Trouble on the Thames Read Online Free PDF

can hand it over to Julian as soon as he likes. I don’t intend to haggle with the swine.”
    â€œOh, but suppose—”
    â€œNo use supposing,” continued Sally firmly. “It’s the only way to deal with a blackmailer unless you’re prepared to go to the police. From all I’ve heard about Mr. Granville Sutton, I’ll bet you a shilling that he’ll accept my offer.”
    â€œ ‘Pr’aps you’re right: I hope you are.” The other paused unhappily. “Anyhow, I’ll take the necklace round to Hink’s this afternoon and collect the cash. Would you like me to leave it here, or—”
    â€œNo, I don’t want it at present. Pay it into your bank and wait till you hear what’s happened.”
    â€œI will come round early on Monday morning.” Opening her bag and producing a miniature compact, Sheila began to powder her nose. “Of course I’m fearfully grateful, darling. It’s terribly decent of you to do all this, and I—”
    â€œDon’t start thanking me now: it will be time enough when you’ve got the letter.” Sally rose from the couch and glanced at the various articles strewn about the floor. “I’m sorry I’m so busy, but I simply must finish this job before lunch. You go and fix up about the necklace and leave the rest to me. I’ll talk to the beauty, and unless he’s more of a fool than I take him for I’m pretty certain I’ll manage to pull it off.” She smiled encouragingly. “Anyway, I’ll do my damnedest, so hope for the best and keep your chin up.”
    ***
    â€œWell, what was it all about?” Leaning back and putting her hands behind her head, Ruth looked inquiringly at her partner.
    â€œI don’t think I ought to tell you.” Sally came forward from the top of the staircase and perched herself on the arm of a chair alongside the desk.
    â€œThat means that she’s landed herself into some fresh trouble and that you’ve promised to get her out of it.”
    â€œHow did you guess?”
    â€œMy sweet child, I’m not halfwitted. When she came in I could see that she was worried stiff, and when she walked out she looked as sleek and pleased with herself as a cat that’s just pinched the milk. I expect you’ve promised to do something desperately idiotic.”
    â€œThat’s what you’d call it, and I suppose you’d be right.” Sally stroked her nose thoughtfully. “Perhaps I’d better ‘come clean’, as they say in the films. It’s rather a sticky business, and in any case I shall want the loan of your car. You’ll make a point of keeping the whole thing to yourself, won’t you?”
    â€œHave you ever heard me going round blabbing out other people’s secrets?”
    â€œNever,” admitted Sally. “That’s why I don’t mind letting you in on it.” She slid down into the chair, and leaning forward, helped herself to a cigarette from the box on the desk. “Sheila’s being blackmailed,” she announced bluntly, “blackmailed by that rotten twirp Granville Sutton.”
    There was a brief pause.
    â€œWhat’s she been up to?” demanded Ruth. “Having an affair with him?”
    â€œVery much so, apparently. They were trailing about together a lot last autumn, and I told her at the time that I didn’t think much of her taste. It was no use talking to her then: she was absolutely besotted about him. He’s one of those plausible, good-looking crooks who can get round almost any girl if they choose to take the trouble.”
    â€œI know.” Ruth nodded disgustedly. “The only thing that surprises me is that Sheila should be such as ass. I should have thought she was too keen on making a good marriage.”
    â€œIt was a sort of obsession: didn’t last very long. She had broken with him before she met Julian, and