Part 38 (2/2)

'I think so too,' Marler agreed.

'So we wait until they've pushed off to the hotel.'

'Seems sensible. We'll give them time to register, get up to their rooms. If possible, I'd like both of you to keep under cover. It probably means going straight up to your rooms while I register, then having something to eat in the rooms.'

'Suits me,' said Butler.

'Good strategy, I'd say,' Nield agreed. 'What will you do?'

'Eat in the restaurant. I think those thugs will do the same. I want to memorize their faces.'

'Not an enjoyable pastime, I'd imagine,' commented Nield.

Having parked their cars, all twelve occupants walked out of the Munsterplatz and down a side street. Marler waited a little longer, then drove his car into the square and chose a place to park some distance- from the three black Audis. He checked his watch, waited a minute or two longer, then they left the car, carrying their bags and walking down the side street.

It was very narrow, cobbled and black as pitch. Emerging at the other end they saw to their left the bright lights of the hotel. They entered, were met by a wave of warmth as they opened the door. Marler made straight for the reception desk.

'I'm sorry, but we are rather late,' he said to the man behind the counter. 'We have bookings.' He gave their names. 'My two friends are very tired. Could they go straight up to their rooms while I register?'

'Yes, sir. Here are their keys. Now, if you will register...'

'I'd like something to eat,' Marler told the receptionist.. 'Any chance that the restaurant is still open?'

'Of course. You go through there. I can take your case to your room.'

'Thank you. I'll keep my holdall.'

The restaurant was large and inviting. It was constructed almost entirely of pinewood. It had panelled walls of pine, here and there were square pillars of pine, the woodblock floor was pine. They have an awful lot of timber in the Black Forest, Marler thought. On one side of the restaurant were banquette booths, each large enough to seat six people. He checked the menu, ordered one substantial dish when the waiter came.

He was alone in the s.p.a.cious restaurant, but not for long. He was drinking a gla.s.s of wine, eating bread, when twelve tough-looking men trooped in. After looking round, a tall thin man ushered them into the booths. Several carried black anoraks and most wore thick woollen sweaters and heavy dark trousers.

Without appearing to do so, he kept an eye on them as he hurried through his meal. Next to the tall thin man sat a smaller man who was also not carrying much weight. Marler caught the small man staring at him. As soon as he looked up the man looked away, started talking to the thug who seemed to be the boss.

'Vernon,' he said quietly. 'That guy over in the corner with the smart clothes. I've seen him before.'

'And where would that be, Bernie?'

'Once when Jake put me on watch duty, checking out the Three Kings Hotel. Jake had given me a description of the girl with Tweed. Seem to recall her name was Paula Grey.'

'So what? Get to it.'

'I saw the Grey girl comin' out with another guy - and with the guy over there. My bet is he's here to spy on us.'

'You're sure?'

Bernie looked across at Marler again. He looked away quickly. Marler had glanced at him again. Bernie was hungry. He stuffed bread in his mouth.'

'Don't do that,' Vernon snapped. 'I asked were you sure.'

'I'm certain.'

When he had finished his meal Marler called out to the waiter. He raised his voice so it carried.

'Is it much colder outside? I feel like a breath of fresh air before I go to bed.'

'It is very cold,' the waiter replied.

'I still feel like a short walk.' He scribbled on the bill given to him by the waiter. 'Put the meal on my room number.'

With the holdall slung over his shoulder, he walked out of the restaurant into the lobby. Climbing a curving staircase he soon located his room. He looked round for a hiding place. Then he explored the bathroom. He put the holdall inside a linen bin, roughed up some towels, shoved them on top, replaced the lid. He left his coat in a cupboard. Marler could stand a lot of cold weather and a coat restricted his movements.

Returning downstairs, he walked through the restaurant. He had earlier spotted another door which led to the outside world. He closed the door after stepping into a narrow street, little more than an alley. In the restaurant he had left, Vernon put his face close to his subordinate's.

'Bernie, go after him. Waste him. Not too close to the hotel.'

'Not my job, Vernon. I'm a printer.'

Bernie, listen. Listen good. When you joined this outfit I remember Jake sent you to Philadelphia to eliminate a certain guy. It was a test. Jake likes all his people to handle a gun when it comes to it. You killed the guy in Philadelphia. You got a gun on you now.'

'I know. Do I get more bucks for doin' this?'

'That we can discuss later. Get after him.'

When he had closed the restaurant door behind him Marler looked up at a street sign, which was illuminated. Munzga.s.se Munzga.s.se. The alley was cobbled - and deserted. He started walking along it to get an idea of his surroundings. Knowledge which might come in useful later. It was very cold, very silent.

Near the end of the long alley he paused. To his left there was a cafe, Wirschaft. It was closed, as everywhere else would be now. He had heard footsteps behind him. Slow, cautious footsteps. Whoever he was, the d.a.m.ned fool had metal studs in the soles of his shoes. When he paused he no longer heard the footsteps. He was careful not to look back.

He walked out of the alley and stared ahead in surprise. Ahead was the last thing he had expected to see in the Old City. A weird complex of very modern concrete houses were stepped steeply up the side of a hill. They appeared to be detached residences and were the sort of structures he'd have expected to find in America.

The complex - with houses on either side - was divided into two sections by a long flight of wide concrete steps. Apart from those at street level, you had to climb the steps to reach the houses, which were on different levels. Behind them, higher still, loomed dense tree-clad slopes. He imagined this was the verge of the Black Forest. He could hear the footsteps behind him again, moving more rapidly.

He began climbing the steps quickly. The footsteps hurried now. Suddenly turning round, he looked down. It was the small thin man, wearing an anorak. Marler was almost at the top level. In his right hand his tail carried a gun. Marler smiled.

'What's all this about?'

'We kinda don't like spies.'

'What makes you think I am a spy?'

'Saw you leavin' the Three Kings in Basel. With your friend, Paula Grey.'

'You're not threatening me?' said Marler, still smiling. 'I'm kinda goin' to kill you.'

Marler stared down behind the gunman. It was the oldest trick in the world. He smiled again as though he hadn't a care in the universe.

'I like to know who's pointing a gun at me. You got a name?: 'Bernie Warner. Guess you might as well know the name of the last guy you'll ever see in this world.'

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