Notorious Read Free

recalled Sabin’s temper had been uncertain since he’d received Ben’s first letter after his marriage. “Randolph’s last report said she’d sublet her apartment effective next week, but my bet is that she’s going to leave town as soon as possible. If you want her right away, I’d better move fast.”
    “Oh, yes, I want her right away.” Sabin opened a compartment on the convenience board in front of him and pulled out a light blue jacketed manuscript and a manilla envelope and handed them both to Carey. “The script, a synopsis of the story, and the role we’re offering her, contract and airline tickets, also an advance that will permit her to settle outstanding debts.”
    “And put her in debt to you.”
    “Exactly. The airline reservation is for the day after tomorrow. That will give her time to settle her affairs and yet not enough time for her to start to wonder why Global’s willing to take a chance on her when no other studio is.”
    “Very clever,” Carey said. “And when am I to deliver these twenty pieces of silver?”
    “We’re on our way to her apartment now.” Sabin lifted a brow. “You can still back out. I’ve never seen you so reluctant to do a job.”
    “She’s got guts,” Carey said simply. “For the last three weeks I’ve been watching her every night on the evening news, and she’s taken everything they’ve thrown at her and never lost her dignity. She may be a bitch, but you still have to admire her.”
    “Speak for yourself.” Barely contained savagery tinged Sabin’s voice. “I don’t admire cheats. I only collect from them.” He drew a deep breath and when he spoke again his voice was even. “Tell her you’ll meet her at Marasef airport. We’ll take the Lear Jet to Sedikhan tonight.”
    Carey nodded as he placed the script and the envelope in his briefcase and snapped it shut. “She impresses me as being very intelligent. She’ll check with Global to be sure it’s on the up and up.”
    “She’ll get the right answer. I bought Global last week.”
    Carey’s eyes widened. “I didn’t know. Why didn’t you tell me?”
    Sabin smiled sardonically. “Because everynight when we watched the evening news I noticed just how enthralled you were with her.”
    “You thought I’d betray you? For Pete’s sake, Sabin. She’s not Helen of Troy.”
    “Close enough. I didn’t want to take the chance.” He looked out the window again. “Is she sleeping with James Delage?”
    “I told Randolph you’d inquired. He said he didn’t think so. Delage seems devoted to his wife.”
    “I didn’t ask what Randolph thought. I asked if she was sleeping with that damn shyster lawyer.”
    “Easy,” Carey said. “Randolph said he’d have a report on your desk by five this evening.”
    “Good.”
    The limousine pulled up in front of a brown-stone and the chauffeur jumped out and hurried around to open the door.
    Carey got out of the car and stood in the street looking hesitantly at Sabin. “I don’t suppose you’d change your mind?”
    “No way. Come back to the office when you’re through.” Sabin’s expression suddenly softened.“You’re doing the right thing, Carey. Believe me, she’s the kind of woman who can turn any man inside out before she’s through with him.”
    “I believe you.” Carey still hesitated. He had the feeling there was something more behind all this. “It’s just hard to—” He broke off and took a step back. “I’ll stop and have lunch before I come back to the office. I may need to wash the bad taste out of my mouth.” He wheeled and started up the steps of the brownstone.
    The chauffeur closed the car door and soon the limousine was gliding through the tree-lined streets of Greenwich Village en route to the Wyatt building.
    Sabin leaned back and closed his eyes trying to control the anger and impatience surging through him. Even though he’d known Mallory Thane would be acquitted, it had been difficult waiting until the