Read Online 1977 - I Hold the Four Aces by James Hadley Chase - Free Book Online Page A

Nice,” she said, as they began to eat.
    “Actually, Helga, I want your advice. I may have to go to Saudi Arabia in a couple of days’ time and, frankly, I don’t want to go.”
    This was a shock to Helga. She looked at him, stiffening.
    “Saudi Arabia? But why?”
    She thought: Dear God! Am I going to lose him?
    “It is rather a long story, but if you can bear with it, I’ll tell you.” He took another helping of the mousse. “This is quite excellent. Won’t you have more?”
    Helga shook her head.
    “Tell me about Saudi Arabia.”
    “It’s this stupid project,” Grenville said. “For you to understand, let me lightly sketch in the background. I have an income from England, left me by my father (a lie). At one time, it was acceptable, but no longer. When the pound sterling was strong, I was very comfortably off, but now, with the present currency exchange, I am, frankly, having a struggle to live the way I wish to live, so I have accepted this stupid job which was offered me by an American property promoter. He is the world’s worst bore. He has a pipe dream of promoting holiday camps in the sunspots of Europe. He wants money. He decided I could raise the money. I’ve talked to a number of wealthy business men, but they aren’t interested. Now he imagines there is so much money in Saudi Arabia they will fall over themselves to give him the money. I am sure this is sheer nonsense, but he wants me to go. He offers to pay my expenses, and also, quite a handsome retainer.” He pushed his plate aside, then shrugged. “I think I’ll have to go.” Getting up, he took away their plates and served the noisette de veau. “This looks marvellous,” he said, as he carried the plates to the table. “I love this serve-yourself idea of yours.”
    But Helga’s mind was busy. She had only five more days in France, then she would be returning to Paradise City. She couldn’t bear the thought of Grenville going off to Saudi Arabia and leaving her on her own.
    She forced a smile.
    “I thought it would please you. Tell me about this project, Chris.”
    She’s biting, he thought, but waved his hand deprecatingly.
    “It just wouldn’t be interesting to you or to anyone,” he said as he began to eat. “Hmmm, this is really good!”
    “I want to know about it!” The sudden snap in her voice startled him.
    “All right, but later. Actually, I have all the papers here.” He nodded to the briefcase, lying on the chair, and that was his false move.
    Archer had warned him to be very careful how he handled Helga, but seeing her determined interest, he had allowed himself to be just too confident.
    Seeing his confident smile, Helga regarded him. A red light flashed up in her mind. Archer had told Grenville that she was shrewd and quick to smell a con and he knew Helga: this warning was meant to be taken seriously, but Grenville, so used to dealing with rich, stupid women, hadn’t taken the warning seriously enough.
    Helga was now asking herself if this was an opening gambit for some swindle. Now, looking at Grenville, who was happily eating, she told herself not to be so suspicious, but the red light was up. She wanted this man. She wanted him in her bed. But suppose this was a setup?
    Probing, she said casually, “Is this site in Nice?”
    “No. It is in Vallauris. It is quite an impressive piece of land with marvellous views.”
    “How many hectares?”
    Grenville had no idea. He shrugged.
    “It’s all in the plan, but let’s enjoy this, Helga. I had no idea they could cook so well here. Wouldn’t you like a little more?” He poured more champagne.
    “No more for me, thank you.”
    He was aware that she was studying him, her blue eyes uncomfortably direct.
    “Don’t look so serious, Helga,” he said. “I’ve told you this project couldn’t possibly interest you, and I am also certain that the new Arabian king wouldn’t part with a dollar.”
    “Who is this American you are working for? What is his