Read Online The Keeper of Hands by J. Sydney Jones - Free Book Online Page B

and met one of her clients after hours.’
    ‘That is one possibility.’
    ‘Might I inquire as to your interest in the matter?’ Schnitzler said.
    ‘Frau Mutzenbacher has employed me to find the murderer. She was very attached to Mitzi.’
    ‘I see. And you suspect me?’ He said it with arch humor.
    ‘Hardly. But I was hoping you could tell me something about the young girl. I visited Herr Altenberg earlier today and he indicated that you had introduced him to Mitzi. I thought perhaps you might have known her and could somehow help in the investigations.’
    ‘Sorry to disappoint you, Advokat. But ours was strictly a working relationship. I discovered her at the Bower before she was too much tainted. I grew bored with her services after a couple of months and passed her on to Altenberg. He has, as I imagine you discovered, a penchant for the young ones. Though Mitzi was not the schoolgirl she pretended to be.’
    ‘Did she mention other clients? Anyone she was frightened of?’
    ‘We didn’t speak a great deal, Advokat, as I am sure you understand.’
    Werthen did not appreciate the man’s tone, but then it was not the most comfortable thing to be interviewed about one’s sex life. He himself might be equally defensive if questioned like this.
    ‘Sorry to be of so little assistance, Advokat. She was a good girl. I too would love to see the murderer brought to justice. At the moment, however, I have my own concerns.’
    ‘You thought initially that Klimt had sent me. Why should he have? And why are you employing bodyguards?’ Werthen asked. ‘Surely the police should be able to provide protection if necessary?’
    Schnitzler sighed. ‘I see now why Klimt speaks so highly of you, for you have hit exactly on it. The police are not involved.’
    ‘Why is that so?’
    ‘You have heard of my recent play?’
    ‘
Lieutenant Gustl
?’
    Schnitzler nodded, more slowly this time.
    ‘What does that have to do with the attack on you?’
    ‘Everything, I believe. It has angered a great many people, some of them very powerful. That play cost me my Senior Physician status in the army reserve. I believe it also brought on this beating. The man who attacked me did so just outside the door of my flat in the middle of the day. He made no attempt to steal anything, made no demands. He merely struck me to the floor with a powerful blow to the head and then kicked me until I was almost unconscious. Thank God he was scared off by the arrival of Fräulein Gussman, who raised an alarm, screaming her head off. In addition to a slight concussion, I suffered two broken ribs and severe contusions. The man who did this to me is a professional. They were sending a message.’
    ‘They?’
    Schnitzler shrugged. ‘I am not a paranoid sort of individual, but I do know how the military works. It defends its honor.’
    ‘You think it was a lone wolf or someone recruited for the job?’
    ‘That is what I would dearly love to discover, Advokat. But, why not take on the job yourself? Find the man before he returns to finish the job.’
    Schnitzler put out his hand, touching Werthen’s arm.
    ‘Please, I implore you.’
    ‘I would gladly, Herr Schnitzler, but as I told you I already have a commission.’
    ‘Understood. But I am sure a man with your abilities could find a bit of time to spare for my case as well. I and Fräulein Gussman can both provide you with a description of the man. The
Portier
also saw him flee. A rather nondescript man of medium height. Compact and efficient in his movements.’
    ‘You really should go to the police.’
    ‘I can’t, Advokat. If my instincts are correct, they will be of little help.’
    Schnitzler fixed him with eyes at once piercing and soulful. ‘Please.’
    Werthen paused a moment. ‘Alright, then. But I cannot promise full-time commitment. I suggest you continue to retain the services of Herr Prokop and Meier. Now tell me about this assailant.’

SIX
    T hey sat amidst the ruins of Frau