The Scarletti Inheritance - By Robert Ludlum Page 0,74

Canfield was struck again by the intensity of the red wallpaper and the black drapes. 'I'll inquire, sir,' said the housekeeper as she started toward the stairs.

In a few minutes Janet came down the long staircase, followed by a waddling Hannah. She was very much composed. Her eyes were clear, aware, and devoid of the panic he had remembered. She was in command and without question a beautiful woman.

Canfield felt a sudden sting of inferiority. He was outclassed.

'Why, Mr. Canfield, this is a surprise.'

He could not determine whether her greeting was meant to be pleasant or not. It was friendly, but cool and reserved. This girl had learned the lessons of the old money well.

'I hope not an unwelcome one, Mrs. Scarlett.'

'Not at all.'

Hannah had reached the bottom step and walked toward the dining room doors. Canfield quickly spoke again. 'During my trip I ran across a fellow whose company makes dirigibles. I knew you'd be interested.' Canfield watched Hannah out of the corner of his eye without moving his head. Hannah had turned abruptly and looked at the field accountant.

'Really, Mr. Canfield? Why would that concern me?' The girl was mystified.

'I understand your friends on Oyster Bay were determined to buy one for their club. Here, I've brought all the information.

Purchase price, rentals, specifications, the works - Let me show you.'

The field accountant took Janet Scarlett's elbow and led her swiftly toward the living room doors. Hannah hesitated ever so slightly but, with a glance from Canfield, retreated into the dining room. Canfield then closed the living room doors.

'What are you doing? I don't want to buy a dirigible.'

The field accountant stood by the doors, motioning the girl to stop talking.

'What?'

'Be quiet for a minute. Please.' He spoke softly.

Canfield waited about ten seconds and then opened the doors in one swinging motion.

Directly across the hallway, standing by the dining room table, was Hannah and a man in white overalls, obviously one of the painters. They were talking while looking over toward the living room doors. They were now in full view of Canfield's stare. Embarrassed, they moved away.

Canfield shut the door and turned to Janet Scarlett. 'Interesting, isn't it?'

'What are you doing?'

'Just interesting that your help should be so curious.'

'Oh, that.' Janet turned and picked up a cigarette from a case on the coffee table. 'Servants will talk and I think you've given them cause.'

Canfield lit her cigarette. 'Including the painters?'

'Hannah's friends are her own business. They're no concern of mine. Hannah's barely a concern of mine - '

'You don't find it curious that Hannah nearly tripped when I mentioned a dirigible?'

'I simply don't understand you.'

'I admit I'm getting ahead of myself.'

'Why didn't you telephone?'

'If I had, would you have seen me?'

Janet thought for a minute. 'Probably - Whatever recriminations I had over your last visit wouldn't be any reason to insult you.'

'I didn't want to take that gamble.'

That's sweet of you and I'm touched. But why this very odd behavior?'

There was no point in delaying any longer. He took the envelope out of his pocket. 'I've been asked to give you this. May I sit down while you read it?'

Janet, startled, took the envelope and immediately recognized her mother-in-law's handwriting. She opened the envelope and read the letter.

If she was astonished or shocked, she hid her emotions well.

Slowly she sat down on the sofa and put out her cigarette. She looked down at the letter and up at Canfield, and then back to the letter. Without looking up, she asked quietly, 'Who are you?'

'I work for the government. I'm an official... a minor official in the Department of the Interior.'

'The government? You're not a salesman, then?'

'No, I'm not.'

•You wanted to meet me and talk with me for the government?'

'Yes.''

'Why did you tell me you sold tennis courts?'

'We sometimes find it necessary to conceal our employment. It's as simple as that.'

'I see.'

'I assume you want to know what your mother-in-law means in the letter?'

'Don't assume anything.' She was cold as she continued. 'It was your job to meet me and ask me all those amusing questions?'

'Frankly, yes.'

The girl rose, took the necessary two steps toward the field accountant, and slapped him across the face with all her strength. It was a sharp and painful blow. 'You son of a bitch! Get out of this house!' She still did not raise her voice. 'Get out before I call the police!'

'Oh, my God, Janet, will you stop it!' He grabbed her shoulders as she tried to wriggle away. 'Listen to me!