Ruprecht waited until they were in the dining room. “Do you have a gun?” he demanded.
“No, I don’t.”
“Damn nonsense. I left mine at home. I didn’t expect any trouble.” He poured a cup of coffee, swallowed it quickly.
“Mike’s got one,” Johnnie said. “So has Magda and Trudy and—”
“—everyone else that shouldn’t have. There’s trouble ahead.”
“What kind or trouble?”
“Fighting trouble. Dorp says Rudolph can’t leave without the missing papers. Ferenz says whatever is missing could be sent to him in Switzerland. He also points out that he can’t arrange a seat on the Clipper every day. Magda agrees with Ferenz. So does Rudolph.”
“What does Old Bristle-Head say?”
“Ottomkopf? He’s too mad to say anything. First he sides with Dorp and then he sides with the others. And he wants to know who let a soldier and a policeman in here. What he wants most is to take a rubber truncheon to me. I say that’s all the thanks I get for finding their damn papers. Trudy’s trying to organize a search of the house. Stalling for time. I think she knows what’s missing. I think she hid it purposely.”
Johnnie didn’t know whether to mention the bomb or not. If he did, Ruprecht might take it away from him to use as his weapon. Johnnie sort of liked having it in his pocket. If he finally had to fight his way out of here, it would come in handy. He didn’t mention it. Instead he asked, “What do you want a gun for?”
“Because I want to use it if the final decision is for Rudolph to leave. He’s an ass but after all he is my brother. And I don’t go for having him killed by the Nazis.”
Johnnie thoughtfully selected another cake. He wasn’t hungry but it was something to do and for free. “I think we all need guns,” he said. “I mean you and me and Mike and Trudy. I think Dorp’s a Nazi and I think those soldiers of his are Nazis too. I don’t know why he wants to kill Rudolph only if he does, he’s going to kill you too.”
“Kill me?” Ruprecht echoed quietly.
“Figure it out for yourself. Who takes over if anything happens to your brother?”
Rupe figured it. “Could be that the Nazis want that damn Kraken to take over. I don’t doubt a bit that he’s gone whole hog for the New Order. Ugly bastard. But why would Trudy play Dorp’s game?”
“Maybe she doesn’t know.”
“Why do you think we’ve had her and Magda living here but to keep an eye on Dorp? And who got me over here tonight? I had no intention coming into it. I’ll talk to Trudy. She has a gun?”
“Yeah.” He looked at Rupe’s face anxiously. “You wouldn’t hurt Trudy, would you?”
“I’d beat her to a pulp if I thought she was selling me out.” He didn’t look as if he were fooling. Johnnie followed fast.
Mike and Magda alone occupied the throne room. They were gazing into each other’s eyes. Magda was gold and black wickedness. Mike was pleased.
“Where’s Trudy?” Ruprecht demanded.
“They’ve all gone hunting, darling. Want a drink?”
“Where’s Rudolph?” Johnnie shouted. “Who let Rudolph go? You know someone’s trying to kill him.”
“Don’t be silly,” Magda deprecated.
“Come on,” Johnnie called. He ran to the door. Mike ran after him.
“He’s safe,” Mike said. “They went in pairs. He’s with Trudy.”
Johnnie slowed down and breathed again. “As long as we’re started,” he decided, “we might as well get outside before they finish the search. If you can tear yourself away from Yellow-britches.”
Mike did look sheepish. “On her they aren’t repulsive,” he said. “We’re going to look pretty silly if that’s the N. Y. C. street department outside.”
“You’re going to look sillier if Theo has to be dug out of the street again.”
They reached the foot of the stairs.
“After we’re out, how we going to get back in?” Mike asked.
“We’re coming back with the whole force,” Johnnie boasted. “And Theo. Though personally I’d just as lief not see this place again. If I only had my dog tags—” He had his hand on the doorknob before he remembered to look toward the chenille curtains. He wouldn’t have been surprised if the whole outfit was lined up there poking guns on him. He was exceedingly surprised that the curtains didn’t even quiver. “Outside, brother,” he warned Mike.
It was that easy. They descended the steps, headed toward the drill in the middle of the street. Mike let him take the lead. Either Mike was still afraid he’d look silly or his mind was on that green-eyed thing back in the house. The drill made a worse noise than the Louisiana maneuvers. Johnnie set his teeth.
The two workmen took a recess when he upped to them. He demanded, “What are you doing here?”
The one with his hat pulled over one eye said nastily, “Playing gin rummy. Want to set in?”
The one with his hat over both eyes said, “What do you think we’re doing, wise guy?”
You couldn’t distinguish faces, not on a black night in a brownout. They didn’t need the hats to hide them.
Johnnie persisted, “Why are you digging up this street?”
“We like to dig up streets,” the first guy said. “Any objections?”
“I want to know why you’re digging it up now at this time of the morning.”
They eyed each other.
“Drunk,” the first worker said.
“Nuts.” The second waved a fist. “Scram, soldier. We got work to do.” He set his hand on the drill.
The noise ate away Johnnie’s eardrums. He couldn’t hear what Mike was saying. The cop was making gestures at the men. They desisted.
“Now what?” the second guy demanded.
“Listen, Johnnie,” Mike began. “Look at that hole. It isn’t deep enough.”
Johnnie looked. It wasn’t a big hole; the surface wasn’t cracked to a depth of more than a few inches. He said, “They can make it deeper.”
“So you don’t like our hole?” the first guy sighed. “I wish I was back at excavating. I’d show you a nice big hole. Besides kibitzers can’t talk to you when you’re excavating. If they do you can’t hear them.”
“Wait,” Mike said to the hand on the drill. “Look, Johnnie, it isn’t an excavation. The street department just breaks up the top layer. You couldn’t hide anything there.”
“Did you gents lose something?” Number Two asked.
“Yes,” Johnnie answered promptly, and not so promptly “Well—no—yes—”
“Make up your mind.”
“We might as well go back in,” Mike urged. “Theo isn’t here.”
“I’m not so sure.” Johnnie was belligerent. “They’ve been working a long time to make such a little hole.”
“What do you want us to do, be unemployed by morning?” the first said. “Better take your pal away—say, you’re a cop!”
“Off duty,” Johnnie explained. He didn’t want Mike to get in any trouble.
“Mike Costello.” He introduced himself. “Sorry we bothered you. Come on, Johnnie.”
“I’d like a better look at that hole,” Johnnie persisted. He didn’t continue. There was a little figure running toward them. It was Trudy.
“What are you two doing out here?” She was breathless. “Are you crazy?”
“Sure,” the second man called out, loud and true.
“We’re looking for Theo,” Johnnie said with dignity.
“That’s what I came to tell you. I’ve found him.” She grabbed his hand. “Hurry!”
He didn’t have time to think. He ran beside her back toward the house. Mike caught up with them.
“Where is he?”
“I’ll show you.”
They went inside again. She turned and closed the door softly. “Upstairs.” They started fast. They were on the first step when she called, “Wait!” Both of them turned back.
She was standing against the door, far enough away to make
a plunge impossible. There was a sweet smile on her face. In her hand was her gun. It pointed smack at them.
Six
“ROOKED AGAIN,” JOHNNIE GROANED.
“What’s the big idea?” Mike doubled his fists.
“The big idea is that you’re to put your hands out in front of you and climb up those stairs.” She was little but there was nothing soft about her voice or the gun.
“You need some help, Trudy?” There was someone behind the chenille curtain now. Someone with a thick accent. It was Dorp.
“I found these two out in the street.”
Anxiety popped his eyes. “They send no message?”
“I don’t know. I don’t think they had time.”
“What were they doing?”
“Talking to those men fixing the street.”
Dorp scowled. “Can you hold them here while I get together everyone? We must decide what now to do.”
“You’re darn right I can hold them,” she stated. “One off beat and I’ll get trigger finger.”
Dorp waddled upstairs.
“Listen, Trudy.” Johnnie tried to reason with her. “Mike’s a cop. You can’t shoot him.”
“Keep your hands up,” she commanded. “A dead cop’s just as dead as a dead pigeon. In there.”
They walked into her parlor.
Mike complained. “It’s the last time I play Boy Scout to the Army. I should have been home in bed hours ago. With my shoes off.”
Johnnie had no answer. He too could have had a good evening, chorus girls and fun. He certainly hadn’t intended to sweat out a pass this way. He’d probably be too tired tomorrow for sight-seeing. And Bill and Hank would doubtless never speak to him even if he found them again.
Trudy eyed him reproachfully from the piano bench. “You’ve certainly messed things up, Johnnie Brown.”
“Me?” He was indignant. He sputtered. “Me? Who was it dragged me upstairs tonight? Who was it handed me—”
She broke in loudly. “Keep quiet. I tried to get you to leave when you first barged in, remember? But no. You had to stick around. You deserve just what you get.”
“Give me back my dog tags and I’ll go right now.”
“No, you won’t,” she slurred. “You haven’t a chance of getting out until it’s all over. And you’d better stop trying.” She circled past them, the gun steady as a Texas Sheriff’s. “You might tell me one thing. Did you send a message?”
“I wouldn’t tell you the right time.” Johnnie was glum. He and Mike should have called the police before looking at that hole in the street. He and Mike should never have followed Trudy back in here. He and Mike should have their respective heads examined.
“If you did,” her smile was too sweet, “I’d advise you to lie about it when the others came down. They wouldn’t like it.”
“Wouldn’t like what?” That was Rupe’s voice behind them. “What gives now, Trudy? Why the ack-ack?”
“These two were trying to skip,” she stated.
“How stupid. Hold it steady, baby mine.”
Johnnie couldn’t see what was happening. He heard Mike’s shout, “Hey, you can’t do that!” and Trudy’s warning, “Keep those hands up, copper.”
Ruprecht pranced over to her. He was fondling Mike’s revolver with admiration.
“He took it right out of my holster,” Mike complained. “Unbuttoned my holster and took it right out.”
“You know my motto about dead cops,” Trudy warned.
“At ease.” Rupe put his arm around Trudy. His free hand held Mike’s gun. “I’ll keep them covered for you.”
“Judas,” said Mike sadly.
“You boys can sit down,” Rupe said. “Right there on the floor. It’s safe, Trudy. Johnnie doesn’t have a gun. I tried to borrow one from him earlier. I have Mike’s. Go on, sit down, fellows.”
It wasn’t very comfortable but they sat down on the worn red carpet. Mike said to Johnnie’s ear, “Who’s on who’s side here?”
“Don’t mutter,” Rupe warned.
He repeated aloud, “Who’s on who’s side here?”
“I wish I knew,” Trudy breathed.
Magda and Janssen came down together. Janssen’s mouth was too red. That indelible stuff was hard to rub off quick. Mike glared at him. Magda’s green eyes opened wide. “Why are they sitting there?”
“We’re having a picnic, darling,” Rupe drawled. “Johnnie and Mike arrived early.”
“I’m not,” Mike glowered.
Ferenz called out, “What does Dorp want now? He told us to come here.” He stopped when he saw the picnickers, walked all around them cautiously. His mouth pursed out superciliously as he moved away.
Ottomkopf was next. He glared at the two prisoners. “What now have these spies did?”
“Who’s a spy?” Johnnie demanded. “Don’t answer, let me. You’re a spy.”
“Oh hush!” Ferenz was petulant.
Dorp dived through the curtains at last. “Are we all here? We must leave at once. These men—”
“Where’s Rudolph?” Johnnie shouted suddenly. He scrambled up then gun or no gun.
Everyone looked at everyone else. All anyone saw was a frightened face. Ruprecht’s voice threatened, “Where is Rudolph?”
Ottomkopf turned on Janssen. He thundered, “Where is Rudolph?”
Mike said with evident pleasure, “He started with Trudy.”
“I turned him over to Janssen,” she said quickly.
Janssen quavered, “I don’t know. He told me he wanted to take a bath.”
“He took one bath!” Dorp roared.
“He told me he didn’t want to look for papers. He wanted a bath. I was outside his door. Then Magda came along and asked me to hunt with her. I—I—”
“Good hunting?” Mike asked with malice.
Janssen turned bricky.
“Mike,” Ruprecht ordered, “You go stand guard at the front door. Don’t let anyone in or out.”
Mike lolled on the floor. “So you want to play with me now?”
“Don’t be difficult,” Rupe said. “Johnnie and I have to search the house. We don’t want the murderer escaping while we search.”
Mike clambered up reluctantly. “I’m not doing any guarding in this house without my gun.”
“Sorry.” Rupe handed it back to him just like that. Mike looked amazed. He took it as if there were a trick. “I’ll use Trudy’s.”
Mike stuck the gun away. “How about the back door?”
“There’s only the front staircase. Guard it.”
“O.K.” Mike turned to glare at the room. “Don’t anybody be coming around with excuses. It won’t do you no good.”
“Come on, Johnnie,” Rupe said. “Give me your gun, Trudy.”
“I’m going with you, Rupe.” She moved to his side.
“Give me your gun anyway.”
“What about us?” Dorp ventured. “What do we do?”
“I don’t care what you vultures do. Only I advise you to keep your eyes on each other.” He eyed them singly. “I don’t know who got rid of Rudolph. I only know who didn’t. Johnnie and Mike didn’t because they were outdoors. Trudy didn’t. She was following them. And I know I didn’t. That leaves the rest of you.”
“Dear, what are you saying?” Ferenz’s little eyes were pained.
“He’s nuts,” Magda shrugged. “He always was.” She dug her hands into the pockets of her black velvet jacket. “I know what I’m going to do. Stay right here. I’m tired of searching this damn house. And if anyone has any ideas of making me disappear, I warn them to watch out.” She flipped out her gun. “I know how to shoot.”
“I’ll be with you, Magda.” Janssen licked his lips.
“Let’s get going, Rupe,” Johnnie said disgusted. Some girl friend. Didn’t matter to her that Rudolph had probably been killed. Just as long as there was another guy handy.
Trudy trailed Johnnie and Rupe. Johnnie didn’t like her behind him. Not with that habit
she had of sticking a gun in a guy’s backside.
He scowled his face at her. “What was the idea of holding me and Mike up with your gun? Like we were the enemy.”
“Didn’t you see Dorp watching us? Besides—” She shoved past him to Rupe’s side. “Besides no matter how much I love you, Johnnie, I can’t have you and your copper monkey-wrenching my plans. Not this late in the day. Guardroom, Rupe?”
“Yes.” He headed toward Theo’s room.
“Hadn’t we ought to just look in his bathroom first?” Johnnie suggested.
“You don’t think he’s there, do you?” Rupe’s face was grim. “Well, go on and look. I’m betting on the attic. If you find him, yell.”
Trudy hesitated. “You don’t expect to find him, do you?”
“Not alive.” Rupe’s mouth was a bitter line. “But I’ll find him. And I’ll find who did it.” He halted. “You still don’t have a gun, do you, Johnnie?”
Johnnie showed his muscle. “I don’t need one.” He didn’t. He still had the bomb. He watched the two go into Theo’s room, close the door. He himself headed for Rudolph’s. He wasn’t afraid to go in, but he was almost afraid to turn on the light. He’d seen one dead man in here tonight. It wasn’t that ha’nts scared him but he didn’t like the idea of finding corpses.
He closed his eyes before he switched the light. He opened them slowly as possible. The room was empty. He stood for a moment breathing again. No one on the floor. No one under the bed. No one in the closet. He went over to the bathroom door. He knocked. He knocked three times, each time louder. Finally he opened the door a teensy crack. He closed his eyes before he did it. Drowning in a bath tub wouldn’t be something he wanted to remember. The bathroom was empty. There was one dampish towel hung over the tub. That would be the first bath. Rudolph hadn’t taken a second. Not even a yardbird from Arkansas would use the same bath towel twice, not with a pole full of big clean ones at hand. Rudolph had not taken a second bath. That was an excuse to give Janssen the slip. It hit Johnnie like a ton of bricks. That closet wasn’t just empty of dead bodies: it was empty. No coat and hat. The suitcase gone. The brief case gone. Rudolph had got away!
Johnnie ran to the window on the fire escape. He pushed it up, leaned out. That was dopey. Rudolph would have left a long time ago whether he went by window or door. He wouldn’t be hanging around waiting to be discovered. There wasn’t any doubt in Johnnie’s mind that Rudolph had skipped. Not when it was this easy. Rudolph didn’t have the chin of a thinker but it wouldn’t take much brain power for him to figure he was safer out of this house than in it. He, Johnnie, didn’t claim to be any Eisenhower but he knew he’d be safer out of here. And, this was his chance.
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