Vorpal Blade Read Online Free PDF Page B

you a volcano of energy.'
    'I'm still here, in case everyone has forgotten,' a voice spoke up irritably.
    'My daughter, Sophie,' introduced Arbogast.
    Sophie was also tall and slim but her hair was dark, thick, her nose snub and her forehead high. Her grey eyes were cold, the features sharp, almost aggressive. Paula had the immediate impression she had always come as number two compared with the niece. Not because Marienetta dominated her but the niece's appearance and personality would always cast a shadow over the daughter. She gave Sophie a friendly smile as Arbogast introduced his guests.
    'I saw you the moment you came into the room.' Paula assured Sophie. 'Come and sit next to me.'
    'Makes a change to be invited,' Sophie commented as she sat down.
    'We are all going to be friends, Sophie,' Marienetta said with a smile.
    She was wearing a close-fitting green dress with a gold belt round her slim waist and a pair of medium-heeled green shoes. Sophie wore a beige woollen jumper with a high neck, a pale grey pleated skirt and red high-heeled shoes. The contrast between the two women was stri dent, and there was no doubt who had first-rate dress sense.
    'I'm going to smoke,' Sophie said, making a state ment.
    Paula saw Arbogast open his mouth, caught Marienetta's frown at her uncle. Arbogast closed his mouth without saying anything.
    'Go ahead,' Marienetta said, 'provided I have one too, please. Thanks.'
    'What,' Sophie demanded, 'were you talking about when I came in and then shut up?'
    Arbogast sat behind his desk, his eyes gazing at Sophie. She dropped her glance as he spoke, took a quick puff.
    'We were talking about murder,' Arbogast told her bluntly.
    'Nice topic.' Sophie snapped, took a deep puff. 'That means you've been gossiping about poor Adam.'
    'We have been discussing the case with Mr Tweed.'
    'Adam isn't just a case. He's a human being,' protested his daughter. 'Or was.' She frowned. 'I wonder what he felt like when someone cut off his neck.' She spoke as though it was an interesting subject. 'Must feel strange when your head is rolling away.'
    'I doubt,' Marienetta said gently, 'if you feel anything.'
    'Tweed,' Arbogast broke in, 'you came here to ask me for my impression of Holgate - Adam, that is - and I think I've told you all I can.' He opened a drawer as his guests stood up to leave. 'It's Sophie's birthday this evening so we're celebrating it at a nice restaurant, the Tree Creeper.' He stood up holding three printed and engraved cards, gave one to each of his guests. 'I would be most honoured if you would join us. And I am sure Sophie would be pleased.'
    'So long as Paula is coming.' She squeezed her hand. 'I'm going to make a speech.'
    'You may find it interesting,' Arbogast went on, staring at Tweed, his eye twitching. 'One of the guests will be Sophie's friend Black Jack Diamond.'
    They had left the spacious office when Marienetta slipped her arm inside Tweed's. She gazed at him, smiling.
    'That wasn't much fun. I insist you come and look at my studio - cubbyhole would be a better word. That's where I enjoy myself when I can get away from acting as Administrator.'
    'Administrator?' Tweed queried.
    'That's my vague title here. Uncle wanted me to keep an eye on things and I told him I didn't want a title which restricted my powers over some of the senior personnel. Administrator could mean anything. So I can roam wherever I want to check up. Including Security.' She laughed. 'You may not be surprised to know I'm not Broden's favourite person.'
    Paula glanced back as they entered the special lift. Newman was walking with Sophie, talking, grinning, jok ing. As far as Paula could make out Sophie had her head down and was not saying a word.
    Marienetta pressed the button for level 103, twirling the computer card she'd used to open the doors. Paula turned to her as she made the comment. 'Your uncle doesn't seem to have taken to new modern equipment like computers. In the room you go through to reach your