Vulture is a Patient Bird

Delighted with her, he had sent her off on a skiing vacation. He was sure she hadn't gone alone, but what was left of her private life was no concern of his. Then the Borgia ring affair came up and he had sent a telegram to Gstaad telling her to return immediately.

She returned by the first available aircraft and when she walked into his office, burned golden brown by the Swiss sun, her tawny hair around her shoulders, Shalik thought she looked magnificent.

He explained about the Borgia ring and was pleased by her interest.

"You will like Natal," he said. "The country is splendid. The three men who will work with you are all experts and should present no difficulties for you." He stared at his evenly burning cigar. "I think I should warn you that there are risks. Kahlenberg is dangerous."

She shrugged her beautiful shoulders. Her smile was confident.

"Many men are dangerous," she said quietly, "so are many women."

As Gaye Desmond paused beside Shalik, the three men got to their feet. While Shalik introduced them, Gaye regarded them searchingly. She liked the look of Kennedy Jones. She decided he was harmless and would be easy to handle and could be fun. Her green eyes swept over Fennel. This man was not only dangerous but he could be tricky to handle. Her experience of men and the expression in his washed out grey eyes as he looked at her, told her sooner or later, there would have to be a showdown with him. Then she took in Garry Edwards who was looking at her with an appreciative expression that she found flattering and pleasing. He was all right, she decided. Well, they were a mixed bunch to travel with, but at least two of them could be handled. The fat one was bound to be a nuisance.

"This is Miss Gaye Desmond . . . our Trojan Horse," Shalik said.

"That I love," Gaye laughed. "I would rather be Helen than the horse."

"Sit down, please." Shalik drew up a chair for Gaye. "Miss Desmond will travel with you. You will be flying to Johannesburg on Tuesday. I have arranged for your rooms at the Rand. International hotel. You will stay there until Mr. Jones has organized the expedition. I have also arranged for the hire of a helicopter which Miss Desmond and Mr. Edwards will use." He touched ash off his cigar, then went on, "I have managed to obtain a certain amount of information about Kahlenberg's place, but none of this information is completely reliable. Before you can hope to get at the ring, it is essential for Miss Desmond to get into Kahlenberg's house and check the information I have obtained: this information is to do with various security measures and where the museum is located. Miss Desmond will pose as a professional photographer after wild game. I have arranged that she is credited to Animal World which is a sound, small American magazine for whom I have done past favours. It is possible that Kahlenberg might check, and it would be stupid not to be covered. Mr. Edwards will be her professional pilot. A helicopter is the ideal machine from which to get photographs of wild animals. Kahlenberg has an airfield. You two . . ." Here Shalik looked at Gaye and Garry, "will land on the airfield. Your story will be that you saw the house from the air and can you take photographs? You will be refused, of course, but I am certain Kahlenberg will want to meet Miss Desmond."

"But suppose he doesn't?" Garry said.

Shalik frowned at him.

"I said I was certain, and that means he will. I don't use words lightly." The snub administered, Shalik went on, "I have no idea where the museum is. I imagine it must be somewhere in the house which is a vast one storey building. As the museum contains many stolen treasures, it will be well hidden and well guarded. One of my agents in Durban, some eight years ago, happened to be watching a ship unload and noticed a considerable number of crates coming ashore with Kahlenberg's name on them. Knowing I was interested in Khalenberg, he investigated. The crates came from Bahlstrom of Sweden who you may know are the best safe makers and security experts in the world." He glanced at Fennel. "Am I telling you anything new?"

Fennel grinned.

"I know all about Bahlstrom. Years ago, I worked for them. They are good."

"Yes, Mr. Fennel," Shalik said. "This is the main reason why I am hiring you." He again touched off his cigar ash and continued, "Fortunately, my agent was intelligent. He obtained a copy of the invoices from the shipping agent at some cost and sent it to me. I give it to you now to examine. It is possible with your knowledge of Bahlstrom's security system and with these invoices, you may get some idea of Kahlenberg's security setup." He handed a plastic envelope to Fennel who glanced at it and then shoved it in his hip pocket. "You have until Monday morning to let me know what you think."

"Okay," Fennel said, crossing one fat leg over the other. "I'll tell you."

Shalik turned to Garry.