Whiff Of Money

Mavis flicked her pretty fingers to the door.

' On your way, Romeo.'

Girland shook his head sadly.

'If only you could realise what you are missing. A night out with me is an experience every beautiful girl dreams of.'

I can imagine,' Mavis said, unimpressed. 'He's waiting,' and putting down the ruler where she could grab it, she continued with her typing.

'The last time you kissed me...' Girland began but Mavis seized the ruler.

'Not another word from you!' she said, her face red. 'Go in there!'

The door opened and Dorey peered into the office.

'What are you waiting for, Girland? Come in... come in,' he said impatiently.

As Girland wandered into the big room, he said sadly, 'It's spring and yet there is still ice around. I find it depressing.'

'You leave my secretary alone,' Dorey snapped. He had once caught Girland kissing Mavis and the shock still irked him. 'She's a serious girl and you're wasting your time.'

Girland folded himself down in the visitor's chair. 'It's never a waste of time. Where there's a will, there's a woman.'

Dorey snorted and sat behind his desk.

'You are sure Drina was following you?'

'Of course.' Girland took the 8mm film from his pocket and put it on the desk. 'Lock it away. Now the Soviets are interested that film could be dynamite for Sherman.'

'You think Drina spotted Sherman?'

'I'm sure of it.' Girland reached for one of Dorey's hand-made cigarettes and lit it. 'I can't understand why they didn't alert the police that he was travelling on a false passport. They could have got him cold. Why follow me?'

'Kovski is a fool,' Dorey said. 'We can thank our lucky stars.'

'Well, at least, he knows you have met Sherman and there is a film involved.' Girland thought for a moment. 'If Kovski thinks this is important enough - and it's my bet he will - he will put pressure on Benny Slade.'

'Who's he?' Dorey demanded.

Girland told him.

'Benny had to see the film. The girl meant nothing to him. I had to show him the film to get a lead on the man who shot it. Kovski could work on Benny who is soft. If they twist his arm, he will sing. If Benny sings, Sherman is in real trouble.'

Dorey considered this.

'I can't do anything official, Girland. I'm relying on you. Can you protect this man?'

'Oh, sure, but it'll cost.' Girland studied Dorey. 'You did say expenses, didn't you? I don't want my money frittered away.' 'This is important. Spend what you like.' Girland looked at Dorey.

I would never have expected to hear you make such a statement,' he said. 'Well, well... of course it's Sherman's money you're spending, but even at that. ..'

Dorey banged his fist on the desk.

I want action and I want results! You'll be paid, but I want results.'

'Take it easy. I know a couple of toughies who can take care of

Benny. Instead of screaming for results, Dorey, let's have some money.'

Dorey took from his drawer a thick envelope which he tossed across the desk.

'Here's ten thousand in traveller's cheques.'

'Thank you... now I can get to work.'

Girland stowed the envelope away in his pocket.

'Don't lose them! They're unsigned!' Dorey hated to see Girland take so much money from him so casually.

'The way you're working yourself up, you're heading for an ulcer.' Girland reached for the telephone. He spoke quietly, then replaced the receiver.' That takes care of Benny.' There was a pause, then he went on, 'Maybe you had better alert Sherman the Soviets are interested in him.'

'How can I?' Dorey lifted his hands and slammed them down on his desk. T can't send him a coded cable. He's never learned to decode a cable for himself. I'm cut off from him. This is unofficial, and it has to remain unofficial.'

Girland stroked the end of his nose while he thought. 'I'm beginning to see now that I'll have to earn my money,' he said with a crooked smile. 'I'm not so sure I'm going to like this job.'

'If you don't want it then give me back my money!' Dorey barked.

'I'm not as sure as all that' Girland got up and began to move to the door.

'And leave my secretary alone!' Dorey said.

'What nasty ideas come into your little mind.' Girland looked sadly at Dorey, eased himself out of the room and closed the door.

At the sight of him, Mavis picked up the ruler.

Girland came slowly over to her desk, placed his hands on it and leaned towards her.

'My father told me never to be afraid of a pretty girL Since you are the loveliest star in my sky... kiss me.'

She stared at him for a long moment, then slowly put down the ruler as Dorey opened his door.

'You still here, Girland?'

Mavis returned to her typing and Girland straightened up. He regarded Dorey with an exasperated expression.

'The only person who could ever have loved you was your mother,' he said, 'and I am sorry for her.'

'Never mind about my mother,' Dorey snapped. 'You get off and earn your money.'

Girland glanced at Mavis who was pounding away on her typewriter, shook his head and moved out into the corridor.

As he closed the door after him, Dorey stamped back into his office.

Without pausing in her typing, Mavis smiled.