The Antiquarian Read Online Free PDF Page A

finds a way to express what he had been incapable of saying until then.
    â€œSo? He doesn’t usually, but there doesn’t seem to be anything odd about it,” Samuel commented.
    â€œWe have some business underway.”
    â€œI see,” nodded Samuel.
    â€œThe transaction was complete, and then the buyer had second thoughts. The Frenchman turned up in the shop and demanded I find a solution. I told him I couldn’t put a piece of that size and with those characteristics on the market for at least another couple of months. He didn’t like that, and asked me for the buyer’s name. I refused, obviously. Then he said I should cover the price of the piece myself.”
    â€œDid you pay him the indemnity you’d agreed on?”
    â€œOf course, there was no problem with that. The customer hadn’t paid it in advance because I trusted him. But he settled up when he withdrew. It was all on the level.”
    â€œWas it a big piece?” asked Samuel.
    â€œYes, and extremely valuable.”
    â€œIt must be in a safe place. Does he know where?”
    â€œOf course he knows. What do you think?”
    â€œWhy are you so touchy? You’re on the defensive.”
    â€œForgive me. Don’t let me take my own mistakes out on you.” Artur let out a long, annoyed sigh. “Yes, I am on the defensive,” he confessed. “But I think I have reason to be. He threatened me before he left the shop. He gave me until Monday to get him his money. Samuel, it’s not the first tussle I’ve had with the Frenchman, but for the first time in twenty years, he gave me the impression that he might have been serious.”
    â€œI see.”
    â€œSo, what would you do in my place?”
    â€œWell, his conduct is a breach of all your agreements, that much is clear. As far as I know, he’s never threatened any of his associates.”
    â€œThat’s right. Everyone knows that he may cut a few corners, and he appears to be in financial trouble, to boot. The truth is, and I hate to admit it, I’m a little worried.”
    Samuel shook his head, not surprised by the Frenchman’s misconduct.
    â€œIt’s not the first time he’s lost his composure, but it is the first time he’s acted like this. That’s the price you’ve all got to pay for his services. He’s the best there is. His only weakness is that lousy temper of his. He’s a cranky man, and you’ve all given him the short end of the stick too many times already, don’t forget that.”
    â€œNo, I haven’t forgotten. But I am worried. For some time now, maybe over the past couple of years, he’s become more aggressive than ever. Showing up like that, in the shop, in broad daylight. I think he’s losing it; seriously, any day now, the game will be up. Two years ago he almost got caught in that terrible business in Tortosa. Since then, all he does is prepare himself for his last big job, which he then postpones another month to keep taking on more jobs that are more and more reckless, with increasingly higher payoffs.”
    â€œAll right, take it easy. I don’t think it’s that big of a deal. It seems like much ado about nothing. If you’re asking for my advice, I say it’s just his character. He’ll get over it,” concluded Samuel.
    â€œIt’s clear from how calm you are that it’s me who’s being threatened, not you,” Artur snapped.
    â€œThat was a rude thing to say,” Samuel replied without losing his cool. “Why are you asking for my opinion, then?”
    â€œI … I’m sorry.” Artur pursed his lips. “This thing with the Frenchman has put me on edge.”
    â€œYou should have gotten out years ago. I suggested you quit that business way back; I’ve never understood why you continued. Artur, Artur … these things are over our heads now, they’re not for us anymore. We’re