Ten Days in August Read Online Free PDF

Brandt is also a very dear friend of mine,” Amelia cut in, sounding a bit defensive.
    Hoping to diffuse the tension, Hank said, “I take it your acquaintance with Mr. Cooper is borne of your architectural background. I hope we have not intruded on a business discussion.”
    â€œNot at all,” said Jonathan. “Although Mr. Knight does have some revolutionary ideas.”
    â€œWe were discussing skyscrapers,” Knight said. “Wave of the future.”
    â€œSkyscrapers?” said Hank.
    â€œWe live on an island with a finite amount of space. When we run out of space in which to build out, we must build up! Steel is the key, Mr. Brandt. It is the only material strong enough to support a sky-high building. The newspaper offices on Park Row are just the beginning.”
    â€œNow you’ve uncorked him,” Amelia murmured.
    â€œThe firm has its eye on a plot of land near Madison Square. The owner won’t sell, but I have a vision of an efficient office tower, rising up above the squat buildings below, with a view as far as the eye can see from the upper floors.”
    â€œWhere is there left to build near Madison Square?” Hank asked.
    â€œI want to tear down the electric signs on the flatiron-shaped piece of land across from the square, right at Broadway and Fifth Avenue. Imagine a building there, how majestic it would look.”
    â€œThat little sliver?” said Hank. “It’s barely wide enough to stand on. You want to put a building there?”
    Knight stood tall and laughed, his voice booming. “I like the challenge of it.”
    â€œAll right. You don’t think—”
    Amelia grabbed Hank’s arm and pulled him back. “Well, Mr. Brandt was just leaving. He merely stopped by to give me a bit of news about one of our childhood pals.”
    â€œOh. Yes,” said Hank. “Nice to have met you, Mr. Knight. Nice to see you again, Jonathan.”
    Amelia practically pulled him from the room. Graves waited by the door and handed Hank his hat as they arrived.
    â€œI’ll not have you starting fights with my guests,” Amelia said.
    â€œI apologize. You’re right, though. He is horrid. Of all the cockamamie ideas, a skyscraper!” Hank glanced back toward the parlor. “How tall do you think you could build a building before it toppled over?”
    â€œI imagine that is something Mr. Knight wishes to discover for himself. Perhaps we should not ruin the surprise.”
    Hank was reluctant to leave the livable warmth of the Coopers’ house for the boiling streets outside, but he donned his hat and bowed to Amelia. Perhaps it would not be so bad now the sun was setting. “Thank you for whatever help you could provide.”
    â€œDo update me when you find your criminal.”
    â€œI will.”
    â€œOh, and do not forget about the charity ball next week!”
    Hank suppressed a groan. “The charity ball?”
    â€œYes, dearest. I realize the mail has not been the most reliable of late, but surely you’ve received your engraved invitation by now.” She raised an eyebrow and there was a gleam in her eye, which Hank found a little alarming.
    â€œI have no business at a charity ball.”
    â€œNonsense. You are my friend. Wear your best suit and you will blend right in. Besides, it is a noble cause. We are raising money to help the children suffering downtown. Think of the children, Hank.”
    Hank wished for a hasty departure now. He couldn’t think of anything less enjoyable than a charity ball where he’d be forced to hobnob with New York’s elite. “I will consider it.” He stepped through the door. “Goodnight, Amelia.”
    â€œSweet dreams, Hank.”
    Â 
    As the sun set on a day that had brought nothing but misery, Nicky sat in his dressing room and rouged his cheeks.
    He’d thought about Inspector Brandt quite a bit as the day wore on. Brandt had a