The Toff and the Fallen Angels

The Toff and the Fallen Angels Read Free

Book: The Toff and the Fallen Angels Read Free
Author: John Creasey
Tags: Crime
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smile. ‘Would it be better for you to tell me more about the hostel, rather than have me ask a lot of questions?’
    She considered, and then answered: ‘If you will answer me one question satisfactorily, I will gladly answer all of yours.’
    â€˜That’s fair enough,’ said Rollison, feeling more and more curious every moment. ‘I’ll try to be satisfactory!’
    â€˜Thank you. The question is, are you strongly prejudiced against young women whom you call ‘fallen angels’? Do you condemn them out of hand as being beyond the pale?’
    Rollison began to like this woman very much. He settled further back in his chair, placed the tips of his fingers together and appeared to look over the rim of non-existent glasses. He contrived, in those moments, to appear a little like the caricature of a pedantic parson.
    â€˜No,’ he said. ‘I do not. On the other hand I don’t see the wisdom or expediency of encouraging them unduly.’ After a fractional pause, he went on: ‘Is that satisfactory?’
    â€˜Yes,’ she said, smiling again. ‘Yes. Ask me whatever you wish.’
    â€˜Very well,’ said Rollison. ‘Will you stay for lunch?’
    She was obviously taken aback, almost confused.
    â€˜How very nice of you! I—’ there was another fractional pause. ‘Yes, I would like that very much. Thank you.’
    â€˜I have a feeling we’re going to need a little time,’ said Rollison. ‘Excuse me.’ He pressed a bell push in the wall by the fireplace where logs replaced the winter’s fires. ‘It won’t be anything fancy . . . Oh, Jolly, Mrs Smith will be staying to lunch.’
    â€˜Very good, sir,’ Jolly said, and withdrew.
    Naomi Smith looked at the doorway in which he had appeared for a moment, but repressed the impulse to comment on Jolly. She seemed to settle back in her chair, more at ease. Rollison, having had time to study her, found it difficult to explain his first reaction; she was plain, certainly, but somehow, when studied feature, by feature, there seemed no reason for the general effect.
    She looked back at him.
    â€˜Exactly what would you like to know, Mr Rollison?’
    â€˜I think I’d like to learn more about these angels. How many are there?’
    â€˜When we are full - twenty-five.’
    â€˜And they can all afford the hostel?’
    â€˜I don’t quite understand you.’
    â€˜Isn’t the kind of hostel you have described expensive?’
    â€˜The girls don’t pay,’ she said.
    Rollison said, groping: ‘You mean this is a state-sponsored institution?’
    â€˜No,’ answered Naomi Smith, her expression changing as if something had touched her with disappointment. ‘You are prejudiced against young people, aren’t you?’
    â€˜Not knowingly,’ replied Rollison. ‘What makes you think so?’
    â€˜Your last remark made it sound as if you were about to say that it was time young people fended for themselves, instead of being spoon-fed by the state.’
    Rollison chuckled.
    â€˜And that is exactly what I feel about some youngsters. Don’t you ?’ The question came very quickly and there was a glint in his eyes.
    She hesitated; and then laughed in turn.
    â€˜I suppose I do, about some. Have I given the impression that I - and the hostel supporters - are overindulgent towards the girls?’
    â€˜You have, rather,’ said Rollison frankly. ‘Will you have another gin and French?’
    She looked speculatively at her glass, before saying: ‘No thank you. Mr Rollison—’
    â€˜Yes?’
    â€˜I really am deeply troubled, and I really think from what I’ve heard of you that you are perhaps the only man who both could and would help. It is true that the girls are indulged in some ways. The problem of each, differs in kind, of course, and each one needs special treatment and

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