I Hold the Four Aces.

James Hadley Chase.

1977.

chapter one.

Before pushing his breakfast tray aside, Jack Archer made sure there was nothing more to eat. He peered into the minute coffee pot, grimaced, then sighing, he lit a Gauloise, and then looked around the sleazy, little hotel bedroom.

He reminded himself that he had been in worse hotels than the Saint Sabin, but not much worse. At least it was clean, and more important, the cheapest hotel in Paris. He checked his wrist.w.a.tch. It was time he left for his appointment with Joe Patterson. Again he grimaced, thinking of the dreary, complicated journey by Metro to the Plaza Athenee Hotel: Duroc - Invalides - Concorde - Franklin Roosevelt, and finally Alma Marceau. His mind shifted into the past when he would have done this journey in comfort in a Hertz chauffeur-driven car, but that was in the past.

He put on his jacket, then regarded himself in the flyblown mirror. He saw reflected, a tall, heavily-built man, fifty years old, with thinning straw-coloured hair, fleshy jowls, a florid complexion and washed-out blue eyes. He was depressingly aware that his paunch made his jacket hang badly. He was also depressingly aware that his suit, made by one of the best English tailors, was now shapeless and threadbare. All the same, he told himself, as he looked at himself in the mirror, he still made a reasonably impressive figure: shabby, yes, but that air of authority that had served him so well in the past remained.

He looked out of the window. The sun was shining. The narrow street, off Rue de Sevres, was jammed with slow-moving traffic. The noise of grinding gears and revving engines came through the closed window. He decided not to wear a topcoat which was even shabbier than his suit. He hesitated about taking his hat. Experience had taught him that a hat cost money. He was sure the hatcheck girl at the Plaza Athenee Hotel would expect at least a three francs tip. So leaving his hat and picking up his well-worn briefcase, he moved into the long corridor, locked his bedroom door, then began to walk towards the ancient elevator.

A man came from a room by the elevator, locked his door, then thumbed the elevator b.u.t.ton.

Looking at him, Archer slowed his stride. This man was at least six foot three inches tall. He was the most impressive male Archer had ever seen: slim, but powerfully built, with dark brown swept-back hair, a long face, an eagle-like nose and dark penetrating eyes. All this Archer took in at a glance. Apart from this manas impressive handsomeness, and Archer thought he must be a movie star to be this handsome, his clothes made a tremendous impact on Archer. This manas clothes, Archer thought, must have cost a fortune. Although they were casual, they had the cut, that excellence that revealed impeccable style. The Gucci belt and the Gucci shoes, and the whiter-than-white shirt, gave the impression of wealth, but what really impressed Archer was the unmistakable old Etonian tie. Archer had spent many months in England, and had come to recognize this sn.o.b status symbol which he had always envied.

The man entered the elevator cage and was waiting for Archer to join him.

As Archer entered, he caught the smell of an expensive after-shave as the man nodded to him and smiled.

G.o.d! Archer thought, what a man! Envy stabbed him. This Adonis, probably in his late thirties, was deeply sun-tanned, and his smile revealed glittering white teeth. Archer was quick to see he was wearing a gold Omega wrist.w.a.tch and a gold signet ring. On his left wrist he wore a gold and platinum chain bracelet.

aA lovely day,a the man said as Archer closed the elevator door. His voice was low-pitched, deep, musical and sensual. aParis in the spring.a aYes,a Archer said. He was so off-balance to find a man of this obvious wealth in this sleazy hotel, he could think of nothing else to say.

His companion produced from his pocket a gold cigarette case with initials set in diamonds.

aI see you are smoking,a he said, and took a cigarette from the case. He then produced a Dunhill gold lighter, also decorated with diamonds. aIt is a terrible habit... so they say.a He lit the cigarette as the cage descended to the hotel lobby, then nodding to Archer, he crossed to the reception desk, left his key, and walked out into the narrow, busy street.

Archer had been staying at the hotel for the past three weeks and had become friendly with Monsieur Cavelle who acted as reception clerk and concierge. He placed his key on the counter, then asked, aWho was that gentleman?a Cavelle, a small, shabby, unhappy-looking man, peered at Archer.

aThat was Monsieur Christopher Grenville. He arrived from Germany last night.a aFrom Germany? Surely he is English?a aYes, Monsieur Archer, he is English.a aIs he staying here long?a aHe has reserved a room for a week, monsieur.a Archer switched on his smooth smile.

aHe has come at the right time... spring in Paris,a and nodding, he walked out onto the street.

What in the world, he thought, could a man of Grenvilleas obvious wealth be doing staying in the cheapest hotel in Paris? That gold cigarette case must be worth at least twenty thousand francs. Most odd! But as soon as he entered the Metro station, he dismissed Grenville and began to think about Joe Patterson and this absurd proposition Patterson was trying to promote.

Eighteen months ago, Archer wouldnat have considered for one moment working for a man like Patterson, but now, as he continually reminded himself, beggars couldnat be choosers.

Sitting in the smelly, jogging second-cla.s.s compartment of the Metro train, Archeras mind went into the past. Eighteen months ago, he had been a senior partner of a highly reputable firm of international lawyers in Lausanne, Switzerland. He had had Herman Rolfeas Swiss account, and Rolfe had been one of the richest men in the world, nudging shoulders with Getty and the late Ona.s.sis. Archer and Rolfeas wife, Helga, had looked after Rolfeas Swiss investments which amounted to some twenty million dollars.

You were too ambitious, Archer told himself, as he let his heavy body roll with the motion of the train, and you were unlucky. His chance to make real money had come from inside information that there was a mine in Australia that was about to strike nickel. He hadnat hesitated. The tip had come from a good friend. The shares were ridiculously low, so he had bought heavily, using Rolfeas money, embezzling over two million dollars with every intention of repaying when the shares jumped, but they didnat jump for there was no nickel. If Helga, Rolfeas wife, had been cooperative, maybe the cards would have fallen right for him, but she hadnat been cooperative. Archer had expected Rolfe to prosecute, but he hadnat. Archer eventually had realized that Rolfe had discovered that he (Archer) had been Helgaas lover. Rolfe had been a man who couldnat face scandal, so he hadnat prosecuted, being shrewd enough to know Archer would have told the court of his relations with Helga, but Rolfe had had his revenge. He had blackballed Archer. The word had gone out: donat use this man: a deadly thing.

When Rolfe had withdrawn his account, the firm Archer worked with had folded. The other two partners were elderly and happy to retire. They had given Archer a copper handshake of fifty thousand francs, and Archer had found himself unemployed. At first, he was confident he could carve a new career for himself, but he quickly discovered the power of Rolfeas blackball, even though Rolfe had been dead for the past five months.

No reputable firm wanted him and gradually he had been forced to become a member of the fringe people: the exploiters, the shifty, the money-hunters, the promotion men who tried to sell what they didnat own.

Archer was not only a brilliant international lawyer and a top-cla.s.s tax consultant, he also had a smooth bedside manner, and spoke French, German and Italian fluently. But for one greedy, stupid slip-up which had turned him into an embezzler and a forger, he would have had a spectacular future. But he had slipped-up, and now, he was desperately trying to earn something: not even a living, just eating-money.

He had been approached by a South American, Edmondo (call me Ed) Shappilo, who had suggested Archer might be interested to do some legal work for an important promotion company. Archer, with no more than his copper handshake behind him, could scarcely conceal his eagerness, although he was astute enough to guess this legal work could once again fizzle out as other legal work he had done for the shifty had fizzled out. Shappilo, suave and thin, with long black hair, said the company would be prepared to pay Archer a weekly retainer of one hundred dollars and a one and a half per cent cut on the deal when it jelled. Shappilo talked airily of ten million dollars, and Archer had p.r.i.c.ked up his ears.

Shappilo went on to say he was representing a wealthy American who had promoted a number of successful property deals, but this particular promotion under discussion was his biggest.

aMr. Patterson has a genius for supplying a demand and for financing that demand,a Shappilo said, smiling at Archer. aAt this very moment he is negotiating with the Shah of Iran, and the Shah is very, very interested. We would want you to tie up the legal ends and to handle the contracts. We understand this is your kind of work.a Archer said it was.

Shappilo then gave him a couple of highly coloured brochures and the details of the proposition, immaculately typed. If, after studying the papers, Shappilo went on, Archer felt he could be helpful, Mr. Patterson, who was staying at the Plaza Athenee Hotel, would like to meet him.

The company to be promoted was to be called aThe Blue Sky Holiday Camps.a The camps were to be built in various sunspots in Europe. One of the brochures showed individual cabins with thatched roofs, cunningly drawn by an expert artist, showing every kind of playtime facility, a restaurant, a vast swimming pool, and so on and so on. Reading the print, then studying the small print, Archer decided this was nothing new. There were already many such camps dotted around Europe, and he knew, because of the exchange rates, a lot of these camps were in financial trouble, but he was being offered $100 a week and that was eating-money.

Who knows? he thought as he changed trains, heading for Franklin Roosevelt Station, the Shah just might be stupid enough to invest his petrol dollars in a scheme like this, but he doubted it.

He walked into the lobby of the Plaza Athenee Hotel three minutes before 11.00 to find Ed Shappilo waiting for him.

Shappilo didnat smile as he shook hands, and Archeras heart sank. Usually, Shappilo had greeted him with a flashing smile, but today, he appeared to be plunged into gloom.

aSomething wrong, Ed?a Archer asked uneasily.

aLet us say a set-back,a Shappilo returned, and still grasping Archeras hand, he led him to two chairs in a corner, abut nothing that canat be rectified. Sit down.a He released Archeras hand and sank into one of the chairs. aThe Shah has turned our promotion d o w n . most unexpected. It is ridiculous, of course, since he could have made a handsome profit, but he has decided to withdraw.a Although Archer had expected this, it came as a shock because he saw the $100 a week retainer vanishing before he had received the first payment.

aI am sorry to hear that,a he said.

aYes, but it is not the end of the world. There are other sources to be tapped. Mr. Patterson would still like to meet you.a Shappilo made a grimace. aHe is not in the best of moods. Just go along with him, Jack. There are times when he can be extremely pleasant, but not this morning.a Archer regarded Shappilo for a long moment.

aAm I still going to be employed by him, Ed?a he asked.

aI would say yes. After all a hundred dollars a week isnat much.a Shappilo smiled. aHe seems impressed by your qualifications.a He got to his feet. aCome along. Iam sure you could do with a drink.a That, Archer thought, as he followed Shappilo along the corridor, was the understatement of the week. He yearned for a drink!

In one of the discreet alcoves, Joe Patterson was drinking his fourth double whisky of the morning.

Patterson was short, bulky with a red face, pitted with old acne scars. His dyed black hair was thinning, his nose bulbous, his eyes small and mean.

Archer saw at once he was slightly drunk. He was one of those Americans Archer detested: loud-voiced, vulgar, loud clothes, and of course the inevitable cigar.

Patterson stared blearily at him, then waved him to a chair by his side.

aSo youare Archer, huh?a he said. aWhatall you drink?a aA gin martini, thank you,a Archer said and sat down. Shappilo snapped his fingers and gave the order while Archer placed his briefcase between his feet and looked at Patterson.

aEd tells me youave looked at our promotion, Archer,a Patterson said. aWhat did you think?a aI think it would supply a very necessary and popular demand,a Archer said carefully.

aYouare G.o.dd.a.m.n right.a Patterson screwed up his eyes. aYeah, thatas talking. Then why the h.e.l.l have these n.i.g.g.e.rs turned it down?a aThere could be several reasons,a Archer said smoothly. aI wouldnat care to express an opinion, since I wasnat in on the original negotiations.a Patterson grinned.

aYou G.o.dd.a.m.n lawyers.a He pulled at his cigar and released a cloud of smoke. aNever get a straight answer.a He leaned forward, poking his cigar at Archer. aNow, Iall tell you something. Ed is going to Saudi Arabia tomorrow afternoon. Those finks out there are stinking with money. Never mind Iran. Weall get the money from these other finks. Howas about you going with Ed and fixing the legal end?a The idea of Shappilo getting near a minister of importance in Saudi Arabia to promote such an obvious lemon as the Blue Sky Holiday Camps was so ludicrous that Archer nearly laughed, but he kept thinking of the $100 a week, so he pretended to think, then nodded.

aYes. I would be prepared to accompany Mr. Shappilo.a He paused, then went on, without much confidence, aBut not at $100 a week retainer, Mr. Patterson.a Patterson squinted at him.

aWho said you would? You take this trip, and Iall pay your expenses. You get a two per cent cut when you two bring back the contract. Thatas worth real money, Archer.a How many times, Archer thought, had he heard this kind of talk? Always in millions: always so much percentage.

aHave you any introductions out there?a he asked.

Patterson finished his drink, then looked at Shappilo.

aYou fixed any introductions, Ed?a Shappilo examined his fingernails.

aWell, no. The Paris finks are difficult. I think we will make real progress on the spot, rather than fool around with the Emba.s.sy here.a Patterson nodded.

aYeah. Go out there and fix something.a He lifted his empty gla.s.s. aGet me a refill, Ed.a While Shappilo was snapping his fingers, Archer had a moment to think. At least he would get a free trip to the Middle East. This cheered him a little. Who knows? He might pick up some lucrative work out there, drop Shappilo and settle in Saudi Arabia for a while. Who knows?

As the waiter brought Pattersonas drink, there was a slight commotion along the corridor that led to the elevators.

A woman and two men, accompanied by the a.s.sistant manager of the hotel, followed by two porters wheeling hand-trucks piled high with expensive-looking luggage, came down the corridor.

Archeras heart skipped a beat as he recognized the woman.

Helga Rolfe for G.o.das sake!

He hadnat seen Helga since they had parted after his abortive attempt to blackmail her to conceal his embezzlement from her husband. Hurriedly, he raised his hand to shield his face. He didnat want her to see him.

He felt a pang of frustrated envy as he watched her stride down the corridor. She looked wonderful!

Wearing a pale beige suede coat, her blonde hair silky and glittering, her head held high, she conveyed a picture of confident wealth.

Her two companions kept pace with her. The taller of the two bent a little to talk, while the shorter man seemed to be having trouble in keeping up.

The little procession disappeared into the waiting elevator and was whisked out of sight.

aThatas some doll,a Patterson said. aWho could she be?a Here was the opportunity to impress this vulgar American, Archer thought.

aThat was Madame Helga Rolfe,a he said.

Patterson squinted at him.

aRolfe? You mean the Rolfe? The electronics man?a aYes, but Rolfe died a few months ago.a Archer sipped his martini. aHelga is now in charge of the corporation, and appears to be handling it well.a He said this carelessly as a throwaway.

Pattersonas mean little eyes opened wide.

aIs that right? Who were the two finks with her?a Archer leaned back and took out his pack of Gauloises.

aHere, have a manas smoke, for G.o.das sake.a Patterson produced a cigar in a metal container.

aThanks, I will.a While Archer removed the cigar from the container, he went on, aThe taller man is Stanley Winborn, head of Rolfeas legal department. The short, fat man is the Vice-president, Frederick Loman.a He lit the cigar and puffed smoke. aI suppose the corporation now is worth over a billion dollars. I know for a fact, Helgaas personal fortune is worth at least a hundred million.a Patterson sucked in his breath.

ah.e.l.l! Thatas real money!a aYou could say that.a Archer smiled. He finished his drink and set down his empty gla.s.s.

aGet him another drink, Ed,a Patterson said.

While Shappilo was snapping his fingers at a waiter, Patterson went on, aSounds as if you know the doll.a This was the moment when Archer should have kept his mouth shut, but the martini, after a miserable dinner the previous night, and a still more miserable breakfast, had made him slightly drunk.

aKnow her? Not so long ago, she and I handled Rolfeas Swiss business, and not so long ago we were intimate friends,a and he winked.

aFor Peteas sake!a Patterson was obviously impressed. aYou mean you screwed her?a Archer accepted the martini the waiter offered him.

aLet us say we were intimate,a he said.

aYeah. I get the photo.a Patterson pulled at his cigar. aWell, what do you know?a He scratched his bulbous nose, then went on, aSo sheas worth a hundred million?a aAbout that.a Archer drank half his martini. He was now feeling very relaxed.

aBut youare not working with her anymore?a The small eyes probed.

Careful, Archer told himself, youare letting your tongue run away.

aWe had a falling-out. Sheas very difficult. I found I couldnat work with her anymore.a He sipped his drink. aI take it, Ed will arrange the air tickets to Saudi Arabia? I just wait for instructions?a Patterson thought for a long moment, finished his drink, then shook his head.

aWhy the h.e.l.l should we go to these Arab finks for money when it is sitting right here in this G.o.dd.a.m.n hotel?a Archer stared at him.

aI donat follow you, Mr. Patterson. In this hotel?a Patterson leaned forward and tapped Archer on his knee.

aUse your head, Archer. With your contact with this Rolfe doll, it will be a cinch for you to sell our promotion to her. We want a couple of million. Thatas chickfeed to her. Put it to her. Okay?a Archeras hands turned clammy.

aI a.s.sure you, Mr. Patterson, Madame Rolfe wouldnat think of investing money in holiday camps. I know her too well. No it just wouldnat work.a Patterson stared at him for a long moment, his mean little eyes probing, then he looked at Shappilo.

aWhereas the G.o.dd.a.m.n grillroom? I want to put on the feed-bag.a He got to his feet as Shappilo pointed down the long corridor. Looking at Archer, Patterson went on, aNow listen: talk to this Rolfe doll and set her up for me. All I want from you is to set up a meeting. Iall do the selling. And listen, Archer, I hire successful men. You fix it for me to meet her or you donat come on my pay roll.a He walked off down the corridor.

Shappilo got to his feet.

aYou heard what the man said, Jack. It shouldnat be all that tricky, you knowing her so well. Well, letas hope we meet again,a and he followed Patterson to the grillroom leaving Archer staring bleakly after him.

Back in his hotel bedroom, after a sandwich lunch, Archer cursed himself for boasting to Patterson about his a.s.sociation with Helga. He must be getting old! he thought. A year ago, he would never have done such a thing. What to do now?

He had checked through his remaining traveller's cheques. His money was running out. There were no other irons in the fire: no other promotions, no other offers for legal work. And yet, he knew it would be impossible to approach Helga.

The last time they had been together, she had threatened him with a ten-year jail sentence! He imagined how she would react if he suggested she should meet a man like Joe Patterson. It was unthinkable!

So what to do?

He took off his jacket, hung it in the closet, then stretched out on the lumpy bed. He did his best thinking when completely relaxed. The martinis he had drunk now had their effect and he drifted off into a heavy sleep. He woke to find the room in semi-darkness. He must have slept for more than three hours, he thought, then he became aware that someone was knocking on his door.

Looking at his watch, he saw the time was 18.20. Probably the maid, he thought irritably, and called to come in, at the same time switching on the light.

The door opened and Christopher Grenville, in all his finery, stood in the doorway.