s#i//ed t e and"u((s on t e! and said+ *Co!e on+ #et%s go$*

*T e se"ond door on t e #e(t a(ter you go t roug t e door !ar)ed %Pri ate+% at t e end o( t e



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'ar+* Dun"an instru"ted$

T e !an in tweeds s#i//ed is rig t ar! t roug Mason%s #e(t ar! and said+ *Put your wristsdown+ 'uddy$ T en your "oat s#ee es wi## "on"ea# t e and"u((s$ ,%## o#d !y and ere and we"an wa#) t roug t e 'ar wit out !a)ing a #ot o( "o!!otion$*

Mason+ sti## "asua##y " ewing gu!+ /er!itted i!se#( to 'e es"orted a#ong t e /assageway+t roug t e 'ar+ t roug t e door !ar)ed *Pri ate+* and into Dun"an%s 'edroo!$

Per)ins "#osed t e door 'e ind t e! and said+ *You understand , a en%t any ard (ee#ings$*

Mason nodded$

*And ,%! 4ust (o##owing Dun"an%s orders$ He%s t e one w o%s res/onsi'#e+ in "ase you (ee# #i)e!a)ing any trou'#e$*

*, don%t (ee# #i)e !a)ing any trou'#e+* Mason said+ *un#ess you /ut !e in a /osition w ere , a eto$ You%re in enoug trou'#e a#ready$*

* at do you !ean2*

*9ea ing Dun"an a#one in t at roo!$*

*So!e'ody as to stay t ere unti# t e aut orities s ow u/$*

Mason s rugged is s ou#ders as t oug dis!issing t e su'4e"t$ *T e na!e%s Per)ins2* e as)ed$

*Yes$*

*A## rig t+ Per)ins+ Dun"an wants you to sear" !e+ and , want to 'e sear" ed$ You "an start witt e wa##et in !y inside "oat /o")et$ You%## (ind so!e !oney in t ere and so!e 'usiness "ards+ adri ing #i"ense+ and a #odge "ard$*

Per)ins /u##ed t e wa##et (ro! t e inner /o")et o( Mason%s "oat+ o/ened it+ #oo)ed asti#yt roug t e wa##et+ t en /us ed it 'a") in Mason%s /o")et$ He /atted Mason%s /o")ets in sear"o( a gun+ t en inserted t e )ey in t e and"u((s wit (u!'#ing (ingers and said+ *, o/e you aren%tgoing to 'e sore a'out t is+ Mr$ Mason+ ,$$$*

As t e and"u((s "#i")ed o/en+ Mason said+ *Now wait a !inute+ Per)ins$ 9et%s go at t is t ingrig t$ ,%! doing t is (or !y own /rote"tion$ Now #et%s !a)e a good 4o' o( it$*

Mason wa#)ed to t e dresser and e!/tied is /o")ets+ t en un(astened is "o##ar$

* at are you doing2* Per)ins as)ed$

*,%! stri//ing+* Mason to#d i!+ *and you%re going to sear" e ery in" o( !e and e ery stit" o(



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*O)ay+* t e '

Documents

Gardner, Erle Stanley - Mason 10 - The Case of the Dangerous Dowager