Troubled Deaths Read Free Page B

than the way in which she dressed: most of the furniture had been bought in a second-hand shop or from people leaving the island and nothing matched, much was dingy. ‘Who told you about this partnership?’
    ‘Teddy did, of course. You can’t think what a wonderful chance it is for him, Mabel. All his life . . .’
    ‘Why should Mena offer him a partnership?’
    ‘He’s a first class worker and knows everything about boats.’
    ‘But does he ever work? Whenever I see him, he’s lounging around the place, doing nothing.’
    ‘Of course you haven’t seen him actually working as you’ve never been in the boatyard and hardly ever go along the harbour. When you see him in the Port, he’s taking a break.’
    ‘Seven hours’ break and one hour’s work a day.’ Caroline laughed. ‘You’re just prejudiced! I’m sure you don’t believe anyone works who isn’t in an office. Teddy’s not cut out for that sort of life. He’s always loved boats and his one burning ambition has always been to have his own business. Now Ramon’s offered him the chance and he’s over the moon with excitement.’
    ‘He’ll never be given a work permit.”Yes, he will. All Ramon has to prove is that Teddy will be doing a job a Mallorquin can’t and since he’ll be dealing with the English-speaking foreigners that’s obvious. Another thing, the business employs several Mallorquins so it’ll be even easier . . . Look, why don’t you come along to the boatyard with me and see what he’s doing now. It’s fascinating to see the kind of work he does.’ ‘I don’t like boats. They make me seasick.’ Caroline laughed again. ‘The one he’s working on now would have a bit of a job! It’s in a cradle up on dry land. Come on, let’s go and see him when we’ve finished our drinks.’
    ‘Why are you going on and on about it?’ ‘Because I want you to realize he isn’t the layabout you seem to think he is.’
    ‘Jason told me he’s lazy and hopelessly incompetent.’ ‘You know that Jason doesn’t like anyone who doesn’t dress in silk shirts and manicure his nails twice a day. And I happen to know why Jason’s talking like that. He got Teddy to revarnish the deck of his yacht and now he won’t pay up, but keeps making excuses and inventing complaints. It’s terrible when you think that Jason’s as rich as Croesus and Teddy hasn’t a penny.’
    ‘If he hasn’t any money, he won’t be able to pay the million and a half, will he?’
    ‘No . . . Not unless he can borrow it.’
    ‘No bank’s going to be that stupid. Give him one and a half million and he’d be out of the country as fast as he could run.’
    ‘That’s being ridiculous.’
    ‘You haven’t learned what men are like.’
    ‘But Teddy could be trusted with a hundred million . . . Mabel, if you can, will you lend it to him? It could all be done legally and if you’re still so worried the money could be paid directly to Ramon. Teddy would give you full interest and so you’d be benefiting and you’d be giving him the chance of a lifetime.’
    ‘The chance to go on drifting.’
    ‘Don’t be so prejudiced . . .’
    ‘I’ve seen dozens like him. They come out here because the drink’s cheap and the women are even cheaper and they just drift around expecting to live on charity. There’s a very crude word for them - beach-bums.’
    ‘That’s not Teddy.’
    ‘No? Then why didn’t he have the courage to come and ask me for the money face to face instead of making you do it?’
    ‘He doesn’t even know I’ve asked. It was entirely my idea.’
    ‘Nonsense! He’s hiding behind your skirts, but you’re far too nice to realize it. You’re too kind-hearted. Someone’s only got to invent a new hard-luck story for you to get all worried and upset about him. You must stop believing everything you hear and learn to be suspicious. If you don’t, one of these days you’re going to find out the truth about men in the nastiest way.’ Her mouth