The Soft Centre

Lepski sneered at him, then nodding to Williams, he walked into the apartment block.

The porter, standing behind the big desk, eyed him suspiciously. He recognised him as a cop.

‘Seen Mr. Hardy go up?’ Lepski asked.?‘He went up five minutes ago,’ the porter said. ‘If you want him, I’ll call him.’?‘No, you don’t,’ Lepski said, giving the porter a hard stare. ‘Keep your paws off the telephone or I’ll make your future life a misery.’

Then again nodding to Williams, he went across the lobby and entered the elevator. As they ascended to the top floor, Williams said, ‘So what do we do now?’

‘I’m not expecting trouble,’ Lepski said. ‘Hardy wouldn’t be such a mug as to hide those two in his place. I ring on the bell and walk in. You keep out of sight, behind the wall. If trouble starts, then come in shooting, but for God’s sake make sure you don’t shoot me. Get it?’

Williams said he got it.

The elevator came to a halt opposite Hardy’s ornate front door. Lepski and Williams moved out into the wide corridor. Lepski showed Williams where he should stand. He winked at him.

‘Don’t lay an egg,’ he said. ‘This should be an easy one.’

Williams watched him step up to the front door and ring the bell. He had to admire Lepski’s cool courage. He was no more ruffled than if he were calling on a Mormon Bishop.

There was a pause, then the door opened and Gina stood there. Lepski could see into the lounge. Hardy and a tall, slim girl were staring towards him. He didn’t hesitate. He walked forward, riding Gina out of his way.

‘Hey! Who are you?’ Gina said shrilly. ‘What…?’

But by then Lepski had entered the lounge. He and Hardy looked at each other. Hardy knew Lepski and he lost colour.

‘What do you mean busting in like this?’ he blustered. ‘I’m busy. What is it?’

Lepski was now looking at Val with puzzled, probing eyes. Where had he seen this girl before? he asked himself. Who was she?

‘Take it easy,’ he said to Hardy. ‘I don’t know your girl friend. Show some manners. Introduce me.’

‘When I want you in my place, I’ll invite you,’ Hardy snarled. ‘You…’?‘I said introduce me, boy.’

Gina came in.?‘This is Mary Sherrek of the Miami Sun,’ she said.

Lepski knew Mary Sherrek well. She often bothered him, trying to get information. He looked steadily at Val who faced him, her eyes big, her body tense.

‘Is that right? I’m Detective Officer Tom Lepski. Always glad to meet the Press.’ ‘Miss Sherrek is leaving,’ Gina said.?‘Not right now.’ Lepski moved so he could watch the three of them. ‘She could have a nice little story for her paper. I’m great at giving press hand-outs. Stick around, sister. Get your little book ready.’

Hardy said, ‘Just what do you want?’?‘Jacko and Moe. Where are they?’

Why ask me? I don’t know.’

Lepski spotted the brief-case lying on the settee.?‘The Chief thinks otherwise. Those two are wanted for three murders. Now’s the time to flap with your mouth or you can get caught with an accessory rap.’

Hardy hesitated. He was horribly aware that Jacko and Moe, in the bedroom, were listening.

‘I tell you I haven’t seen them for a couple of days,’ he said finally.?‘Too bad… for you,’ Lepski said and moved quickly to the brief-case, picked it up, snapped open the lock and emptied its contents on the settee.

Hardy cursed and moved towards Lepski who turned and grinned savagely at him.?‘Want a poke in the kisser, Hardy?’ he asked. ‘What’s all this money for?’?‘It’s betting money.’ Hardy said. ‘Now, get out of here!’?‘I guess I’ll look the joint over before I go,’ Lepski said. ‘Just in case…’?‘Not without a warrant!’?‘I can get one, but I’ll look now.’?‘You do it and I’ll see you lose your badge,’ Hardy said. ‘I mean just that!’

Lepski knew he could get into trouble if he searched the penthouse without a warrant. Hardy had connections with people important enough to put him in Dutch.

‘Then I’ll get a warrant. I have a couple of men outside. Why waste time, if you have nothing to hide?’

‘Get out of here!’ Hardy repeated.

Lepski shrugged.?‘Okay, but I’ll be back.’ He started towards the door. ‘Remember! there are two of my men outside. You stay right here until I get back.’ As he passed Val, he took a firm grip on her arm.

‘Let’s go, Miss Sherrek. I have a story for you …’

Hardy and Gina stood motionless, watching Lepski lead Val out of the penthouse. Lepski closed the door behind him.

Williams, sweat beading his face, drew in a long slow breath of relief at the sight of Lepski. ‘Okay?’ he asked, staring at Val.?‘I don’t know. You stick here,’ Lepski said. ‘Don’t let anyone out. I’m getting a warrant. If anyone tries to leave, get tough. Me and the little lady are going to headquarters. You’ll have the boys with you in ten minutes.’

Williams gulped.?‘Ten minutes?’

Lepski moved Val to the elevator.?‘That’s what the man said.’ He nodded and thumbed the button. The doors swished to and the elevator began its smooth descent.

‘Just who are you?’ Lepski said, staring at Val with his hard cop’s eyes. ‘You’re not Mary Sherrek. I know her… so who are you?’