DeKok and the Sorrowing Tomcat Read Online Free PDF

apologetic tone, “we would like to ask you some questions, nevertheless.” He smiled. “Just routine, you understand?”
    Bent waved with a slender hand.
    â€œGo ahead,” he allowed.
    â€œWhat,” began DeKok, “determines the size of the shipments?”
    â€œThe need, the need of our offices, our clients.”
    DeKok nodded thoughtfully.
    â€œWhy did the truck stop behind the station, you don’t have any clients there, do you?”
    â€œNo, this was a different kind of shipment, destined for Belgium. We have an arrangement with the railroads. Of course, one of our people usually accompanies the shipment.”
    â€œI see, but still a regular sort of shipment as far as you are concerned.”
    â€œYes, the destination was different, that’s all. I mean, it wasn’t local.”
    â€œYes?”
    â€œWe normally keep a large amount of cash in our vaults. Paper work and checks are generally distributed on an ongoing schedule, but cash can sometimes collect for a few days. In this case one of our clients requested us to prepare the shipment for Belgium.”
    â€œHow did you come to have the money in the first place?
    â€œIt was collected from their branches in the normal way. We had simply not received instructions for delivery.”
    â€œDoes that happen often?”
    â€œNot often, but frequently enough to make it routine.”
    â€œAnd who knows what is needed, and where?”
    Bent sighed.
    â€œThe managers of the various branches, of course, they prepare the requests.”
    DeKok smiled winningly.
    â€œI understand. Every manager knows the requirements for his, or her, own office. But who knows the total?”
    Bent shook his head.
    â€œOnly a few top people at the Emperor’s Canal, at headquarters, know that exactly. The people who prepare the shipments, the drivers, they don’t know. We like to remove temptation as much as possible.”
    â€œAnd for international shipments?”
    â€œThe same people and the instructing client, of course.”
    â€œSo, it didn’t mean a thing to the drivers that the amount was exceptionally high, this time?”
    Bent made an annoyed gesture.
    â€œNot in the least. They don’t know the exact amount. As I said: they transport money. Just freight to them. That the amount was unusually high, this time … happens to be an unlucky coincidence.”
    DeKok laughed heartily.
    â€œIt depends, of course,” he chuckled, “on one’s point of view. The people who perpetrated the robbery, for instance, are probably pleasantly surprised.” He paused, cocked his head and looked at the B&G president. Then he continued: “Unless, of course, unless it was no surprise to them at all, at all.”
    â€œWhat do you mean?”
    DeKok shrugged his shoulders.
    â€œExactly what I’m saying. Perhaps they knew…”
    Bent jumped up. His mouth formed a thin line across his face and there was an indignant fire in his eyes.
    â€œYou’re insinuating…” He shouted. “You’re insinuating that our company would … would be involved in … in…” His rage made him stutter and panting for breath, he stopped.
    DeKok, too, stood up. Bent stood before him, red-faced with anger, his hands bunched into tight fists. DeKok suddenly realized how dangerous this man could be, especially in a fit of passion.
    â€œPlease, sit down,” DeKok said soothingly. “There’s no reason to get so excited. You read more in my words than I intended.” He paused and gauged the effect of his words. Then he said: “By the way, Bent, I take it that the shipment was insured?”
    It was a second attack on Bent’s self-control. He lost that battle as well.
    â€œOh yes,” he yelled, wildly gesticulating, “yes, the shipment was insured and the insurance company will pay.” He leaned closer to DeKok, almost touching