Hurricane Hole

by John Kerr

  ‘If it looks like he’s game, tell him you’re planning to meet me Friday night.’

  ‘Well,’ said Evelyn. ‘That’s easy enough. Hope Town. With its famous lighthouse.’

  ‘If he goes for it,’ said Hamilton, walking over to her and placing his arms around her, ‘we’ll work out the details.’

  She gave him a kiss. ‘Tom,’ she murmured, ‘if we get through this …’

  ‘Yes,’ he said, stroking her hair.

  ‘I love you,’ she whispered. ‘I want to be with you.’

  ‘What about your husband?’

  ‘It’s over. I’m asking for a divorce. Tom?’ She gazed in his eyes. ‘Will you have me?’

  ‘God, Evelyn, I’m crazy about you. Now, I’m afraid Carter’s waiting.’

  Evelyn placed the call to Ericsson from the living room at Greycliff. ‘It’s Mrs Shawcross,’ she said to the servant who answered.

  ‘Why, Evelyn,’ said Ericsson after a brief delay, ‘what a pleasant surprise.’

  ‘I have some information for you.’

  ‘What sort of information?’

  ‘I’d prefer to discuss it in person. Could you come by for a cocktail?’

  ‘Well, that’s very kind, but I’d have to know what this concerns.’

  ‘It concerns the matter you were so anxious about.’

  ‘There’s something to report?’

  ‘Yes. I should think you’d want to know right away.’

  ‘Undoubtedly. I’ll see you at seven.’

  ‘I’ll be expecting you.’ Gently hanging up, she took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. Now she would simply have to wait.

  Charley Katz studied the photograph on the front page of the newspaper. It had to be a stock photo, he reasoned, for he’d never seen Oakes in that Homburg nor the plaid suit that was way too heavy for the tropical climate. Jesus, he thought as he tossed the paper on the car seat. Katz could scarcely believe that Oakes had given the newspaper an interview. He could imagine Meyer Lansky’s reaction when he read that quote, bragging that if anybody built a casino on Hog Island it would be Harry Oakes. Maybe you could have so much money it made you stupid. The thought was strangely depressing.

  Fidgeting in the cramped seat, Katz wondered how much longer he could stand keeping watch on the Shawcross mansion to see if she came out, which was almost never, or if she had any callers. So far she’d had none. Just that man of hers driving around at night in the old Buick. And now that Lansky would be steamed at the article in the paper, things might get a little dicey. Maybe it was time to move on. In the gathering dusk he was aware of the deep, throaty exhaust of a large car and caught a glimpse in the side-mirror of headlights swinging onto the street. Slumping down, he listened to the vehicle’s approach. A black Jaguar saloon, polished to a mirror finish, rolled by slowly and came to a stop in front of Greycliff. Hmm, thought Katz, peering over the dashboard. A burly man in a light-coloured suit, with a head of silver hair, emerged from the back seat and started up the path. Before he reached the front door, someone inside switched on the porch lights. As soon as he rang, the green door swung open, admitting the silver-haired man. When the door closed behind him, the Jaguar pulled out from the kerb and sped away, red tail-lights vanishing in the gloaming.

  Evelyn waited nervously as Samuel showed Nils Ericcson up the stairs. She was wearing her blue chiffon dress and a stole over her bare shoulders, with a sapphire and diamond pendant on a gold chain. Squaring her shoulders, she smiled bravely as Ericsson came up.

  ‘Good evening, my dear,’ he said in his thick accent, as he took her hand and lightly kissed it. ‘You look marvellous.’

  ‘Thank you,’ she said with forced politeness, as Ericcson gazed around the handsomely appointed room. ‘Let’s have our cocktails on the veranda,’ she suggested. ‘It’s quite pleasant this time of the evening.’

  ‘Very well.’

  ‘Samuel,’ said Evelyn to the servant. ‘Would you get Mr Ericsson a drink? I’ll have champagne.’

  ‘Vodka,’ specified Ericsson. ‘Over ice.’

  Evelyn led the way to the open veranda. ‘This is fantastic,’ said Ericsson, surveying the lawn and gardens, enclosed by tall tropical trees. ‘I’m an admirer of good horticulture.’ Samuel appeared with their drinks. When they were alone, Ericsson raised his glass and looked at Evelyn. ‘Now,’ he said after taking a sip, ‘what do you have for me?’

  ‘He called.’

  After a fruitless surveillance of the Shawcross house for over a week, Charley Katz was intrigued by the arrival of the older gentleman in the Jaguar. As dusk settled over the quiet neighbourhood, he climbed out of the car, crossed the street, and approached the house. Lights were burning on the second storey, while the rooms below were dark. Peering into the twilight, he noticed a gate on the left. Hoping to get a closer look, he tried the gate, found it unlocked, and entered the garden. Carefully making his way along a flagstone path, he was aware of muffled voices. Katz looked up, where he could see an open veranda and hear a man and woman engaged in conversation. He grasped a sturdy branch of a banyan, swung himself up and, with infinite care, silently ascended until he was within five feet of the railing.

  ‘Hamilton?’ said Ericsson, arching his eyebrows.

  ‘Yes,’ said Evelyn. ‘He called yesterday.’

  ‘From America?’

  ‘No. From the Bahamas.’

  ‘Ah,’ said Ericsson with a smile. ‘I was sure he’d come back.’

  ‘He wants to see me.’

  ‘Well, well. I’m pleased you took our conversation to heart.’ Ericsson leaned over the railing, peering out into the darkness.

  ‘You must promise me,’ said Evelyn, ‘that no harm will come to my husband.’

  He turned around and stared at her. ‘You have nothing to fear so long as you co-operate. I assume Hamilton is staying with his friend, the Jew Sassoon?’

  ‘No. He’s staying on one of those tiny islands – cays I believe they’re called – north of here. He wants me to join him for the weekend.’

  ‘Ah,’ said Ericsson, ‘a romantic getaway. What could be more perfect. You shall lead me there.’

  Oh, my God, thought Evelyn. It was exactly as Tom had predicted. ‘If you like,’ she said, sipping her champagne.

  Katz clung tightly to the tree trunk, desperately trying to remain still and to concentrate on every word of the peculiar conversation.

  ‘Where, exactly, is Hamilton staying?’ asked Ericsson.

  ‘A place called Hope Town. He said it’s famous for its lighthouse.’

  ‘Hope Town,’ repeated Ericsson. ‘I’m sure my men can find it.’ He swirled his glass. ‘Well, Evelyn,’ he said, ‘this could not have come at a more opportune moment.’

  ‘Why is that?’ she said, as casually as she was able.

  ‘The Germans are preparing to strike. You see, I’ve built them a base for their U-boats at my marina. In a matter of days, they’ll assault the island, seize Oakes Field, and place the duke under house arrest.’

  ‘Oh, my goodness,’ said Evelyn, feigning shock. ‘Will the duke and duchess be all right?’

  Ericsson smiled indulgently. ‘They’ll be treated with the greatest consideration. The duke could be very useful, you know, in bringing your countrymen to their senses.’ Evelyn nodded. ‘My only fear,’ continued Ericsson, ‘was that this American might spoil our plans. But thanks to you’ – he looked in her eyes – ‘we have nothing to worry about.’

  From his perch on the sturdy bough, Charley Katz’s mind was spinning. Germans, he thought … a goddamn U-boat base! And she’s obviously in on it….

  ‘When is he expecting you?’ asked Ericsson.

  ‘Friday evening. I’m waiting for him to call with the specifics. And I’ll have to arrange a boat. I was hoping you could help.’

  ‘Naturally, my dear,’ said Ericsson in an avuncular tone, reaching over to pat her arm. ‘We’ll take my motor-launch, with my best men.’

  ‘When you find
Hamilton,’ she asked, looking Ericsson in the eye, ‘what will you do?’

  ‘Kill him,’ replied Ericsson. ‘We haven’t any alternative.’

  Shivering with a sudden chill, Evelyn said, ‘Let’s go to the living room. We can get you another drink.’

  Once their voices faded away, Katz slowly and carefully made his way down, dropping onto the damp soil as silently as a cat. After resuming his vigil in the car to see if any other strange visitors arrived, he would report his amazing discovery first thing in the morning.

  Standing at the window in Sir Philip’s study, Hamilton watched the sunset, bands of gold and orange streaking the horizon, and the lights along the pier glittering in the dark water. At the sound of the lift, he turned as the door opened and Sir Philip propelled himself forward. ‘There you are,’ said Sir Philip with a smile, rolling up and giving Tom a firm handshake. ‘Marnie should be joining us. I thought that while we have a moment you might share some of the details.’

  Hamilton followed Sir Philip to his accustomed place in the study and sat down next to him. ‘After tonight,’ he said, ‘we should be set.’

  ‘I gather Evelyn was co-operative?’

  ‘To be honest, I was surprised by her enthusiasm. Once I explained that it was a way to get Ericsson behind bars, she came right around.’

  ‘Interesting,’ commented Sir Philip. ‘She’s seeing the man this evening?’

  ‘Yes, she phoned to say he accepted her invitation. She’s planning to tell him I’m holed up on one of these cays and invited her to join me.’

  ‘Do you suppose he’ll fall for it?’ asked Sir Philip.

  ‘I’d lay ten-to-one odds.’

  Sir Philip smiled, but then fixed Hamilton in his gaze. ‘You’re no doubt aware,’ he said, ‘that he’ll come with a body of well-armed men. How do you plan to handle them?’

  Leaning forward, Hamilton said, ‘The navy’s agreed to provide me three of their UDT men. One of our destroyers will be standing offshore.’

  ‘UDT men?’ Sir Philip arched his eyebrows.

  ‘Underwater demolition teams,’ explained Hamilton. ‘Popularly known as ‘frogmen’. They’re trained like your SOE commandos. Experts in hand-to-hand combat.’

  ‘I see.’

  ‘Evelyn will tell them she’s meeting me after dark at a café in town. Once they’re on their way, she’ll head for the lighthouse and wait for me at the lighthouse-keeper’s shack. Carter knows the man. In case something goes wrong, he can look after her.’

  Sir Philip sat silently in his cane-backed wheelchair, giving Hamilton an appraising look. ‘A sound enough plan,’ he said at last. ‘But its success largely hinges on Evelyn. Either she’s very courageous … or very much in love.’

  ‘Don’t let me interrupt,’ said Marnie, as she appeared at the top of the stairs. She stopped and stared at Tom with one hand on her hip.

  ‘Not at all, darling,’ said Sir Philip cheerfully. ‘We were just finishing our, ah, official chat.’

  Walking slowly over to Hamilton, Marnie said, ‘I hope you got Evelyn fixed up with a ride home.’

  ‘Now, how would you know—?’ said Hamilton.

  ‘I don’t suppose that was your lipstick on the coffee cup.’

  ‘Now, now,’ objected Sir Philip. ‘Leave poor Tom alone. He was merely—’

  ‘I know,’ said Marnie. ‘Doing his duty.’

  ‘If it weren’t for Evelyn,’ said Hamilton, ‘we’d be in a real jam.’

  ‘Tom’s right,’ said Sir Philip. ‘Mrs Shawcross has agreed to help with the plan to detain Ericsson.’

  ‘Well,’ said Marnie, ‘you’d better be careful. I warned you not to fall for that woman, but you wouldn’t listen.’ Taking a step closer, she said, ‘There’s something about her I don’t understand.’ Both men gave her a questioning look.

  ‘Call it female intuition,’ she said. ‘But promise you’ll be careful.’

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  SLAPPING A MOSQUITO at his neck, Charley Katz flung open his cheap canvas suitcase and rapidly began emptying the contents of the chest of drawers. In a matter of minutes the suitcase was bulging as he forced it shut and fastened the clasps. Slipping on his fedora, he briskly walked to the telephone on the bedside table. On his two previous attempts to contact his employer he’d been curtly informed that Sir Harry was not to be disturbed. Well, it was almost noon, and if he couldn’t reach him on the phone, he’d drive over and demand to see him. He dialled the number, impatiently gave the operator his name, and to his surprise, she put him through.

  ‘Hello, Charley,’ said Oakes. ‘What’s up?’

  ‘Say, Harry. We need to talk. Not over the phone,’ said Katz in almost a whisper. ‘I’ve got somethin’ big.’

  ‘Maybe later. I’m busy—’

  ‘No, it won’t wait. This is serious, boss.’

  ‘Oh … Well, come on over. But it better be good.’

  Hanging up, Katz wiped the sweat from his brow and lifted the heavy suitcase. With a final glance around the squalid room, he was out the door. After tossing the suitcase into the trunk of his car, he jumped in and sped out the road to Cable Beach. Within minutes he arrived at Westbourne and hurried inside, where the archly superior butler led him to the library. Rapping lightly, Jenkins swung open the door and announced, ‘Mr Katz.’

  Katz stepped past him, nervously clutching his hat.

  Glaring from behind his desk, Oakes leaned forward and said, ‘OK, Charley. What’s so important you can’t spill it over the phone?’

  Glancing over his shoulder to make sure the door was shut, Katz said, ‘I was keeping a lookout at the Shawcross place last night, and this big British sedan pulls up.’ Katz began pacing. ‘And this heavy-set fellow gets out – an older guy with silver hair – and goes straight in. It’s getting dark, so I figure I might as well try to get a better look.’

  ‘Get to the point,’ said Oakes. ‘And stop that pacing.’

  Halting abruptly, Katz stared for a moment. ‘Well,’ he said, awkwardly immobile, ‘I went around to the back. I could hear ’em talking on this upstairs balcony so I shinnied up a tree, just below where they was talking.’

  ‘They? Who?’

  ‘The Shawcross dame and this guy. Anyways, Harry, you’re not gonna believe this.’

  ‘Goddamn it, Charley, get to the point!’

  ‘The guy had an accent. He’s asking her about Hamilton, and she tells him Hamilton called her. Like she’s reporting it to him. He thinks Hamilton’s in the States, like we figured, but no, she says, he’s in the Bahamas, but not Nassau. Up at some little island.’

  ‘It had to be Ericsson,’ said Oakes thoughtfully.

  ‘Yeah, I guess so. So she tells him she can lead him to Hamilton’s hideout. Jeez, some friend, right? And the guy, Ericsson, is dying to get his hands on him.’

  ‘Let me get this straight,’ said Oakes, narrowing his eyes. ‘Evelyn Shawcross was offering to lead Ericsson to Hamilton, so Ericsson could—’

  ‘Kill him.’

  ‘What?’ Sir Harry’s eyes opened wide.

  ‘Said it just like that, like he was gonna pluck a chicken. But that’s not all.’

  Taking a deep breath, Oakes sat up straight and said, ‘What else?’

  ‘He sort of bragged to her that he’d built the Germans a U-boat base at his marina.’ Oakes slumped in his chair. ‘Get this,’ said Katz, leaning on the desk. ‘He tells her the Germans are gonna take over the island and put the goddamn Duke of Windsor under arrest!’

  ‘Oh, my God,’ said Oakes. ‘Charley … are you sure? You hadn’t been drinking?’

  ‘Why, no. Not while I’m on duty. And I heard every word.’

  ‘So,’ muttered Oakes, ‘Ericsson’s working for the Germans….’

  ‘And the Shawcross woman is working for Ericsson,’ said Katz. ‘The way I got it.’

  ‘Hamilton must be on to them,’ said Oakes, his eyes growing even wider. ‘So Mrs Shawcross betrays him when she learns
where he’s hiding out.’

  ‘And Ericsson plans to knock him off. To keep him from causing trouble.’

  ‘A U-boat base,’ said Oakes. ‘My, God, Charley, we’ve got to stop this!’

  ‘Yeah, but how?’ said Katz glumly. ‘We don’t have any proof. Just my word. And I might have a problem explaining what I was doing up in that tree.’

  ‘Yes. Yes, you might…’

  ‘Listen, boss, things are getting too hot around here. This guy’s not our only problem.’

  Oakes gave Katz a curious look. ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘I got a call this morning from one of Lansky’s boys. He says, you don’t listen too good. You got concrete ears. He was really steamed.’

  ‘What? What for?’

  ‘For the goddamn article in the paper is what for. He says, “So Oakes is gonna open a casino in Nassau? We warned you,” he says, “but you didn’t think we was serious. If you know what’s good for you, clear out of town. We’re gonna have to teach Oakes a lesson.”’

  ‘He said that?’

  ‘That’s exactly what he said.’

  ‘Charley, this is no good. We’ve got to come up with a plan….’

  ‘Sorry, boss.’ Katz slipped on his fedora. ‘I’m leaving. It’s too dangerous, what with the Germans and the mob.’

  ‘I won’t allow it,’ said Oakes with a thump of his fist on the desk.

  With a tight-lipped smile, Katz raised a finger to the brim of his hat. ‘Good luck, Harry,’ he said. ‘You’ll think of something. I’m on the next flight out.’

  Carter knelt beside the gleaming bow of the Chris Craft, working polish into the grain with a chamois as a group of gulls floated overhead, almost motionless in the steady breeze. Carter rose to his feet as Hamilton started down the pier, lugging a wooden box. ‘Let me give you a hand,’ said Carter. The two men carefully lowered the box next to the stern.

  ‘Whew,’ said Hamilton, wiping sweat from his eyes. ‘That’s the last of it.’