by Simon Swift
There was a short silence, broken only by the chimes of the grandfather clock, stood proudly by the southern wall. It rang eight times. I finished my drink and began...
"As most of you will know, we are gathered here today to do an exchange," The Coward grinned uncontrollably, barely able to contain his glee. "Contrary to popular belief, the item in question, the so-called Flegenheimer Diamond, has not been in my possession of late. In fact it still isn't effectively."
There was a deep sigh. The fat man had a look of confusion plastered across his colorful features.
"I knew he was bluffing, let's kill him right now!" shouted Audrey. He sat down again when he noticed Hermeez Wentz, gun in hand. Hermeez had edged from his position of solitude towards the hat-stand in the corner. From my own jacket he found it and was now holding it in his right hand.
"Come, come sir. Now it is you who are forgetting the deal. A straight exchange as agreed. We are both honorable men."
"Please bear with me. I would be much obliged it you would quieten your friends." I eyed an increasingly nervous Audrey. "I was speaking literally. The deal is on, as planned. Hermeez, please put that away, we are all gentlemen here. There will be no need for unpleasantness."
The Coward piped up. "You do have access to the stone? A courier perhaps? Always popping up in the movies, those fantastic little men and their mopeds. This is your riposte, your grande finale, am I right?"
I shook my head. "When I said that the stone was not in my possession..." I emphasized the word ‘my’, "I meant exactly that. I was merely attempting to show the shortcomings of your own ...investigations."
The Coward looked around the room and shrugged. "We got here in the end; I say we got here in the end."
"It would appear so," I agreed. "I suppose in a way it was a blessing that we crossed swords three weeks ago. It was that which prompted me into action. There was no deal on offer then, because I did not have what you desire so very much."
The Coward nodded his head vigorously. "So very fortunate you escaped," he mused. "And so very typical. I presume you now are in such a position?"
"Why else would we be here?" I asked rhetorically, noting his first confession of guilt. "Mrs. Spanner here has seen to that." I nodded at Maggie who had returned with a tray in her arms. Sitting on the tray, glinting in the light, was the majestic Flegenheimer Diamond.
It was a truly magnificent gem. Its deep blue color as spectacular as it was unique. Although not huge, it was certainly the largest diamond that I had ever held and would probably be worth enough to buy a small island on today’s market.
Or a life or two.
There was a sudden silence in the room. Maggie walked right through, ignoring the advances and placed the tray down in my lap. Cupping the sparkling gem in both hands I was the envy of the party. I beamed a wide smile as the diamond glinted in the light.
"As you can see, I now am in such a position."
All sets of eyes stared, mesmerized as I tossed it gently from hand to hand. They were truly entranced by its presence. There was no sound, no movement except the occasional blinking of eyes. I had in my hands the contents of the Bank of America, to these people the Holy Grail. These people had given their lives to chasing after it. All four corners of the earth had been searched. Years had passed. And here it was, before them, tossed from side to side by a deadbeat punk private dick.
The Coward made a kind of gurgling noise. Spittle dribbled from the corners of his mouth. He did not wipe it. He didn't reach for his handkerchief, excuse himself, or clean up his little loss of etiquette. He even failed to register the occurrence. Continuing to simply stare. Eyes wide open, blinking only sporadically, as if he didn't dare allow it to leave his sight.
I stopped tossing it and smiled. A good two minutes of silence was rudely interrupted by Marlow. She sneezed again and her cheeks went crimson.
"Bless you my dear," said Coward, his lips barely moving. His eyes still firmly on the diamond he licked his lips, wiped away the spittle and took a sip from his drink. It was as if the whistle had been blown on a game of sleeping lions. People began breathing again, scratching their little itches, blowing their noses and drinking their drinks. Still, however, there was no talk.
Marlow had an interested look on her face. She had clearly never seen the stone before, despite her claims to be its genuine owner. Probably seduced by its legend, the reputation of wealth not only of money but of company. She eyed it cunningly. Maybe planning an ambush, I thought. What would be more her? Pull a gun, make a grab for the diamond and start a chase. It was unlikely but possible. The only certain thing about Marlow was her absolute selfishness. She was in all this for herself and herself only. Dyke, the Coward, Errol Black - they were all pawns in her chess game. Pawns which she would like to use to attain access to the Queen. I smiled at her knowingly.
Phillip Coward on the other hand -if that was really his name- was a different league. He was a man who had devoted his life to this quest. He finished off his drink without moving his eyes. He then launched into a mumbling monologue. Not a bit similar to the selfish Marlow, or the ruthless killer Audrey, and not the slightest resemblance to the gangs of New York. This man cared little for the power games with mobsters. He had no time for Sicilian family ways. For controlling gaming houses, narcotics and women. He was a collector. It really was as simple as that. Okay so he was below the law. He was not afraid to do just what needed to be done. He increasingly controlled a league of bandits and criminals. Temporarily married to the Tighes or the Cortenes or the Manganos. It really made no difference; he was not a Don, not in the traditional way. His one true love in life was collecting. This much could be read by his mesmerized face, by his sheer enthusiasm to attain. When the Flegenheimer Diamond entered the room he would have done anything for it. Killing his mother, his daughter, even one of his boys, would be a small price to pay.
For the first time his natural articulacy deserted him. He stuttered through the grande quest for this most prized artifact. Telling the world with true emotion how he had tracked down the stone for twenty years from Cairo to Shanghai. From Ottawa to Broome. It was to him a great adventure and there were exciting tales to be told. But when the diamond eventually returned to America only to disappear in the Bridge shoot out, his fortunes dropped. Not only was it widely presumed that it was now firmly in the hands of the families, locked away in an untouchable vault, his health suffered. For four years, he was in and out of hospital, not knowing if the next breath would be his last. All the time he dare not divulge the full story to a soul. There was a whole entourage of people around the sick man, not one of them trustworthy. Delicate feelers were put out, long shot chances fleetingly showed themselves; a sighting in an antique shop in London, and auction in Paris, but none were accurate.
When the Coward finally recovered his full health, he knew only too well his priorities. Everything was tested, everything was tried… and the whole big sleaze began. The one thing the Coward overlooked was the role of Dyke Spanner.
"May I...?" he tentatively reached out his arms. They were trembling at the prospect.
I pulled away shaking my head. Cradling the diamond protectively in my arms. "Soon it will be yours forever. I'm sure another minute or two won't hurt?"
The Coward nodded and again sat back in his chair. He had now regained his composure and was ready to complete the deal. Timmy Matthews was due in ten minutes. By that time, we would be ready and waiting. But first the story was incomplete.
Coward put on a quizzical look. "Before we exchange…"
"You want the final chapter," I finished his sentence. Before he could even agree I finished off the story.
"All the time my men searched for you it was Spanner that had my baby," he laughed. "The cunning fox, by god. And I thought he was going to warn you off. Give you a warning to go to ground."
"A sly old devil, Dyke Spanner. Always was one step ahead of the rest."
I described how it must have been Dy
ke who walked away from the killing of Dutch Schultz with the diamond. Instead of trying for a quick sale, he put it to bed. The diamond was worth more than Dyke could ever earn, but it would also bring more heat than he cared to be under. Like any sensible criminal he would wait, whether it took him five years, ten years or a lifetime. In the end, of course, it cost him his own life.
Ten years after the event along came the mysterious man known as the Coward. He was gradually edging in on the truth and would sooner or later find out. To make it appear as if he was warning me off was Dyke's master stroke. Giving his old friend a bit of friendly advice, confirming the discovery of the incoming vultures. This would of course have only one conclusion. Erase himself from any suspicion and confirm that the diamond was my secret. Once the word was about that it was me and not Dyke that robbed the dying Dutchman our fate was sealed. A few words in the right ears and the story was complete. Escalating uncontrollably throughout the underbelly of Manhattan. The lines between myself and the Flegenheimer were now unbreakable. Ingenious as it was despicable in its treachery, it was a plan that worked. The only drawback being the bullets in his belly from the soon to be arrested shooter.
"What an appalling place New York is!" exclaimed the Coward. "Everyone's a traitor, a rat or a skunk." He paused, thinking carefully. "And still you will avenge this man, despite the fact he hung out your soul? Would money not be a better deal?"
"Take the money, Errol. The lousy traitor doesn't deserve your loyalty," shouted Audrey, now appearing to show respect and empathy. It wouldn't last.
"The deal remains the same. Dyke Spanner may have sold my name for a dollar, but he was shot down unnecessarily. And what's more he was killed by a punk. If detectives get killed by punks there's not a hope left for any of us." I nodded at Maggie who filled the glasses for the last time. "No, the deal remains the same. The killer of Woo Wang and Dyke Spanner for the stone, plus the cash adjustment that we discussed earlier. Take it or leave it."
The mention of Woo Wang caused the nameless to look up in terror. He had been sitting quietly, the delectable Marlow on his left and the blonde killer Audrey on his right. He had the look of a condemned man about him and if he really was the killer of Wang he deserved everything he was going to get.
Sweat poured from his shiny forehead. He had been uncomfortable throughout the whole exercise, shifting about nervously in his seat. Adjusting his tie continuously. Maybe he was under the impression that the Coward would help him wriggle out of it. Another few thousand dollars and his liberty would be spared. Sweat marks grew under the arms of his cream shirt. He looked hopefully at the Coward, every last drop of hope and pleading were in his eyes but the Coward dismissed him with a shake of his head.
The Coward sighed resignedly, before nodding his head. "I'm afraid the time has come."
I caught the eye of Hermeez Wentz. He still held my own gun in his hand. Throughout the proceedings, he had remained absolutely silent. Stealthily he had maneuvered towards the coat stand, but since had not made the slightest movement. A brief glimpse into his eyes was all I needed. I felt a little guilty for doubting him, although there were still things that needed ironing out. Did I not refute everything Ava had told me? Did I not insist on his loyalty to the end? No matter in life or death, did I not insist he was straight? Of course I had. I had always known there was no traitor in Hermeez Wentz... although still I doubted him.
That one moment, however, was enough to assure me that for tonight at least he was on side. It was a time that we would always remember, a confirmation, a pat on the back. Nothing need be spoken. I knew from those eyes he was ready. Nothing would go wrong, I was positive of this, but if it did Hermeez would be ready. As always, he would be there.
The nameless suddenly stood up. He was bathed in sweat, his thinning hair plastered to his scalp. He was shaking uncontrollably and had a terrified look on his face.
"Please," he screamed. "I will..."
Before he finished his garbled sentence, he clenched his fists and lunged at the fat man. There was a squeal from Marlow. All the tension that had gradually built up was now being unleashed. The killer tumbled to the floor, tripped by the outstretched leg of Audrey, the blond Satan. He landed heavily, his nose crashing heavily into the carpeted floor. Before he could move again his arms were held tightly behind his back. Audrey gave him a kick to the solar plexus and a back handed thud to the shoulder blade. The killer groaned before passing out. Audrey stood over him, one foot gently pressing down into his neck, grinning widely. "I never did like the slitty eyed son of a bitch!" he proclaimed.
"Do sit down Audrey," instructed the Coward. He had flinched and grimaced his way through the exchanges. "You have a dirty mouth, sit down!"
Once again he eyed the diamond eagerly, his hand pressed firmly together before looking into my eyes. "Here, sir, is your man. He has signed a full confession to the slaying of Wang and when he comes to his senses, he will take the rap for Spanner also. There will be no embarrassment I assure you. If there are any other outstanding homicides that your friend Lieutenant Matthews would like clearing up then…" He pursed his lips and gestured with one of his huge paws. "When the New York Police Department search his apartment they will find plenty evidence of his guilt, certainly enough to convict."
I nodded. "And the other?"
The Coward handed me an envelope. I checked it and smiled.
"Like I said sir, the time has now come." He nodded to the unconscious man, dabbing his mouth with his silk handkerchief. "You now have your fall guy, you also have your cash adjustment. And now..." he tentatively outstretched a meaty arm, "may I?"
Maggie looked at me. I could see in her eyes she was questioning me. Was this it? Was the man sprawled across the leopard skin rug my holy grail. Was he the killer of her husband, the man she once loved, but in the end didn't even like. She was extremely curious to the degree of being questionable. But in spite of all this I could see that she just wanted an end to it all. A great deal had happened throughout the last twenty-one days and she didn't know the half of it, but now she was free and to enjoy her liberty, it all had to end.
As the Coward got within an inch of the diamond, there was a loud ringing sound. It was the doorbell. Maggie Spanner immediately set off to answer the bell. She had played her role perfectly. Ignoring the bad blood from Marlow, and the discomfort of the subject, she had acted the perfect hostess. And she had done so with such dignity. Despite the fact that she was no longer in love with Dyke when he was murdered, she still cared for him. To remain silent and be so polite throughout the whole proceedings was a mighty fine effort.
I caught Marlow studying me as I watched Maggie disappear. She had remained remarkably still, not daring to contribute to the conversation. I wondered just what she was feeling as I held the diamond in my hands. The exchange was close to being complete and still there had been no offering. Maybe she planned to do her work once the Coward was in possession. But what intention would she have on me? At first, I had suspected she would urge him to exert his muscle. Maybe demand my execution. Only then would she be able to sleep easily at night.
On the other hand, maybe she had me down as weak. I had allowed her to live two nights ago, when a self-defense plea would have been a good bet. And I had made no intimations to threaten her today, despite my grave warnings. I suppose she would have been quite justified in this opinion. Alternatively, it was possible that she had feelings for me. That she simply wanted to make sure I walked away from this alive. Once I was safely out of the equation, then she could tackle the phantom, and we'd all be happy. Time would tell.
Audrey got to his feet. He looked at the Coward, holding his gun readily. Coward returned his glance with a look of indifference, and then looked to me for an explanation.
"Nothing to worry about," I assured them. "In ten minutes time the exchange will be complete and you can walk away," I looked at the shiny gem, "with this little baby for company. Do sit down Audrey, please."
The young man again looked at the Coward before duly sitting down. He slipped his gun inside his jacket, holding it out of view. Meanwhile the front door opened and there was a brief muffled exchange.
Timmy Matthews stumbled into the cluttered room. Attired in his full-length raincoat and fedora hat, he appeared the typical storybook detective. Round of belly and sharp of wit, and a face as old as an Egyptian Mummy.
Maggie immediately fixed him a drink and relieved him of his hat. Throughout this little ceremony not a word was spoken. Timmy stood in the middle of the room, towering over the fallen angel, he simply looked. His expression was initially one of surprise and then of curiosity. Slowly he examined everybody present in the room, before smiling widely.
"Well, well, you've certainly assembled an all star cast here, Eezy. Where do I start? It looks like a crooks gathering."
"Pleased you could make it Lieutenant Matthews," I introduced cheerfully. "I hope you brought your cuffs."
"Mmm," answered the thoughtful policeman. "I'm just deciding who it is that's gonna wear 'em. Any volunteers?" He smiled again surveying the room. Eyes sweeping left to right. Smiling warmly at Maggie, nodding at Hermeez, stopping momentarily on Marlow before carefully studying the Coward and his sidekick. Not for a moment did his eyes rest on the diamond, which was now glimmering on the carpeted floor.
His manner was a lot more encouraging than of late. No longer did he appear tired and in need of a rest. Much more alert and willing to participate in the deadly game I was playing. His patience was holding strong, no demands or accusation; he simply waited for the next prompt. After all, he would get all the glory. It would all be handed on a silver platter.
"Good evening, sir," piped up the Coward. "Detective Matthews?" He held out his chubby hands, awaiting confirmation.
There was none.
"I don't think I've had the pleasure."
"Oh, my name is unimportant. Actually we were just..."
"On the contrary," I interrupted, putting a friendly hand on the Coward's arm. "Phil. You are very important, as is young Audrey here." I followed Timmy's glance over to the uneasy minder. A smile was glued to his haggard face. The phantom glared in incomprehension.
