by Colin Forbes
'Don't wish to seem inhospitable,' he said, 'but I want to get on with this. Monica told me you were at the Three Kings. I'll come and see you there. Have a quiet stay.'
'I suspect,' Tweed told him, 'it will be anything but quiet.'
'Better watch my back, then.'
'And your front,' warned Newman, who had joined them. 'I'll drive one of the cars if you, Tweed, will take the other with Paula. Do we officially know each other at the hotel?'
'No point in pretending we don't – not with Sharon and Denise staying there.'
It took them only about fifteen minutes to reach their hotel. The first part of the journey was through open flat countryside, coated white. Then they started to enter the ancient city.
'I love this place,' Paula said. 'It's so very old. And it has narrow winding streets and alleys. And if I remember rightly, secret squares surrounded by massive buildings ages old.'
'You remember rightly,' Tweed agreed, behind the wheel.
Old stone buildings loomed on either side as they drew near the Three Kings. On her left Paula caught glimpses of the Rhine at the end of short side streets. They parked in front of the. hotel as Newman pulled up behind them. Tweed asked the doorman to have the cars parked as nearby as possible.
The first person he met as he entered was Sharon Mandeville.
'Are you following me?' Sharon asked with a smile.
'Hardly, since I thought you were still in London,' Tweed lied. 'I could hardly have hoped for such a pleasant surprise.'
'Wow!' said Newman. 'Great to see you again so soon.' He kissed her on the cheek. 'What brings you to Basel?'
'I have Swiss friends who invited me over. I grabbed at the chance to get away from the Embassy. I don't like some of the people there.'
'I'm forgetting my manners,' Tweed interjected. 'Sharon, this is Paula, my assistant. Paula, meet Sharon.'
'Hi there.' Sharon shook hands with Paula, smiling warmly. 'You have a wonderful boss to work for.'
'I think so,' replied Paula in a neutral tone.
'I'd better leave the three of you to register, get settled in your rooms. Maybe we could all have a drink before lunch. Oh, why did you say you were here, Tweed?'
'I didn't. I'm investigating the disappearance of one of my staff. The last I heard from him was when he called me from Basel.'
'Don't forget my offer for us to have a drink together…'
Newman had been studying her. As usual she was expensively and tastefully dressed. She wore a red two- piece suit with a Chanel scarf round her neck. She turned back as she was walking away.
'Isn't the weather hideous? I hear several roads in Germany are closed to traffic. Wrap up well if you go out.'
While Tweed was registering, Paula looked round the comfortable and spacious lobby, which she remembered. Towards the far end small tables were scattered and close to them were cosy armchairs and couches. The atmosphere was of quiet but not ostentatious luxury. The porter had taken their bags and they travelled up together in the small lift.
'I'm on the first floor,' Tweed said as the lift stopped. 'Bob and I have rooms on the second floor,' Paula said. 'I did hear your room number.'
'Come and see me later…'
Tweed had a large, well-appointed room which overlooked the Rhine. He unpacked first, using one cupboard and only a few drawers. It made repacking easier. Then he wandered over to the window. A few minutes later he heard a tapping on his door. Opening it, he let Paula into his room, returned to the window.
'Both Bob and I have rooms looking down on the river. I'd forgotten how wide it is, even at Basel, hundreds of miles from where it flows into the sea.'
She became aware he wasn't listening. Tweed was staring fixedly at an immense barge gliding upstream on his side of the river. He remembered that traffic on the Rhine had to use this side of the river when moving upstream, the far side when it was on its way downriver. The barge was so huge it seemed to take a minute to pass the window before passing under the arch of a big bridge to their right. At the stern a small car was parked.
'You're thinking about something,' she said.
'Just fascinated by the river. It's started to snow again – I suggest we stay inside the hotel, at least until Marler gets here from Geneva.'
'Suits me. I'm tired. I seem to have been on the go non-stop recently. Do you mind if I have a bath and then take a nap?'
'I think you should. Oh, what did you think of Sharon?'
'On the surface she's elegant, reserved but amiable.' 'On the surface?'
'She struck me as being an enigma. Hard to sum up.'
The phone rang. Paula stayed by the window as Tweed went to answer it. He spoke in a very quiet voice and Paula made no attempt to listen. When he put the phone down she made for the door, deliberately not asking who had called.
'That was Arthur Beck, Chief of the Federal Police, as you know.'
'I've always liked Beck. And you call him the most able police chief in Western Europe.'
'He sounded grim. He's flying here to see me from his headquarters in Berne. He ordered me not to leave the hotel until he's arrived. He's never done that before.'
'You did say you might be walking into an inferno. I thought at the time you were exaggerating.'
'Maybe I was underestimating the danger.'
'How on earth did Beck trace us here so quickly?'
'He phoned Monica. Normally she wouldn't have told even him where I was. I'm going to ask him how he persuaded her. And it will be a few hours before he gets here.'
'Then I'm off to have my bath and some catch-up sleep.'
'Paula, under no circumstances are you to leave the hotel. That is an order.'
Newman, in cheerful mood, arrived soon after Paula had left. He followed Tweed over to the window. The first barge, which Paula had watched with Tweed, had been a bulk carrier. The new monster they stared down at was a tanker. Newman whistled.
'That's a huge job to travel as far as this up the Rhine. I asked the receptionist how far up they can go. Apparently there's a harbour where they dock on the outskirts of Basel, which is as far as they can go.'
'There's also another harbour further down to the left of us. That's where three countries meet – Switzerland, Germany and France. Better sit down. I've something to tell you.'
Newman listened while Tweed gave him the gist of the phone call from Beck. He whistled again. When he glanced at Tweed he thought his chief had never looked more serious. Tweed stifled a yawn, flexed his fingers.
'He didn't give you any hint as to what it was all about?' Newman asked.
'Not a dickey bird. I can't imagine what can have stirred up Beck to the extent of his flying from Berne to see me. On top of that he ordered me not to leave the hotel. Which reminds me. You're not to leave this hotel until we've heard what has so disturbed Beck. That is my order.'
'I'd better tell Paula…'
'I've already told her. Best to leave her alone. She's having a bath and then some sleep. I wouldn't mind some myself.'
'Oh, I have some news. Denise Chatel is staying here too. I was out of sight when I saw two people coming out of the lift.'
'Marler told us she'd be here – along with Sharon. Have you been downstairs, chatting up the cool Sharon?'
'No. I asked at the reception desk. She'd told them she was going out to meet some friends. The Swiss people she mentioned, I expect. She should be warm enough, When we dined together at Santorini's she had a sable coat.'
'Well, she can afford it, so why not?'
Newman had experienced this mood of Tweed's before, when he appeared to be taking in everything said to him and made replies which seemed to confirm this impression. But Newman sensed that Tweed's brain was racing, checking over in his mind what had happened, linking up sequences of events, forming a pattern.
This was waiting time. Waiting for Marler to appear. Waiting for Beck to arrive. And normally, the lull before the storm broke. He realized Tweed had heard every word he h
ad said when he asked his question.
'You did say two people came out of the lift when you were out of sight and saw Denise. Yet you also said Sharon had left the hotel to visit friends. What I'm wondering is, who was the second person who came out of the lift with Denise?'
'I've been keeping that for last as a blockbuster surprise.'
'Then surprise me.'
'And he's staying at this hotel. It was Ed Osborne.'
19
Newman shook Tweed gently. Waking up instantly, Tweed sat up on the bed. He had taken off his jacket and shoes, had loosened his tie before lying down under the duvet hours earlier. Newman, who had said he didn't feel sleepy, had sat in a chair, insisting on acting as a guard. Tweed stared out of the window into the dark.
'What time is it?'
'4.30 pm.'
'Lord, I've never slept like that before.' He hurried into the bathroom for a cold wash and to brush his hair. 'I've just never slept like that before,' he repeated.
'Showed how much you needed it. You've been on the go for ages, like Paula. She only woke a short time ago. She'll be down here any minute. Reason I woke you is Marler has just arrived. He'll be up very soon.'
'That's better. Think I can face the world now.'
He emerged from the bathroom, his tie neat, wearing his jacket and shoes. He sat in a chair and poured some of the coffee Newman had ordered after waking him. He drank two cups one after the other, the first black, the second with a helping of milk. Someone knocked on the door and Newman opened it cautiously, then let Marler in. He was carrying two large heavy-looking holdalls.
'Sorry I've been so long. Decided it was safer to hire a car at Geneva and drive here – considering what's in these bags.'
'What is in them?', Newman asked.
'Tell you later. More important information to impart.'
There was a tapping at the door and Newman let in Paula. She looked fresh and energetic. Ready to start a new day, Tweed thought. She greeted Marler who said he'd tell her about his trip later. Sitting alongside Tweed on a couch, Paula put a hand to her ear to show she was listening.
'The enemy has arrived in Basel in force,' Marler announced.
'Just what we need,' Tweed said ironically. 'Where are they?'
'Tell it to you in my way. I drove into Basel and parked near Hauptbahnhof. I was going to go into the station to stock up on cigarettes. I was still sitting in my car when who should I see coming out of the Euler Hotel, a five-star job? Jake Ronstadt and Chuck Venacki. Recognized Venacki from the Paris photos. They crossed the street, disappeared into the Victoria, a smaller hotel. I waited.'
'How was Ronstadt dressed?' asked Tweed.
'In an astrakhan fur coat with a hat to thatch. Strode across the street as though he owned Basel. Minutes later he comes out of the Victoria, with six more thugs in tow. All snapped in the pics from Paris. The whole gang walks down to the Hilton and disappears inside. To the bar, would be my guess.'
'We have a spot of trouble,' Tweed said.
'A load of it, I'd say. Missed, out a vital bit. When he came out of the Euler, Ronstadt paid a quick visit to get something from his parked white Citroen. When they'd all trooped into the Hilton I darted across, fixed a little gizmo my supplier of arms had given me. Attached it underneath the chassis of the Citroen. We could follow him now.'
'How could we do that?' Paula asked.
'Good question. I've a good answer. There's a tracking device I can attach to your car, Tweed. Another for you, Bob. Range of ten miles. Incredible.'
'Where did you get this stuff?' Newman enquired.
'My chum in Geneva who gave me weapons and grenades has gone into business on another front. Tracking devices.'
'Where's my Browning?' Paula wanted to know. 'Eager, isn't she?'
Opening one of the holdalls Marler produced a. 32 Browning automatic and spare ammo, handed it to Paula. Newman held out his hand and Marler placed a. 38 Smith amp; Wesson and extra ammo in it. He also provided Newman with a hip holster.
Newman immediately took off his jacket, strapped on the holster, checked the action of the empty revolver, loaded it, slid it inside the holster, put his jacket on again and buttoned it up. He looked down at the holdalls.
'What other little treasures did you buy?'
'Besides the tracking equipment, Walthers for Harry and Pete when they arrive, grenades, and smoke bombs. He even had the type of trick grenade I threw at those four thugs off Regent Street just before the Ear was killed. Can't keep a secret these days. I thought the Park Crescent boffins had come up with something no one else had. Oh, and a dismantled Armalite rifle with sniper- scope for myself.'
'You haven't forgotten the Phantom, then? Hence the Armalite.'
'I haven't forgotten the Phantom,' Marler agreed in a monotone.
'Better get those holdalls out of sight,' Tweed suggested. 'Arthur Beck is on his way here. With some bad news.'
'I thought Marler had brought us enough bad news,' Newman commented.
'Just information,' Marler replied, picking up the holdalls. 'And now I think I'd better get back to my room and hide these away…'
'Well, at least Ronstadt and Co. don't know we're in the same city,' Tweed remarked.
'Be nice to keep it that way,' Paula agreed.
Tweed answered the phone, which had started ringing. When he ended the brief call he looked at the others.
'Marler left just in time. Beck is here. On his way up.'
Arthur Beck entered the room with a smile. He went to Paula and hugged her. There had always been a warm rapport between them. The smile disappeared as he took off his snow-flecked overcoat. Refusing Tweed's offer to have fresh coffee sent up, he sat down in an armchair. Beck was in his late forties, a man of medium height, well-built, with a trim moustache, his thick hair greying. He had a strong face and a hint of humour in his penetrating grey eyes.
`I'll get straight to it. I've been in touch with Lasalle of the French. DST. He told me a small army of American gangster types passed through Paris on their way to London. Some by Eurostar, some by plane. He sent me a number of copies of photos taken of them – sent them by courier. I distributed them to officers at three airports here – Zurich, Geneva and Basel. Just in case. A number of them flew into Basel yesterday. I have these photos of those we spotted.' He took an envelope from his pocket, handed it to Tweed, who took out the prints, glanced at them.
'These are familiar faces, Arthur. Rene also contacted me – or rather, I phoned him. He sent me these pics. By chance we know where they are here. Some at the Euler, others at the Victoria.'
'You do keep up with what is happening in this nasty world.'
'It's likely to get nastier.'
'The frustration is I can't do anything about it. Officers at Basel airport informed me they all carried diplomatic passports. Washington is beginning to worry me. What is happening?'
'Briefly,' Tweed began, 'America is the superpower on this planet. They're well aware of this. Sometimes great power increases a lust for more of it. History tells us this – Napoleon and Hitler are two prime examples.'
'Britain could be in big trouble.'
'We are. It's possible, from information received, to coin a cliche, we may be able to clip their wings here. We're certainly going to try.'
'Any help I can give, I am available. I'll be staying on in Basel. Police headquarters here is just across the street. Spiegelgasse 6. I'll make it my temporary HQ. I notice, Newman, you have a bulge under your jacket.'
'I twisted a muscle, didn't I? Had to have it bandaged.'
'Do take care of that muscle,' Beck said with a dry smile. 'I must be going now. I rely on all of you to take care of Paula,' he said standing up, putting on his overcoat.
'Thank you. Actually Paula can take care of herself,' Paula responded with a smile.
'I'm sure she can.'
'He really had a wasted journey,' Newman remarked when Beck had gone.
'I don't agree,' Tweed objec
ted. 'He now has a hint of what is really going on. And if we need him he's close by. He's a powerful ally. I'm going out now to a public phone box to call Monica. I don't want the call going through a hotel switchboard. Plus the fact that occasionally lines get crossed and someone inside the hotel, one of the guests, might listen in.'
'You'll have company,' Newman told him. 'No argument.'
Marler returned at that moment, knocking on the door. Newman held his Smith amp; Wesson behind his back until he unlocked the door, saw their visitor.
'Tweed wants to make a phone call outside,' he told Marler.
'Feeling like a breath of fresh air myself. I've fixed those direction finders in your cars. The doorman showed me where they were after I'd described both of you, told him when you arrived. You can see them later.'
'We'll have a quiet walk, said Tweed, putting on his coat. 'Lucky they don't know we're here.'
'It's bitterly cold out,' the concierge warned them as they arrived in the lobby.
'We're used to it,' Tweed joked. 'We come from England.'
The lobby was otherwise deserted. Whatever guests were in the hotel would be in the dining room. Marler walked through the revolving door first, stopped in the street, his eyes scanning in all directions. As Tweed, Paula and Newman followed him out he raised a hand to hold them back.
'Thought I saw a shadow disappear behind that corner.'
'Probably your imagination,' said Paula. 'Lord, it's icy cold. And mind your footing – the pavement is slippery.'
One of Basel's small green trams came into view. They heard its rumble as it disappeared, crossing the bridge. Tweed led the way, his hands in his pockets. The air hit them like a blow in the face. Their exposed skin began to freeze as soon as they left the hotel.
'We'll walk up almost to Market-platz,' Tweed told them. recall a phone box in a side street. Lucky I thought to bring plenty of Swiss coins with me.'
Once the rumble of the tram had died away a heavy silence fell. It reminded Paula of the silence of Romney Marsh when she had paused before reaching the Bunker. There was no one about anywhere. The street they were walking up was lined on both sides with old stone buildings. Paula felt hemmed in. She stopped suddenly.