Vorpal Blade Read Online Free PDF

possible his expression was even icier? Not wanted on the voyage.
    Paula almost gasped as she entered. The room, with circular walls and windows, floor to ceiling, was more like a drawing room. A deep grey wall-to-wall carpet across which were scattered plush armchairs and couches. In the spaces between windows hung gilt-framed landscapes. At the far end was a massive Regency desk and behind that, seated in a comfortable-looking carver chair, was a man.
    He was tall and plump with a very ugly head, the face plump: in his sixties, she guessed, but it was the face which she gazed at. Ice-blue eyes were half-hidden by pouches of flesh, his short nose was wide and below it thick lips twisted sideways. Below them he had a massive jowl and his expensive suit was rumpled. His right eye twitched several times as he stood slowly, waved a fat hand with short stubby fingers.
    'Welcome to my humble abode. Certain members of my family will join us. One is the key member of my staff who may one day take my place. Do sit down.' He padded round his desk to shake hands. Paula was surprised at how tall Roman Arbogast was. His shoulders were very broad and she was aware of a sense of power. No arrogance but an aura of immense determination.
    He remained standing when they had seated themselves, close to them, bulky arms folded. His head was twisted slightly to one side as he looked down.
    'Now, Mr Tweed, you are one of the few people I respect. You are a very dangerous man. I pay you a compliment. Why have you come to see me?'
    'Adam Holgate was a member of my staff before he came here. I owe him my interest in finding out who killed him with such savagery. When I know why I shall know who.'
    'What would everyone like to drink?' Arbogast swivelled his head to include all his guests in the invitation.
    'Nothing for me, thank you,' said Paula.
    'The brilliant lady who is a natural detective. Who makes the police look like the fools they are.'
    'What do you base that on?' she asked quickly.
    'On information received. Any success I may have had in this world of idiots is based on my ability to know what is - or has been - happening, happened.'
    His voice, although quiet and throaty, carried a long way. Still standing, he switched his attention as Tweed spoke.
    'What exactly was Holgate's job here?'
    'Security. I didn't like him but Broden thought he was good. He was also nosy, very inquisitive.'
    'In what way?' Paula asked with a smile.
    'He searched through files which were nothing to do with his duties. He would hover outside open doors to listen to conversations which did not concern him. He may have found out too much. A reason why he was executed.'
    'Executed?' Paula was shocked.
    The door into the spacious room opened and two women walked in, one behind the other. Newman stared at the first woman - he couldn't help it.
    'This is Marienetta,' Arbogast announced. 'My niece.'
    She walked in with long elegant strides. She was in her early thirties, Paula thought as she studied the stunning beauty. Tall and slim, Marienetta had golden hair trimmed to just below her ears, an exceptionally well-shaped bone structure, a nose which expressed driving power, strange lips, the upper one thin, the lower full, the mouth wide. But it was the eyes which hypnotized Paula. Greenish, the irises were clear of the lids, which gave them an extraordinary penetration.
    The slightly stern look disappeared into a warm smile as she advanced on Paula, slim hand held out. She held on to Paula's hand for longer than usual.
    'Your grip suggests a strong character, Miss Grey. I have heard a lot about you. I was hoping we would meet and I am not disappointed.'
    'I'm Bob Newman.' Like Tweed he was standing up.
    'The foreign correspondent. Pushy, aren't you? Mr Tweed,' she went on, again holding out her hand. 'I am happy to meet such a distinguished man.' Her tone was sincere. 'You are one of those rare people who hide a strong intellect behind a passive manner. I sense inside