Midnight Never Comes - PC 04 (v5) Read Free Page B

hand,' he said in a whisper. 'It's shaking all over the place. Let's get out of here for Christ's sake.'
    McGuire had stopped smiling, but there was no fear on his face. He stood there, hands thrust deep into his pockets, his eyes never leaving Chavasse who was trembling so violently that he had difficulty in holding the gun steady.
    'Just stay where you are, all of you,' he said. 'I wouldn't like to guarantee what might happen if this thing goes off again.' He nodded to McGuire. 'You--throw your wallet across here.'
    McGuire didn't even hesitate. He pulled out his wallet and tossed it on to the table. Chavasse picked it up with his left hand and opened it. It was stuffed with notes.
    'How much is there here?'
    'A couple of centuries,' McGuire said calmly. 'Maybe a little more.'
    'That should take care of the damage. Anything over can go to the widows and orphans.' Chavasse glanced across at the woman and said in Chinese, 'Do you want the police in on this?'
    She shook her head. 'No--no police.'
    The kitchen door had opened behind her and two waiters and a cook stood there, all Chinese. The waiters were armed with carving knives and the cook carried a meat cleaver.
    'You better get out while you still can,' Chavasse told McGuire. 'You made a bad mistake. These people have their own ways of dealing with scum like you.'
    McGuire smiled pleasantly. 'I'll remember you, friend.' He nodded to the others and went out quickly. The door banged behind them and a moment later, the car drove rapidly away across the square. Chavasse put the Walther back in his pocket and leaned on the table, all strength going out of him in a long sigh. He looked up at the girl and grinned tiredly.
    'I think I could do with that brandy now if it's all right with you.'
    And she was angry, that was the strange thing about it. She turned on her heel and pushed past the waiters into the kitchen. Chavasse glanced at the fat man, eyebrows raised.
    'What did I do wrong?'
    'It is nothing,' the fat man said. 'She is upset. But please--your brandy.'
    He went behind the bar, found a fresh bottle and two glasses and came back to the table. 'You spoke to me in Cantonese. You have visited my country often?'
    'You could say that,' Chavasse said. 'Mainly Hong Kong.'
    'But this is fascinating. I am myself from Hong Kong and so is my niece.' He held out his hand. 'My name is Yuan Tao.'
    'Paul Chavasse.' He took the glass of brandy that Yuan Tao held out to him. 'Presumably that bunch have been here before?'
    'I understand so although I only flew in yesterday myself. I believe they have been pressing their demands here and elsewhere for some weeks now.'
    The two waiters and the cook had disappeared and now the girl returned, wearing ski pants and a Norwegian sweater. She still looked angry and her cheeks were touched with colour.
    She ignored her uncle and glared at Chavasse. 'Who are you? What do you want here?'
    Yuan Tao cut in, his voice sharp with authority. 'This is no way to speak, girl. We owe Mr. Chavasse a great deal.'
    'We owe him nothing. He has ruined everything.' She was really very angry indeed. 'Is it just a coincidence that he walks in here at such a moment?'
    'Strangely enough it was just that,' Chavasse said mildly. 'Life's full of them.'
    'And what kind of man carries a gun in London?' she demanded. 'Only another criminal.'
    'Would a criminal have asked you if you wished for the police?' Yuan Tao said.
    Chavasse was tired and there was a slight ache somewhere behind his right eye. He swallowed the rest of his brandy and put the glass down firmly. 'It's been fun, but I think I'd better be going.'
    The girl had opened her mouth to speak again and paused, her eyes widening in astonishment. He ignored her and grinned at Yuan Tao. 'Give my love to Hong Kong.'
    He crossed to the door, opened it and was outside before either of them could reply. He buttoned his coat and a gust of wind kicked rain into his face in an oddly menacing manner as he moved into the