A Series Of Murders – Simon Brett (1)

‘Well, it’s not sort of international.’ ‘I thought it could be. I thought it was becoming increasingly international.’ ‘Yeah, but not at the same level as the music business or feature films.’ ‘Well . . .’ ‘Apart from anything else, the money’s peanuts, isn’t it?’ Since the three months of the Stanislas Braid contract would be the best- paid three months of his life, Charles didn’t feel qualified to reply to this.

‘No, as I say,’ Jimmy Sheet went on, ‘it’s feature films I’m going into in the long term.’ ‘Oh, really?’ ‘Might do some theatre as well . . . You know, if the right part comes up on Broadway, that kind of number.’ Charles kept wondering why all this didn’t sound unconvincing.

He had heard similar dreams expressed by any number of actors, and his normal reaction was, all sounds great; you just wait till you get out into the real world, sonny. But Jimmy Sheet spoke with such assurance that he made his plans sound more like business decisions than pipe dreams. He seemed to be in no doubt that he would be able to follow his proposed career path, and Charles found himself equally convinced. ‘What do you put your money in?’

Jimmy Sheet asked suddenly. ‘I beg your pardon?’ said Charles. ‘Your money – what’s it in?’ ‘Erm . . .’ Difficult question to answer, really. The truth – I haven’t got any – sounded just too pathetic and self-pitying. ‘Oh, this and that.’ ‘Mm. Spread the investment – something to be said for that, certainly. I got most of my dosh in property.’ ‘Have you?’ ‘Yeah. Don’t think you can ultimately lose with property.’

‘No. No, I suppose not. As Mark Twain said, “Buy land, my son, they are not making any more”.’ ‘Who?’ ‘Mark Twain.’ ‘Don’t know him.’

This ebook is copyright material and must not be copied, reproduced, transferred, distributed, leased, licensed or publicly performed or used in any way except as specifically permitted in writing by the publishers, as allowed under the terms and conditions under which it was purchased or as strictly permitted by applicable copyright law. Any unauthorised distribution or use of this text may be a direct infringement of the author’s and publisher’s rights and those responsible may be liable in law accordingly.

This title first published in Great Britain in 1989 by Victor Gollancz eBook edition first published in 2012 by Severn House Digital an imprint of Severn House Publishers Limited Copyright © 1989 Simon Brett. The right of Simon Brett to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted in accordance with the Copyright, Designs & Patents Act 1988.

A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British Library. ISBN-13: 978-1-4483-0014-3 (epub) Except where actual historical events and characters are being described for the storyline of this novel, all situations in this publication are fictitious and any resemblance to living persons is purely coincidental. This eBook produced by Palimpsest Book Production Limited, Falkirk, Stirlingshire, Scotland. 1kitap1.com/en To Alan and Peta (not forgetting Petra) 1kitap1.com/en Chapter One ‘NOW LISTEN, LADS, we’re dealing with a cold-blooded murderer who will stop at nothing.’

Sergeant Clump stared belligerently over the counter of Little Breckington Police Station at the dozen constables facing him. ‘And that is why you’ve been gathered here from all corners of the county to see that his evil plans are foiled.’ He leaned forward as he warmed to his task. ‘Now, there’s only one thing that’s going to defeat a criminal of such cunning, and that is –’ ‘Superior cunning,’ a voice from the doorway coolly interrupted. The thirteen policemen turned as one to look at the newcomer.

They saw a tall figure in a dark floppy hat and cloak. A monocle graced one eye; from it a dark cord snaked down to the buttonhole of an immaculately tailored suit. A pale cravat frothed at the stranger’s neck; white spats gleamed above the shine of his black shoes. ‘Mr. Braid,’ said Sergeant Clump in a voice that combined admiration and resentment in equal parts. ‘I wondered when you was going to turn up.

But don’t you worry, sir. Everything’s in hand. We shall catch this devil without needing your assistance.’ ‘Really?’ Stanislas Braid wafted across the room and came to rest in a chair by the counter. He looked up at the sergeant; his expression was quizzical, challenging, almost insolent.

This is a short excerpt from the opening of “” by Unknown, quoted for review and introduction purposes. All rights belong to the copyright holders.

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• Title: –
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• ISBN: 9781448300143
• Pages: 162
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