‘That sounds like famous last words to me. Just what is this wonderful device?’
‘It is an electronic eye one of the factories installed,’ Alice told him. ‘Once it is switched on you can’t go near the door of the vault without setting off alarms at the sheriff’s office and the Federal Bureau’s office at Downside…’
‘Sounds fine: so we just don’t have to bother our heads? It’s not our responsibility?’
‘No. We lend the vault, but we’re not responsible.’
‘But we do have to remain here late every Friday?’
‘Yes, we do have to do that.’
‘And it looks as if I’m going to be a little late tonight. I have another half hour’s work to do. Have you finished?’
‘Yes.’
‘Well, okay, you get off. I’ll lock up.’
‘Can’t I help you?’
He gave her his charming smile.
‘Thanks, no. I have to write this report about Mr. Lamb. I’ll be back in time for dinner.’
She smiled nervously at him and went out of the office. After a few minutes, she came back wearing her hat and coat.
‘I’ll lock myself out,’ she said.
What an awful taste in clothes this girl has, Calvin thought as he got to his feet. She was wearing a mustard- coloured coat with a green collar that made her complexion seem muddy. Her big dowdy hat half hid her face.
‘I’ll let you out,’ he said and walked with her to the door. ‘Tell Mrs. Loring I won’t be late for dinner.’
He watched her walk towards the bus stop, then as he was closing the door, he suddenly realised that across the street was the sheriff’s office. He could see the sheriff’s ten-gallon hat hanging on a peg through the big, lighted window that was half screened to hide the actual office. As a symbol of authority, the hat made Calvin stiffen and stare. He stood for a long moment staring at the hat, then he closed the door and locked it.
He remained, his hand on the door handle, thinking, then he went behind the counter, opened the door leading to the vault and descended the ten steps into the cold, steel-lined room. Facing him was the door of the vault with its two elaborate locks. He could see no sign of an electronic eye. He stared at the door for some minutes, then humming tunelessly, he left the vault, closed and locked the door and returned to his office.
He sat at his desk and stared sightlessly at his half-written report.
Three hundred thousand dollars! Was this the chance he had been waiting for for seventeen long, dreary years? The sum was certainly worth great risks, but just what were the risks?
‘I’m here for at least six months,’ he said to himself. ‘I mustn’t rush this thing. I have plenty of time. I must see how the money is delivered, how this electronic gadget works. I must find out if there is any weakness in the security measures these people have taken to protect their money. If I am going to take this money, I must be absolutely certain no one will know I have taken it. That’s how every bank robbery fails. Once the Federal agents know who has taken the money, you’re as good as cooked. The trick in this set-up is not to let them have a clue that you have taken it. If you can do that, if you are patient enough not to spend a cent of the money until the heat is off, you stand a ninety-nine per cent chance of getting away with it. These odds are worth the risk when three hundred thousand dollars are for the having.’
With an effort he shelved these thoughts and finished his report about Joe Lamb. Then he turned off the lights and left the bank.
As he edged his car into the big garage at the back of the rooming-house, he saw Kit getting out of her car.
‘Hello,’ he said. ‘Have you just got in?’
She was wearing a short leather coat and black slacks. She rested her hips against the fender of the car and surveyed him coolly.
‘I’ve been to the movies. Now I must rush. It’s Flo’s night off.’
He came closer to her. He took out his pack of cigarettes and offered it. They both lit up.
‘I’m a handy man,’ he said, switching on his charm. ‘Can’t I help? I’d like to. I get bored sitting up in my room waiting to eat.’
Her brown eyes studied him with that odd, amused expression that slightly irritated him. It was as if she were
