'So you're going back today?'
'Well, no,' said Joe. 'I checked first thing and seems he discharged himself last night.'
'So not so groggy after all,' said Pollinger, regarding Joe doubtfully.
He thinks I'm pulling his wire, thought Joe.
He said, 'Look, Mr. Pollinger, the hours I work on your case will be fully accounted for when I do the final bill. I don't charge for more than one job at a time, and I do have other clients, and sometimes I even get to stop to eat and drink and sleep
'And fight too from the look of it,' said Pollinger disapprovingly.
'No,' said Joe. 'I haven't been fighting. I've been getting beaten up by someone who thinks I'd be better off dead.'
'Good Lord,' said Pollinger, taken aback. 'You mean, in the line of business. Nothing to do with my case, I hope?'
'Probably not,' said Joe negligently. No harm in letting the guy think he might be putting himself in the way of physical harm to earn his pay.
'I'm glad to hear it. I couldn't countenance you putting yourself at risk on my behalf,' said Pollinger earnestly. 'I'm paying you to investigate a crime, not to become a victim. There's been quite enough mayhem already.'
Whoops. Time to back pedal. Lot of harm in prompting your client to pull the plug just because he thinks there might be danger.
'Oh, no. It started before I got on your case, Mr. Pollinger,' said Joe firmly. 'So it's definite there's no connection. In fact, I've got a very good idea who's behind it. Another case entirely. Look, if there's nothing else, I've got to go. Lots of things to do ...'
'On my case or on this other case entirely?' said Pollinger.
'Mr. Pollinger, if I want the best lawyer, I don't pick a guy who's got no other clients,' said Joe. It was a good line. He wished he could remember where he'd read it. Then, mindful that high horses were notoriously expensive to feed and stable, he added in a more conciliatory tone, 'One thing you could do for me, ring Mr. Naysmith, say you'd like for me to interview him so that I don't get no hassle when I call.'
'Surely,' said Pollinger.
He picked up his phone and dialled. Joe wandered to the window and looked down into the yard at the white Merc. Must be nice to afford wheels like that, he thought. But there was no real envy in the thought. A man shouldn't waste time coveting what wasn't his due. But those things that were his due, like freedom, respect and, in his own case, an old Morris Oxford, he should be willing to fight to the last drop of blood for.
He heard Pollinger say, 'Oh hello, Lucy. Darby here. Listen, I've got a chap called Sixsmith in my office, private investigator I've hired to watch out for our interests in this terrible business. I believe you've met him ... yes, that's the one. Well, it would be useful if he could talk to Felix ... how is he, by the way? Resting ... very wise so would it be all right for Sixsmith to call round some time ... yes, of course he would ... fine, of course, you get back to the invalid. Give him my best. 'Bye.'
He put the phone down. Joe turned to face him.
'OK, is it?' he said.
'Yes. I spoke to Lucy. Felix is taking it easy, it seems, resting in bed, though from the sound of it he's not making a very good patient. Banging on the floor to get her attention! Anyway, she says it will be fine for you to call, but could you ring before you go, just to make sure Felix is up to it?'
'Sure,' said Joe.
'You'll need his number. He's ex-directory.'
Not if you want a taxi, he's not, thought Joe. But it didn't seem worth the effort of explaining.
Pollinger scribbled the number on a piece of paper. Joe took it and put it in his wallet.
I'll be on my way,' he said. I'll check back with you the minute anything turns up. See you, Mr. Pollinger.'
'Yes, of course. Thank you, Mr. Sixsmith.'
On his way down the stairs he met Mrs. Mattison coming up.
He said, 'He's up there.'
'I thought he must be,' she said. 'He might have let me know.'
'Things on his mind,' said Joe with masculine solidarity. 'Nice to have met you, Mrs. Mattison.'
'You too,' she said.
He went past her but had only descended another three or four stairs when she called, 'Oh, Mr. Sixsmith
'Yes?'
He turned and looked up at her. Handsome woman. More important perhaps, she looked like she was going to tell him something.
Then she smiled and said, 'Nothing. Just Happy New Year, Mr. Sixsmith.'
'And the same to you,' said Joe.
Twenty-One.
This morning the Plezz was buzzing with activity as teams of workmen laboured to make it fit for the Grand Opening the following day.
