The Cauldron Read Online Free PDF

ice-cold eyes and he was frightened. He cleared his throat.
    'OK. Maybe I was out of order.'
    'You were out of your mind.' Moloch's voice was as cold as his eyes, he sat like a grim waxwork. After a long pause he spoke again, slowly, with great deliberation and precision.
    'You are out of your mind. Tweed is SIS. Paula Grey is SIS. We evade them. If I ever catch you within a mile of either of them I'll terminate your employment. Permanently.' he added.
    'Understood,' Brand said tersely. 'May I go now?'
    'I think that would be a good idea. But you stay on the premises for the moment. Call Penhale aboard the Venetia . Tell him he's in command of the ship for the moment.'
    'Penhale is useless ...'
    'Penhale is one of the best skippers afloat. I would much appreciate your carrying out my request.'
    'If you say so. Oh, here are some balance sheets your pet accountant, Geach, prepared for you. Don't trust that guy one little bit.'
    'You don't have to trust him. I do,' replied Moloch reaching for the sheaf of papers Brand had placed on his desk. 'One more thing - if my stepmother, Mrs Benyon, calls from California I'm not here.'

    At Park Crescent Tweed looked up as Howard, the Director, walked into his office with a lordly air. He saw Monica pull a wry face. Howard was immaculately dressed in his latest Chester Barrie suit from Harrods. He also wore a new pink shirt and a Chanel tie. Ignoring Monica, he sat down in a leather armchair near Tweed's desk. Crossing his long legs - Howard was six feet tall -he carefully adjusted the crease in his trousers.
    'How goes the battle?' he enquired.
    'Which battle?' Tweed flashed back.
    'Well, actually, I was thinking of this investigation into the eminent VB. That's what his close associates call Vincent Bernard Moloch.'
    'We know. Monica discovered that during her researches on him.'
    'Good for Monica,' Howard replied without a glance in her direction. "The Prime Minister is panting for news.'
    'Let him pant until I'm good and ready - which I am not at this moment. Monica is in the middle of building up a profile on VB.'
    Taking the devil of a long time ...'
    'No, it isn't. Monica was up till three this morning, calling contacts in the States.'
    'We need a little action on this one ...'
    'We're getting plenty of that.' Tweed held up a hand. 'No, don't ask for details. You need a complete report.'
    Howard ran a finger over his pink, plump, cleanshaven face. Checking the shave, Tweed noted. Was he starting to go out with girl friends again? He doubted it - Howard's wife, Cynthia, had forced him to close down his London flat, to come home to his house in Ascot every night.
    'Suppose I must be content with the little you've given me.' remarked Howard. 'But no one is indispensable.'
    'I hope you include yourself in that observation.' Tweed said tartly.
    'Just a joke, old chap.' Howard concluded, standing up to leave. 'Carry on the good work, Monica.' he went on as he opened the door. 'Late hours are good for you.'
    Monica raised both eyebrows and said nothing until he was gone. Then she stood up and exploded.
    'Some joke. You could get his job tomorrow. I know you get on well with the PM, that he admires you. May I open another window? Can't stand his aftershave.'
    'Of course. I don't want his job. And he's useful with a glass in his hand, attending Russian, et cetera diplomatic receptions. Now tell me.'
    'VB is the Mystery Man. I've had a frightful job building up his profile. He doesn't like publicity. Here we go. First, his right-hand man is a brute called Joel Brand - here is a photo of him. Supposed to have been in the Navy. The Admiralty report they have never heard of him. Next, Brand isn't his real name. He is an Armenian - real name Varouj Kerkorian. Likes to play the rough type. But he has brains - so many Armenians have. He attended the Harvard School of Business and got an MBA. Master of Business Administration, however little that stands for these days. Returned to Britain and became