'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 had 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,
