Read Online Accuse the Toff by John Creasey - Free Book Online

wasn’t seen but one of them turned round and waited for me. I couldn’t even shout or put up a fight,’ she added ruefully. ‘They gagged and bound me and pushed me behind the chair; I heard them talking as they worked, as I’ve told you. Then one of them outside came in and said you were here, so they went out the back way. I was trying to get my hands free when you came,’ she finished simply. ‘That’s all there is in it as far as I can tell you. Except the frills and you asked me not to take too long.’
    â€˜I did,’ admitted Rollison thoughtfully. A pause and then: ‘As a story it’s as plausible as any I’ve heard but it doesn’t ring all the bells.’
    â€˜What do you mean?’ she demanded.
    â€˜Item one: Why didn’t you go to the police? They’re quite used to dealing with burglars. Why did you take on the whole party by yourself?’ Rollison leaned back as he spoke but his expression left no doubt as to his meaning and for the first time the girl’s cheeks flushed hotly.
    â€˜Put yourself in my position and ask yourself whether you’d believe such a story, ‘ said Rollison. ‘Now, supposing we have the real truth?’
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Chapter Six
‘What’s In A Name?’
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    June Lancing rose sharply from her chair but stumbled, still stiff from her bonds. Her eyes were bright with anger, her hands were clenched, her attitude was one of belligerent hostility. She eyed the Toff without trying to hide her anger; but that emotion might well be feigned and in any case Rollison did not find it disturbing.
    â€˜Before you get hot-headed, do as I say and put yourself in my position,’ he advised equably. ‘Well?’
    â€˜You’re impertinent! I’ve told you what happened.’
    â€˜Possibly,’ conceded the Toff, ‘but you haven’t justified your actions.’
    â€˜Do I need to? To you?’
    â€˜Well, out of gratitude you might,’ murmured Rollison. ‘Out of necessity you will; because if you don’t tell me the police will be interviewing you within thirty minutes and I don’t think you want to talk to the police now any more than you did when you elected to follow the thieves on your own. All normal and good-living citizens always go the police in times of trouble,’ he added lightly. ‘Even the most adventurous spirits don’t try more than once to investigate on their own. It’s an English characteristic,’ he added, ‘and it’s surprising how we run true to form. When we don’t we become suspect and therefore I suspect you.’
    â€˜Don’t be small-minded! I’ve told you the truth, and—’ She paused. ‘Are you serious about going to the police? No, you can’t be. Why should you?’
    Rollison put his head on one side and regarded her in marvelling silence for some seconds. Then with an expressive gesture he indicated the state of the room and murmured: ‘Another English characteristic is to go to the police when they have the kind of visitor I had today. There are exceptions,’ he added cautiously, ‘and provided I’m convinced that it’s necessary I could be one. Although there’s the matter of insurance, the company will want police testimony that the damage was done by thieves before they’ll repair it free of charge. The damage isn’t negligible,’ he added mildly.
    â€˜Oh, damage. That’s what’s worrying you.’ She was contemptuous. ‘Send the bill in to me. I’ll pay it.’
    â€˜Well, well!’ exclaimed Rollison. ‘The girl with the answer to everything. Now, do try to get this clear. People don’t do unreasonable things without a strong motive and your attitude is unreasonable. What’s the motive?’ He stood up and leaned against the mantelpiece, gazing down on her and appreciating the contours of her face and the