The Riviera Connection Read Online Free PDF Page B

hadn’t seen for two months or more, and would be quite happy if she didn’t see for years. The last time, it had been when he had learned of Bernard Dale’s murder; the same change came over his face, the familiar curiously brilliant look in his eyes, the eagle sharpness, were all there.
    â€œBernard Dale’s ex-wife,” he said. “Stella Bidot.”
    â€œNo!”
    â€œWithout her French husband,” Mannering murmured.
    Lorna didn’t speak.
    â€œBut with an elderly gentleman who hugs her tightly as if he dare not let her go,” said Mannering. “Poor Bernard!”
    Stella seemed to evade his eyes.
    For Lorna, the evening had been ruined. Yet when the band struck up a quick-step, Mannering forced a grin, and asked: “Care to dance?”They danced, but it wasn’t the same.
    An hour later, Mannering opened the door of the cream-coloured Jaguar for Lorna, shut her in, then took the wheel. As he drove off, a couple appeared at the lighted doorway of the club, and he recognised Stella Bidot, once Dale, and her elderly escort. Lorna saw his lips tighten; they said little on the way to Chelsea. The evening had heightened, not eased the tension. They garaged the car and walked the hundred yards to the flat, in Green Street, near London’s river. The stars were out, but it was late and there was little noise. That came from traffic on the roads somewhere far off.
    Mannering opened the flat door and Lorna entered the spacious, carpeted lounge-hall. The other rooms led off this, and from one end of the hall a loft-ladder led up to the studio, where she spent much of her time.
    â€œNightcap?” asked Mannering.
    â€œI think I’ll have tea.”
    â€œIn bed?”
    â€œNo, thanks,” said Lorna.
    She took off her wrap and put on slippers, then brought Mannering’s from the bedroom to the study. This was a small room, with each piece of furniture old and valuable – and here only because Mannering liked it. Against one wall was an old oak settle, which deceived every visitor, for in fact it had been transformed into a modern, electrically operated safe.
    Whenever Mannering kept jewels at the flat, he kept them there.
    He brought in tea.
    â€œFunny we should see the ex-Mrs. Dale,” he said, and proved that the Dale murder was right on top of his mind. “There was a rumour that the Gramercy rubies had turned up a few days ago. Bristow asked me to have a look at them.”
    â€œAnd they weren’t?”
    â€œNo. Slightly different dimensions and weights, but they were remarkably like them. I—”
    The front door bell rang.
    Mannering paused in pouring out tea. Lorna looked round. Mannering put the teapot down, carefully, and moved towards the door.
    â€œOdd,” he said.
    â€œIt’s been so peaceful lately,” Lorna said, almost sadly. “I knew it couldn’t last.”
    The bell rang again.
    Mannering left the study door open, so that Lorna could see across the hall. He heard nothing as he turned the handle and opened the door. He was cautious, possessed an instinct nothing ever really killed. He kept his foot against the door, and could have slammed it in the face of the caller at the slightest threat.
    A woman stood there.
    He didn’t speak, and that puzzled Lorna, for it told her how much he was surprised.
    â€œGood—good evening,” the woman said.
    â€œGood evening,” said Mannering at last, and stood aside. “Please come in.”
    A call from anyone would have surprised him at nearly one o’clock in the morning; a call from the ex-Mrs. Dale startled and puzzled him very much. But when he ushered her into the study, where Lorna was standing, he was poised again.
    â€œDarling,” he said, “I don’t think you know Mrs. Bidot.”
    There was a strange tension in the room. The women were antagonistic, from the first instant. There was no doubt of Stella Bidot’s