·No text on this page.

·he always AN EXCITING NEW MIE- KILLMASTER ESPIONAGE ADVEVwho could NICK CARTER MSTERDAM in which Nick Carter's only lead to the vicious private spy network is a beautiful woman the enemy has sworn to kill! 5,500,000 NICK CARTER BOOKS 11. PRINT!

·No text on this page.

·No text on this page.

·THE NICK CARTER/KILLMASTER SER FDV, SrY, UN SAFARI FOR SFIES TAULEEN SP A BULLET HOP FIE TEE 13T SPF MISSION TO VENICE FOUBLE TENZITE A238 THE DEVIES COCKPIT EIIE .CHINESE FOSTE SEFEN AGAINST GREECE A KOREAN ZET ASSIGAMENT: ZSRAKE THE MED GUARN. FIE FILTIX. FIVE THE BRIGHT BLUE PEAT 1200 EO DE SEIES A200 SP1 CASTLE 19295 OPERATION ROON ROCA 41370 TIE TERMIDLE OVES ĐỊAGPY FEATUS TAVOT OPERATION STARVATIOV TIE MIND POISONERS TOE AVES OF THE TIGKI TIZE JUDAS SPY 2366 ANASTERDAM TENPLE OF FEIN - 4300 TIE CUINA DOLL 302 CHECKIATE IN HIO DANGER KEY A384. ISTANBUL A385 THE WEAPON OF AIGHT THE GOLDEN SERTEXT

·NICK
CARTEH
AILLNASTEL GFYCANLITAR
MSTERDAM
AWARD BOOKS
NEW YORK
YANDEMECOKS
NONOON

·No text on this page.

·AMSTERDAM

·No text on this page.

·Chapter 1
Nick enjoyed trailing Amlic de Bocr. The view was
imulating She was a man-stopper-truly one of the
cautıful People. Eyes tumed to follow the tall glow of
er blondeness all through John F. Kennedy International
irport. They clung to her as she strode to the KLM
C-8 fan jet, admiring her bounce, the sleek white linen
it, the rich polished leather of her artist's case.
Moving behind her Nick heard the ramp man murmur
his gaze followed the mini-skirt, “Who that?"
"Swedish star," the checkor hazardcd. He rcad Nick's
ket. “Mr. Norman Kent First class Thank you, sir."
Amlic was precisely where Nick knew she would be.
e had obtained the numbered seat beside her He dallicd
th the pretty stewardess, giving Amlie a chance to settle
d other seats to fill so that his appearance might seem
gical. When he reached the seat he gave Amlie the
yish Carter smile. It was nomal for a big, tanned,
althy-looking young man to be delighted with his luck.
: said softly, "Good afternoon."
Soft pink lips formed a reply. Her long slim fingers
iged with each other and untwined. Ever since he had
ked up her trail outside Manson's she had appeared
Esc, uncasy, but not wary. Nerves, Nick thought.
He tucked his Mark Cross case under the scat and sat
win, lightly and neatly for such a big man, not jostling
7

·8 - NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER the girl. She gave him the three-quarter angle of the gorgeous, polished bamboo sheen of her hair as she pretended interest out the window. He had an antenna for such moods---she wasn't hostile, just wrapped in worry. The seats filled. Hatches slammed with less-than-solid! aluminum thuds. The P.A. system chattered in three languages. Nick fastened lis seat belt deftly, not interfering with the girl. She fumbled with hers. The fan jets whined and threatened. The big ship shuddered as it waddled to the line and growled viciously as the crew ran through the check lists. Atlie's knuckles on the seat arms were white. She turned her licad slightly and the bright blue' orbs of a scared animal appeared close to Nick's own wide-open, steel gray eyes. He saw creamy skin, parted red lips, suspicion, fear. He grinned, knowing how harmlessly pleasant he could appear. "Believe me I won't bother you," he said, "I could wait till drinks are served and use some conventional pitch. But I can tell by your hands that you're uneasy." The pretty fingers unclasped their grip, came together uiltily, then locked palm-to-palm in a tense position. "Is your first flight?" "No-no. I'm all right. But thank you." She added a tiny, sweet smile, Still in low, tranquilizing, confessor tones Nick went on, "I wish I knew you well enough to hold your hands ." The blue eyes widened a warning flash. ...for your peace of mind and my own pleasure. My Mother told me never to do that until introduced, Mother was a stickler for the correct thing. We were usually correct in Boston" The blue flash subsided. She listened. There was a twinkle of interest. Nick sighed, shook his head sadly.. "Then Dad fell overboard during a race at the Cohasset Yacht Club. Near the finish. Right in front of the club." The perfect brows arched over the scared eyes which ·AMSTERDAM 9 #crc looking less scared. "But I'm sure that happeos. I've sceo boat races-was he hurt?" "Oh no, But Dad was such a determined man. He was still holding the bottle when he came up. And he tried to Ecoss it back on board." She gave an explosive gurgle. Her hands related with thic laugh. Nick chucklcd quietly with her. "And he missed." Slc dcw a deep breath and let it out. Nick smelled sweet milk and gia blended with the intriguing perfume. He shrugged. "So that's why I can't hold your hand till we're introduced. My name is Norman Kent." Her smile belonged in a color spread in The New York Timcs Sunday Magazine. "I'm Amlie de Boer. It won't be necessary to hold my hand I feel better. Thank you anyway, Mr. Kent. Arc you a psychologist?" "Just a businessman." The fan jets went to work with - screams, Nick imagined the four throttles easing forward, recalled the intricacies of take-off, remembered the statistics--and felt like gnpping the seat arms himself. Amlie's knuckles were white again. He said, "They tell about two men in an airliner like ibis. One is completely relaxed, dozing. He's a regular traveler. Nothing disturbs him. The other is in a cold sweat, wipping the seat, trying to swallow and can't. Can you guess wbat he is?" The ship vibrated. The world raced past Amlic's widdow. Nick's stomach flattened against his spine. She looked at him "I don't know." "Thar man is a pilot." She thought a moment, burst out laughing, and for a moment of delicious intimacy the blonde head swayed onto his shoulder The planc lurched, picked its toes off the earth after 3 stumble and climbed at the near-stall angle as the cagle-cyc pourcd og coal and cursed the anti-noise orders Tbcy leveled off. The Ughted signs changed. P.A. ora- ·'10 NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER tors babbled. They unfastened their seat belts and Amlie said, "Mr. Kendid you know that a commercial airliner is a machine that theoretically cannot fly?" "No!" Nick lied. He admired the way she snapped back, wondered how much she knew about the mess she was in. "Let's have a drink to the pilot's health." Nick found Amlie delightful company. She drank martinis made Mr. Kent's way and after three her nervousness vanished. They ate the marvelous Dutch dinner, chatted, read, dozed. After they snapped off the reading lights and settled down for-naps, like overstuffed children of a lavish civilization, she rolled her head close to him and whispered, "I'd like to hold your hand-now." It was a mutual warming, an interchange of humanity, a doubling of strength, two hours of pretense that the world is not what it is. How much did she know, Nick wondered, and was what she knew the reason for her early case of nerves? She was with Manson's, the haughty jewel house, and she was used to fying between their New York and Amsterdam offices. AXE was reasonably certain that Manson's frecouriers were part of an unusually efficient espiowage pipeline. Some of them had been thoroughly searched They were clean. What would Amlie's nerves do if she knew that Nick Carter, AXE's N3—alias Norman Kent diamond buyer for Bard Galleries—had met her not by chance? Her, warm hand tingled in his. Was she dangerous? AXE agent Herb Whitlock spent a year pinpointing Man. son's as the prime espionage pipeline suspect. He had beer fished out of an Amsterdam canal. An accident, it was labeled. Herb had insisted that Manson's had developed such a foolproof, simple pipeline that the firm had virtually become an intelligence broker, the professional spy's middleman. Herb had bought photocopies--for $2,000, so plentiful were they—of the U.S. Navy's Mark 92 Flee ·AXSTERDAM Ballis:ic Missile Weapoa System, complete with schematics of the new four-channel geoballistic computer. Nick snified Amlie's delectable aroma. Charmico In 20sher to ber murroured question he said "I'm ma amateur buying diamonds. It'll probably be a disaster." "When a man talks like that be's building the best business defense there is. Do you knox the four-C rule? "Color, clarity, cut and carat. What I need are ocapections and advice about cuts, rare preces, reliable wholesalers. We have some wealthy customers because we're very ethical. You can put our stuff under a hporer glass and it'll be perfect and flawless if we said i.." "Well I'm with Munson's. I know something about the business She talked about merchandising jewelry His prodigious bemory retained everything she said. "Norma3 Keat's grandfather 35 the frst Nick Carter. the detective tho - introduced many techniques into what be called the sciutoe of law enforcement. A zasnitter is 2 cocktail clire durtimy would have pleased but not surprised hu; he originated the telegraph set ia a pocket watch You plugged is os puring the dails u the beel of your shoc ogto connects in the foc. Nicholas Huntington Carter I became N3 of AXEthe "urknown service of the United States, so secret its cris:ence haunts the CIA every time their came is spread out in the newspapers. He was one of four Kilmasters tih right-of-deczsion. AXE was committed to supporting his actions. He could be retired but not prosecuted. It 25 a lot of weight for a man to carry Sick kept himself in iba pbysical condition of a professional athlete He had given a lot of thought to Mansop's espionage ripeline. It worked beautifully A bait cum ca PEAPOD six-ubead missile, sold" to a known amateur spy at Huntsville, Alabam3, had arrived is dfoscor aine days later. AA AXE agent had bought a copy-perfect in every fisc fhogy detail, ad al cight complete pames! This ·3 12 NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER in spite of the alerting of 16 U.S. agencies to watch, check and block. As a security test it was a full-dress flop. The three Manson couriers who moved during the nine days were given, "by chance," complete searches. Nothing was found, Now Amlie, he thought drowsily, involved or innocent? And if involved, how is it done? the diamond market is artificial," Amlie was saying. "If there is a giant discovery that can't be controlled, kerslump go all values.” Nick sighed. "It scares me. You not only can lose your shirt in the business it can collapse overnight. If your inventory of diamonds is big-zippo! What you paid a million for may be worth half that." "Or a third. I think that's as low as the market would drop at once. Then it might sag and sag, the way silver once did.” "I've got to buy with care, I can see that." "Do you have introductions?" "Yes, to several places." "Including Manson's?” "No." "I thought not. We're not really wholesale, although like all the big houses we move lots now and then. You ought to meet our director-Philipine. Laapsma. He knows as much about the market as anyone outside the cartels themselves." "Is be in Amsterdam?” "Yes. Today. He practically commutes to New York." "Introduce me to him, Amlie. Perhaps we can do some business. I need a guide until I learn the city, too. How about giving me a little escorted tour this afternoon and then being my guest for dinner?" "I'd love to. Do you also have sex on your mind?" Nick blinked. The surprising thrust slowed him for a second and he wasn't used to it. His reflexes were sup- 99 ·1 ANESTERDAS 13 posed to be honed "I didn'- until you mentioned it. But it's always interesting "If nicely handled With common sense and ctpcrichce. .. "And talent Of course it's like a prime steak or a fiac winc. You've got to have something to start with. Then don't ruin it. If you don't know ask .. or get the book." "I think people are happier if they are perfectly frank. I mcan-you can anticipate a nice day or a good meal but you're not supposed to anticipate nice sex. Isn't that true? Do you suppose it is our Puritan heritage or a Victorian holdovcr or what the hell?" "Certainly we have gotten moreer, frank in the last few years Perso I love life. Aod because sex is part of life I love it too. Sort of figuratively The way you might say you love skung or Danish cakes or Picasso's Mork." As he spoke he kept his bland cjes op hiers, wonderng if she was putting him on The blue sparklers were bright and guiteless, the lovely features as innocent as those of a Christmas-card cherub She nodded, "I thought so You're mature so many American businessmen are sulent grabbers Go to dinner, gulp drinks, listen to dieu bragging and get grabbed. Uch! And Mey wonder why American women knock ser. And when I say sor I don't mean jumping into bed all the time, I mean a relationship that's fun and you're strong friends and you can talk to each other And if you get the urge and want to plan any special way to do it tonight you talk about it. When the time comcs. You can communicate," "Where will I call for you?" "On." She took an engraved Manson's card out of her surse and wrote on the back of it. "About three o'clock. Iwon't go back to the shop after lunch. When we land I'm going to moct Pluu Laansma. Is toyonc meeting you?" "No. "Come with me. You can start your cxtra com s with ·14 NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER him, He's sure to be helpful. A good man for you to know. Look-there's new Schiphol Air Terminal now. Isn't it gigantic?" Nick looked dutifully out the window, agreed it was big and impressive. He saw four big runways in the far distance, a control tower and buildings that looked ten stories high. Another of man's impressive pastures for his winged steeds. "It's thirteen feet below sea level," Amlie said. "Thirtytwo airlines use it. Wait till you see the information system and the Tapisroulant moving carpet. See the farmlands? They are building soundproof houses for the farmers and cows." She leaned over him in her enthusiasm as a guide Her breasts were firm, her hair fragrant.. "The Stedelijk Museum of Amsterdam will have a gallery-Oh, I'm sor- Ty, perhaps you know all this. Have you been to new Schiphol before?” "No, only to old Schiphol. Years ago. I usually fly into London or Paris." "Old Schiphol is two miles over there. It's the freight inal now." "You're an excellent guide, Amlie. And I detect a love or The Netherlands" She chuckled. "Mr. Laansma says I'm still a stubborn - Dutchman. My parents came from Hilversum, just east of Amsterdam." "And you found the perfect job. One that lets you travel to your old homeland." "Yes. It wasn't hard-knowing the languages." "You're happy with it?" -“Yes." She tilted her head until the lovely lips were close to his ear. "You've been nice. I was uneasy, ove:* tired. I'm not now. When you fly a lot the time chan bother you. Sometimes you get two ten-hour working a strung together. I want you to meet Philipine. He - guide you around pitfalls." It was a sweet speech. Probably she believed it!

·AMSTERDAM 15 patted her arm, "I was lucky to sclect this scat. You're more than beautiful, Amlic. You're humanly intelligent. That means rcal heart for people. The reverse, say, of a scientist who chooses his career with nuclear bombs." "That's the nicest and most complex compliment I've crer received, Norman. I think we should get on now." They passed through the formalitics, recovered their baggage, Amlie led him to where a short youth had tucked a black Mercedes into a turnout scar an unfinished building. "Our secret parking lot," Amlie said "Hi, Jacobus." "Hi," the youth answered, and came forward and took their large bags. It came then A vicious, heart-speeding, anus-tightening snarl of sound that Nick know well. He hurried Amlic to thic car and pushed her into the rear seat as she asked, "What was that?" If you've never heard a rattlesnake's vibrato at your toe, the futter-trill of an arulicry shell or the nasty whrrr of : passing bullet you're just alarmed the first time. When you know what the sound is you're alerted and you move. A slug had passed near their heads. Nick had hcard no shot. The gun was well-silenced, probably a singles shot. Had the sniper reloaded yet? "That was a bullet," he told Amlie and Jacobus, knowing that they probably know or had guessed it. "Drive out. Stop and wait for me when you can, but don't stay here." He turned and ran toward the gray stone cliff of the unfinished building. He jumped a barrier, took steps three at a time. Along the front of the long structure several groups of norkmen were installing windows and hardware. They did not even glance toward him as he jumped through the maw-like door opening. The room was gigantic, filled with the fine dust-haze of construction, smelling of time and curing concrete. Two men far to his right held the plow-like hand polishers, the big circular brushes making Jict CORO ·16 NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER suviris. Not them, Nick decided. Thcir bands were white with wet dust. He ran with great, light, bounding strides to a stairway which went up beside four ranks of uomoving escalators Up, he thought. Assassins like height and cmpty build ings. Maybe he was reloading and didn't sce my rush. It he did see me, he's running now. Look for a runner- On the floor above something fell with a crash. As Nick burst into the open-actually two flights up because the lobby ceiling was high-a cascade of gray, cement-stained planks were tumbling through a crevice toward the flooi below. Two men stood near him, waving thcir grimy hands and yelling in Italian. Far, far away the bulky shape of a man—a squat, almost simian figure—vanished downward and out of sight. Nick trotted to a window in the front of the building. I overlooked the space where the Mercedes had beer parked. He would have liked to search for a spent car tridge case but it wasn't worth getting involved with the construction people or the police. The Italian masons were starting to yell in his direction. He ran lightly down the stairs and caught the Mercedes in a turnout where Jacobu: pretended to be waiting for a pickup. He climbed in and told a pale Amlie, “I think I caugh a glimpse of him. Heavy, low-hung type." She had a knuckle at her lip. "A shot at us-me--you Really? I can't think" She was near panic. "One can't be sure," he said "Maybe it was a bolt that blew off an air compressor. Who would want to hurt us?” She made no answer. After awhile the knuckle wa lowered. Nick patted her hand. “You might tell Jacobus to forget this little incident. Do you know him well enougl for that?" “Yes." She chattered with the driver in Dutch. H. shrugged and called their attention to a low flying helicop ·AMSTERDAM ter Wonen moms, winnt Current mental moins bus sluog fter a few words, "You caa go to the hotels from the airport by bost. Or the bus fare is fifty cents." "Real Dutch thrift. And they're supposed to be stub born. I didn't realize they'd be so dangerous." "Maybe it was a compressor bolt." He didn't think she beliefed it. He observed the newand-ancient city. They passed Yondelpark and headed toward Dam Squre in the old city. There is, he thought, an orderly durability about Amsterdam that is different from any other city I know, "Shall we tell your boss about the airport incident?" he asked. "Let's dot." No excuses, just let's not. "I'm meeting Philipine at the Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky. It's a fascinaiing hotel. You must try the pancakes The founder originated the recipe in 1865 and they've been on the menu since. He had a small café. Now it's a giant complex but stil charming She had brought herself under control Guts, he decided. She would need them. He was reasonably sure his cover had not been broken--certainly got so soon. She must be wondenag if that bullet was for her. Jacobus promised to deliver Nick's bags to bis hotel, the Die Port van Cleve nearby co Voorburgwal, and he took along Amlie's overnight bag as well Nick noted that she kept the big dat artist's case with her, as she had on the plane, where she even carried it to the powder room. Its contents might prove lateresting, or they might be just ad proofs and sketches of jewelry settings; it was not worth a move on his part--yet. Amlie led him ibrough the picturesque Krasnapolsky. Philipine Laansma ratd. He was having breakfast with another man in a magnificently paneled private pohes ng room. Ambe put the leather case beside Laa ' ·1S NICK CARTER: WILLJASTER moment she ras mith him, and then introduced Nick "... Mr. Kent is interested in diamonds. The men stood up for formal handshakes, bows, invitations to breakfast. The man with Laansma was Constant Draijer, "of lansoa's"-spoken like an honor. Lazasma was of moderate height, slim and wiry, with keen brown eyes that rarely stayed still. Although he seemed calm, there was a restlessness about him, a strong drive that could be either work energy or virility or both. He wore a gay sharkskin suit of Italian cut that just missed being avant garde, a black vest with small flat buttons that looked like gold, a red and black Guard's tic and one ring with a blue-white diamond of about three carats that was certainly flawless. Draijer was a lesser edition, like a man bucking for the next step up and smart enough not to compete with the boss. His rest bad plain gray buttons: his diamond was perhaps a carat. But his eyes bad learned to move and watch. They were disconnected from his smile. Nick said it was a pleasure. They sat down. "Are you with one of the wholesalers, Mr. Kent?" unsma asked. “Manson's does business with some of em." "No. I'm with the Bard Galleries." th "Vír. Kent says he hardly knows anything about diamonds," Amlie said. 1235sma smiled, white teeth a neat line under the browa mustache. "That's what the smart buyer says. I imagine Mr. Kent carries a glass and knows how to use it Are you stopping at this hotel?” *No. At the Die Port yan Cleve," Nick answered. "A fine hotel," Laansma said. He waved at a hovering waiter and said simply, Breakfasts." Then he turned to Amlie and Nick detected more warmth than a director would show an employee. Ah, Amlie, Nick decided, you've got your job insured with the oldest policy in the 19 ·AMSTERDAM 19 world. It docsa't covet your life, "Good trip?" Lainsma asked her. "Thanks to Mr. Kent- mean Norman, Can we be American and use first names?" · "Certainly." Laansma spoke definitely, without asking Draijcr. "Rough air?" "No. I felt a little under the weather. We shared a seat and Norman cheered me up.** Laansma's brown eyes congratulated Nick on good taste. There was no jealousy in them, just speculation. Nick decided Laansma would wind up "director" in any field he chose. He had the unfakable sincerity of a born politician. He belicved his own fantasies Laansara said, "Please excuse me for a moment." He returned in less than five minutes; gone long enough for a visit to the men's room, or to do other things. Breakfast was assorted breads, rolls, a mound of golden butter, three kinds of cheese, slices of beef, boiled eggs with sauces, coffee and beer. Laansma gave Nıck a thumbnail summary of the Amsterdam diamond market, mentioned men he might talk to and described some points of interest." and if you'll stop by my office tomorrow, Norman, I'1t show you what we have " Nick said he would, thanked them for the breakfast, shook hands around and left. When he bad gone Philipine Lauma lit a short, fragrant cigar He pafted the latter case Amlie had brought and looked at ber. "You didnt open this on the plane?" "Of course not." Her tone was not quite steady. "Or leave him alone with "" "Phil I know my job "Do you think it ods that he of all meal should have the seat best to you." Her brilliant blue eis creced rides, svere probably other died des on have gotten a compre usted ** you'll sell him soseth L ·th 20 NICK CARTER: XILLMASTER Laansma patted her hand. "Don't boil. Constant check on him. Call New York banks if you have to." The other man nodded. Laansma's very composed fcatures hid a churning mind. He had thought that Amlic had turned into a dangerous, scared woman who know 100 much. Now he wasn't sure. He had instantly decided that "Norman Kent" was a security agent-now he doubted his lasty decision. He wondered if he was right in having callcd Oom. It was too late to stop him now. At lcast, Oom and his tcam would lcarn the truth about Kent, Amlic frowned, "You really think perhaps " "I think nothing, darling. But as you say we may scli him a nice order. It's just a credit check." Nick walked along Damstraat, enjoying the spring air and getting his bearings. He glanced down picturesque Kalverstraat, where colorful groups clustered in the trafficfree areas between the buildings which scenied as clean as the people. He decided to go as far as the canal Keizersgracht--and double back. A two-block memorial troll, for it was from that canal that Herbert Whitlock's ody had been taken three weeks ago. Herbert Whitlock, American minor official with a travel oflicc, perhaps drank too many genevers and was overtaken by the wallop of Dutch gin. Perhaps. But Herbert Whitlock was an AXEman and actually disliked alcohol, Nick had worked with him twice and they had shared a laugh when Nick said, "Imagine a guy who has to force himself to drink in the line of duty!" Herb had been in Europe nearly a year, scarching for the leak which landed in AXE's hands whica military clectronics and spacc data began to fall through the holc. Herb had reached the M file of suspects when he dicd. And the second name in it was-Manson's. David Hawk, from his command post at the center of the AXE web had put it simply. "Take all the time you want, Nicholas. Call for help if you need it. We just won't permit this sort of thing." The thin lips had tightened ·AMSTERDAM 41 above the stroag jaw for an instant. "If you can, when you get close to results, call me in." Nick saluted Keizersgracht, made a promise and strolled back past Herengracht. The air was honey sweet. Here I am, he thought. Take another shot at me now. You get the shot and if you miss, I may get a lead. It's a fair gamble. He stopped and admired a cart of flowers, turned slowly, a big carefree man taking the sun. Nothing happened. He frowned and went into the hotel. In a big, comfortable room with none of the quickievcneer and brittle-plastic effect of some of the "ultramodern” hotels, Nick unpacked. Wilhelmina, his Luger, had come through customs strapped under bis arm. Hugo, a razor-sharp stiletto, masqueraded as a paper krufe in his writing case. He stripped to his shorts and washed, deciding that he could accomplish little before meeting Amlic at threc. He would exercise for fifteen minutes and sleep for an hour. There was a discreet tap on the door. Nick called, "Hello?" "Room service." He opened the door. A stocky waiter in a white coat stood smiling, holding a large spray of flowers and a bottle of Dewars partly hidden by a white napkin. "Welcome to Amsterdam. Compliments of the botel-" Nick stepped back. The man took the flowers and Scotch to the window table. Nick's eyebrows shot up. No vase? No tray? "Hey." The man dropped the bottle with a bump, but it did not break. Nick's eyes followed it The door slammed open, knocked him almost off his feet. A man sprang through the opening--a wide and solid man who looked like the bucko mate on a tough ship He held a black automatic low and firm. It was a big gun and it followed Nick without pavering as he pretended to stumble, gathered himself. Å smaller man came in behind the brawny one and closed the door From the direction of the ·22 NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER waiter a voice said sharply in English, "Stand still, Mr. Kent." From the corner of his eye Nick saw that the napkin had dropped. The hand it had covered held a gun, and it too looked as if it were backed by a professional ---steady, level, ready. Nick stood still. He had one ace. In the pocket of his shorts was one of the deadly gas pellets--a "Pierre.” He eased a hand dotya. The waiter-type said, "Stop it. Don't move a single muscle." He sounded definite. Nick froze. He said, "I only have a few guilders. In my-_" "Shut up. The last man through the door had circled behind Nick and there was nothing he could do about it at the moment-not in the cross-fire of two pistols that appeared to be in competent hands. Something looped around one of his wrists, dragged it behind him and encircled his other arm with the smooth efficiency of a boatswain throwing a itch on a dock post. The rope drew tight. It felt like ylon. And the man who had thrown those knots on him was either a sailor or he had practiced for years. For one of the few times in his career, Nicholas Huntington Carter ; III, N3 of AXE, was secured and almost helpless! The wide man said, "Sit down. There." Nick sat. Apparently waiter-type and wide-boy shared command. They proceeded to inspect his belongings with minute care. They were not destructive. After checking every pocket and the seams of his two suits they even hung them up again. They read every word in "Norman Kent's" slim business file. After ten minutes of careful searching the wide one sat down opposite Nick. He had very little neck, just folds of thick flesh between his collar and his head, but they didn't look like fat. The guns had disappeared. He said, "Mr. Norman Kent. Of New York. How long have you known Amlic de Boer?” - .

·AMSTERDAM 23 "One day. We met on a plane." "When will you see her again?" "I don't know." "Is that why she gave you this?" Thick fingers held up the card Amlie had given him with her local address written on it. "We're going to get together sometime. She's a good looker." "Are you here to do business with Manson's?" "I'm here to do business with anybody who will sell my company diamonds at the right price. Who are you? Police, thieves, spies?" "Maybe a little of all three. But let's say the Mafia. Don't they get blamed for everything anyway?" "What do you want with me?" The burly man pointed to where Wilhelmina rested on the bed. "An odd item for a businessman," "Who may carry tens of thousands of dollars in diamonds? I like it." "Against the laws." "I'm cautious." "What do you know about the Yenisci Cullinans?" "I've got 'em." If he had said he was a man from outer space they couldn't have jumped higher The brawny one stood straight up. The "waiter" exclaimed, "Yah?" The sailor who had tied the knots dropped his jaw two inches. The wide one said, "You got them? Already? Where?" "Checked at the Grand Krasnapolsky. You can't get 'em." The big man took a tin case out of his pocket, passed small cigars to the others, and seemed on the verge of offeriag Nick one. They lit up. "What are you going to do with them?" "Take them to the U.S. of course " "But-but you cannotl Customsmmab! You have a plan. It is all arranged?"

·24 NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER "It is all arranged,” Nick agreed gravely. The big man seemed indignant. They are all nuts, Nick thought, or I am. But nuts or not they know their business. He unobtrusively tugged on the line across his back. Not an inch of give. Big man blew dark blue smoke slowly from heavy, pursed lips. "We cannot get them, no. But you can. Where is the check? Your receipt?” “There is none. Mynheer Stahl is doing me a favor." Many years back Stahl had managed the Krasnapolsky. Nick hoped he was still around. The one who had played waiter said suddenly, "I think he's lying. Let's gag him and bum his toes awhile and then see what he says.” "No," the big man said. "He was in the Krasnapolsky a long time. With Amlie. I saw him. This will be a bright feather in our caps. Now-" He came close to Nick. "Mr. Kent you are going to get dressed and we are • going over and get the Cullinans. All four of us. You are a big young man and maybe you want to be a hero for your company. If you do you will be a dead one. We don't trouble. Probably you are insured. But anywaysemember what I have just said." He backed to a wall of the room, motioned the waiter to another. They did not do Nick the honor of taking out their guns. The sailor undid the square knot at Nick's back and took the clove hitches from his wrists. Circulation tingled. The big man said, "Get dressed. The Luger is not loaded, Move carefully." Nick moved carefully. He reached for his shirt hanging on a chair back and then placed an edge-of-the-palm slasli, alongside the throat of the waiter-type. It was a spectacular attack, as if a member of the Peking champion Ping- Pong team delivered a backhand chop to a net ball, starting six feet back of the table. Nick stepped, leaped, slammed--and thic man's neck moved bardly at all before the blow hit its exact target.

·-- -- AMSTERDAM 25 Nick whirled across the front of the falling man and clamped a grip on the big man's hand as it came up from his side coat pocket. The man's eyes widened as he felt the frushing power of the lock. A strong man himself, he Anew muscle when it borc down. He brought up a short, straight piston-punch that Nick was evading before it left home. Nick let it swing up and hooked a right just in under the ribcage, below the heart. There was not time for a better blow, and anyway that neckless torso was designed as a defense against chops. The man grunted, but Nick's fist felt as if he had slammed it into a side of beef on a hook. The sailor was rushing in, waving some sort of a weighted sap. Nick heaved the big man around, shoved, and the two of them collided while he was left with a side of the man's coat and the gun tangled in the pocket. 'Nick hurled the gun through the window. Might as well advertise this brawl The two men separated themselves and came at him low, hard and fast. They had been around a lot. When they pulled up short to place their blows Nick kicked the sailor in the kneecap because he was closer and dodged around him away from the larger opponent. The big man stepped over the yelling sailor, sct himself solidly and rushed at Nick with his big arms spread, Nick feinted forward as if to meet him, locked bis Icft hand against a right that felt as if it belonged to a power-shovel and then back-pedaled with a side twist that put his right foot into the man's stomach while his right hand carried the other's left wrist right on by Skidding sideways, four hundred pounds of hurtling inan-meat smashed through a chais, a coffee tablc, swept a TV and its table out of the way as if it were a matchbox toy and crashed to a halt in the ruins of the desk-bureau combination that splintered against the wall wisdomend, grinding crunch. Riding on Nick's foot and more? his grips, the big man was the point for most ·26 NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER on the furniture. It took him a second longer than Nick to get up. Nick sprang, slid an arm alongside his throat while jacking the near arm into the hair where it wayed helplesso, ly for a moment. A moment was all Nick needed-wheti they fell to the floor Nick's forearm was locked alongside the man's neck, Nick's other hand gripped his own wrist. It was a hold that should shut off the man's wind and blood supply in ten seconds. He didn't get ten seconds, Gasping and choking the waiter-type revived enough to grope for his gun. Nick unwrapped himself, slammed his adversary's head against the floor hopefully and grabbed a gun arm as it came out past a coat lapel. The first shot went between them, the next two into the ceiling, and Nick threw that gun through the other, unbroken window. They would need air if this kept up. Didn't anyone in this hotel ever listen to any thing? The waiter punched him in the stomach. If he hadn't watched the blow delivered he might not have known it hit. He put his palm under the man's chin and popped im backward at the big man who was coming from the all like a bull at a cape. Nick started to dodge in what he thought might be a graceful Veronica when his foot caught in the TV wreckage. Big man would have gored him in the appendix if he had had the horns. As they toppled against the bed the room's door opened and a woman's scream burst in, then withdrew as she fled. Nick and the bull were tangled in spread, blankets and pillows- His adversary was slow. Nick saw the sailor crawling toward the door. Where was waiter-type? Desperately Nick ripped at the spread that insisted on coming up with him. BLAM! The lights went out. He was shaken and blind for only a few seconds magnificent physical condition kept him almost cons: as he wagged his head and pushed himself up fror ·27 AVISTERDAM So that's where the waiter sent! He got the sailor's and crowned me with it. When I reach him. -c sagged, sat on the floor for a moment, took several breaths. Somewhere a woman was shouting, screan- Fect sounded, running away. He blinked and blinked il he could see, staggered erect. The room was empty. By the time he had gives his head a good soaking in id water the room wasn't empty any longer There was emaid bo had screamed, to bellmen, a manager and s assistant, a secunty man and a housekeeper. As be ried himsell, put on his robe and bid Wilhelmina while retending to urtargle his shirt from the bed mess, the police arrived. They kept him busy for an hour. The manager gave T.im a fresh room and insisted ca cending up a doctor. Everyone was polite, sympathetic and angry at the smear on the good name of Amsterdam. Nick winned and thanked everybody He gave the CD man accurate doscriptions and wished him well. He refused to look at us shots, claiming it had all happened 100 st fuy. The CD man studied the chaos, then closed his report book and said in slow English, "But cet too swiftly, Mr Kent. They have gotten away nox, but he may find them at a hospi- Nick distributed bis belongings in his new room, left a call for two and went to sleep When the operator aroused him he felt fins not even a teadache. He had coffee sent up while he showered. The address Amlie had given him as 20 immaculat Toy house out on Wibaustraat past the Olympic Stadiun She met him in a reat hall so agors with varnish, pais and polish it demanded to be packed away in tissa paper. "Let's go and take advantage of the daylight," s said. "You can come up for a dnnk of you like when £et back." "I know 171 like." Ste led him to a blue Vauxhall Cresta which she do ·- NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER " caution. In form-fitting chartreuse sweater mu pivacu skirt, with her hair secured by a small salmoqhued scarf, she looked more lovely than she had on the piane. Very British, prim and sexier than in the linen mini-skirt. He watched her features and profile for a moment as she drove. No wonder Manson's used her as a model. She pointed out landmarks proudly. “There's Ooster Park ... now the Zoo, see ... it has one of the best collections of animals in the world. We are going northwest toward the center of the city again. Do you see how the canals and streets are laid out in a plan? The ancient planners were far-seeing. And there ... Rembrandt's house." Nick acknowledged each point of interest. The outer city was as he remembered it; colorful, fascinating, with an air that said those who lived here understood that life had a past and a future, not just a today. She drove him past the docks, circled the busier canals where a man could spend a day just watching the passing parade, showed him the expanses of land reclaimed from - he sea. As she drove past the North Sea Canal and turned ack she said, “There's a saying—God created the earth but the Dutch created The Netherlands." "You're tremendously proud of the country, Amlie. You'd make a good guide for American Express.” "It's so different, Norman. For generations these people have fought the sea. No wonder they're stubborn. But they're alive and clean and energetic" "And some of them are gullible and superstitious just like other human beings. After all, monarchies have been going out of style." She sulked until they stopped at the Old Dutch restaurant in the Trianon for dinner. No one can sulk through an oude genever martini, served amid blue and white tile under old beams where the gaily flowered red chairs are filled with cheerful people; followed by a trip to the buffet table-as long as a bowling alicy-covered with hot and ·AMSTERDAM cold seafood, meats, cheeses, dips, salads, meat pies and innumerable pretty dishes ofleriog every bona taste bleod. It was supposed to be just the beginning. After two trips to the table, excellent beer and a look at the massive offering of pastries, Nick quit. "I've got to get into condition to put away the meals around here." "This is really an excellent but inexpensive restaurant, Wait till you try our duck and partidge and lobster and Zeeland oysters" "Later, my dear, Much later. But there you go again. Our duck, You're a real Dutch-American," "Let me show you how to speak it---" Stufled and content they drove out the old road to Vinkeveen. When they left the city she stopped and suga gested that Nick drve. He discovered that the car handlod well. It happened on an empty stretch of road which Amlic told him would take them back toward town. The car came from behind, a man mouoncd stop and forced them to the edge of the hughway. Nick debated a fast reverse; rejected the idea. He wasn't that familiar with the car for fast action, and anyway--you could always learn something if you didn't get killed. The man who bad waved got out and came to them. He looked bke a police official in a standard TV quickie. He even took out the usual small Mauser as he sad, "The girl comes with us. No trouble, please." Nick smiled at him. "Okay" He turned to Amlic. "You know them?" Her tones were shrill. "No, Norman. No!" The man came just a little too close to the door. Nick whipped it open, heard it clonk against the gun as his feet hit the road. The odds were good. When they talk about "no trouble" and "please" they aren't ready for quick murder. Might even have their gun on safety. If your reflexes are honed and you're in condition and you've spent hours, days, practicing for just such situations ·30 NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER The gun didn't go off. The man pinwheeled over Nick's hip and slammed onto the ground with a force that meant a concussion or close to it. The Mauser fell to the side.. Nick kicked it under the Vauxhall and ran around the other car, drawing Vilhelmina. The driver was eitlier very smart or a coward-anyway a bad type to be partners with. Hc gunned the cngine and left Nick staggering in exhaust fumcs. Nick rcholstered Wilhelmina and bent over the man on the ground who lay very still, his breath straining. Swiftly Nick emptied his pockets--taking everything he could find, searching the belt for cases, clips or a badge. He threw the little collection on the scat, jumped back into tic car and took off after the taillights in the distance. The Vauxhall was fast but not fast enough. Amlie had been saying things. "Oh my heavens! In The Netherlands! We don't have this. Let's get the police. Who's was that? Why? So sudden. How did you ever manage that, Norman? Would hc have shot us?" By the time she ran down he was parking the car. He mpt hier quict going through the lobby of the hotel Dic Port van Clcvc. It took a Scotch and a half in his room before she stopped gulping, shivering and babbling. Meanwhile he looked through the collection of items lie had taken from the man with the Mäuser. Nothing. The usual stuff from pockets-cigarettes, pen, pocket knife, notebook, matches. The notebook was bare--not a written line. The matches advertised motor oil. He shook his licad. "Noi the law. I didn't think so. Thicy don't behave like that although some incompetent might. We couldn't take any chances." He refilled their drinks and sat beside hier on the long couch. If the room were bugged, the soft music from the hi-fi channel should garble their words. He asked, "Why would thcy want you, Amlic?” "I don't know." "That wasn't just a holdup, you know. He said, 'The girl comes with us.' Now you're rape-bait if I cver saw } 3 ·AMSTERDAM 31 2017, but even those types don't pick out a car on a road They wanted you." Amlie's beauty was the in-depth kind that improved in anger or fcar. Nick watched the musty clouds that fogged her eyes and lips with worry but did not soften the firm sct of ber chin. "I-I can't think when "Are you holding any business secrets?” She gulped. Shook her bead. Nick debated asking the next question: Have you found out anytlung you shouldn't Know? Then he rejected it. That was too close to the done. She was suspicious of "Norman Keot" already. Her next words proved it She said slowly, "Norman--you moved awfully fast out there. And I saw your gun. Who are you?" He put his arm around her. She seemed to welcome it. "Just a Yankee businessman, Amlie. One of the old types. The kind that stripped the coasts of Africa and faced millions of Chinese with a few small cannon and a lot of nerve based on greed. When I carry diamonds, for instance, bobody takes them away from me while I'm alive." She shuddered. Nick stretched out his legs. He rather liked the picture be had painted. He wanted to add and if they won't give you the merchandise, send for the Marines; but he felt that it would ruin the heroic image. He brought over his free hand and patted her, "Relax, Amlic. That was a disturbing scene. That one who hit the road won't bother you or anyone for a few weeks. We can tell the police-or keep quiet. Do you think you ought to tell Phil Laansm3 about it?" It was the key question. She was silent for a long timc. Fles head tilted onto lus shoulder. She sighed. “I don't know. He should be warned if they're after Manson's. But how will it look?" "Odd." “That's what I mean, Phil is modern. S He's not the old-style Continental director in shali honnad ·32 NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER high colar and starched mind. But what will he think of an employee who is selected for abduction? Certainly it's not Manson's cup of tea. You ought to see the personnel checks he uses in New York. Detectives and consultant snoops and all that. I mean-Phil is a swinger personally, but not where business is concerned. And I like my job." "Think he'd fire you?" "No... not quite that." "But when it came to promotion. Your future. He might be influenced.” “Yes. I've built a good record. Reliable. Efficient. This would be the first wrong note.” "Please don't get angry now.” Nick spoke soothingly and chose his words carefully. "I think you've been warmer with Phil than just friends. And you're a magnificent woman, Amlie. Any chance of his being jealous? Hidden resentment, perhaps, of even a guy like me?" She thought that over, "No. I'm I'm sure not. Phil and I we've had a fewm-parties. Just what comes natually at his place on long weekends. He's really very nice. teresting. Som" "And he's known about you and a few others?" "He knows I'm a free agent, if that's what you mean." There was a small chill in the words. Nick applied gloss. "Phil doesn't look like the dangerously jealous type. He's too much of a polished cosmopolitan. Broad-minded. A man in his position would never let himself or his firm get involved in anything shady. Or illegal. So we can rule him out." She was quiet too long. That picture made her think. "Yes," she said at last, but it was just a word. "How about others in the shop, though? I meant w said about you. You're a shockingly attractive { wouldn't be unusual for some man or lad to go ov! for you. Someone you least suspect. Or someos: been out with only a few times. Maybe someor. Manson's. Women often sense these things su ·AMSTERDANI 33 ly. Nos think about it. Eyes tbat follow you whenever you're around. Extra attentions." "Xo ... there might be, I guess. But we're occa ... a happy family. I've bever rejected anyonc. No, I don't mean thal If anyone shostd extra interest or affection for me I'd be extra kiod. I like to be liked. Do I make scasa?" "Perfectly. And somebow I can agrec that you don't have a bidden admuser who might tum dangerous and certainly you don't havt enemies The kind of girl who develops them is partly hollow. The brittle acar-the-edges Lind who covers it up with teasing Gets a kick out of maca losing their controls over her. The girls who wrote the Dear John letters." Amlic's cyes were misty as they confronted bis oma *Normanyou understand." It was a satisfying kiss and a long one The release from tensioa and the sharing of problems helped, Nick knew, but now! She used those perfect lips like warm waves bathing a shore She came against him with sighs and moist checks and surrender and acceptance without a trace of falsity. She smelled like flowers after an carly Sumber rain and she felt like the kind of woman Mohammed promised to his troops to keep his desert cavalrymren charging against concentrated fire. If you go downzapremind into her arms! She caused a catch o Nick's throat and a faster beat to his breath as she melted ber long length against him with a sighing deliverance It scened like yours ago she had said I mean a relationslun hat's fun anu zou're strong nends and you can jalk lo each other, and if you get the urge and want to plan Loty special way to do is tonight you talk about it. When The time comes, you can commutucale. There was no occd for talk this ought. When he unbur- 'tored his sturt she helped him and shed the chartacuso sweater and her front-clip bra with unlurried but unhesitat purpose. His breath stumbled ansin at what was ·! 34 NICK CARTER: KILLNASTER revealed in the soft glow. The fountains. The source. He tried to drink, delicately and savoring the taste of her as gardens of flowers crushed against his face and made color patterns even though his eyes were closed. Allah--you deliver! It was the softest, most fragrant cloud he had ever fallen through. When at last, floating together through a series of casual strippings and tossings they blended skin and bodies on the bed he was intrigued to hear her murmur, "Oh it's quite different. So nicem I thought it would be." He swam deeper into saturated depths, replying, “I thought so too, Amlie. I know now why you're so beautiful. It's not vencer. You're abundant. Solid.” "You make me feel" He didn't remember because they felt it. Later against a pink ear he murmured, "Sweet solid, Sweet solid. That's you, Amlie." She sighed and turned to him again. "Rcal loving." She rolled the words along her tongue. “I know what it is. It's not finding the right lover--it's being the right lover." .: "Copyright that,” he whispered, closing his lips on otal.

·Chapter 2 - It was a marvelous moming to have breakfast in bed with a beautiful girl. A blazing sun snapped hot sparkiers through the windows. The room-service cart, ordered with belp from Amlie, was a rolling buffet table stocked with delicacies ranging from bubs to becr and ham to herning. After savonng his second cup of excelleat coffee, served lovingly by a completely oude and unself-conscious Amlie, Nick said: "You'll be late for work. What if the boss discovers you weren's home last night?" Soft hands pressed the sides of his face, feeling the stubbic. She looked into his eyes, made an impish grio. "Don't worry about me I don't punch a clock on this side of the occan and I don't have a telephone in my apartmcat. Oa purpose. I like my freedom." Nick kissed her, then cased her back a few iaches--if be kept on, they'd never get up "I bate to menuon them, but have you thought about those two buckos who tried to grab you last night? Who were they working for? They were after you let's not load ourselves. The stuff from the Quy's pockets doesa't lell us a thing." lic watched the pretty smile fade from bor lips. He liked her. As she knelt over hip on the big bed he liked her especially; the plump fullness of her curves and ares seen from the prone position formed an anist's decam. It as a shame to cross the pink glow from that Vace 35 ·73 36 NICK CARTER: WILLMASTER and let the sombre mask of worry replace it. If only she would tell him all she knew-yet if he pressed too hard for it, she'd flee from him. She caught a bit of one lip under white teeth for an instant. It gave her a look of concentrated worry--more problems than a pretty girl should have. "I never saw them before," she said slowly. "I've been thinking about them too. We can't be sure they knew me. Perhaps they just wanted a girl." "You don't really believe that, even if you want to. Those boys were in the business. Not the kind of professionals you find in the big time in the U.S.A., but sharp enough. They wanted you. They weren't rummies or hot pants boys in their beer looking for a blonde. They picked their spot and made their move.' "And you stopped them," she observed. "They don't usually bump into a Boston, lad who used to fight for fun with the Irish and Italian boys in the North End. We learned how to really take care of ourselves there. They were unlucky." * The worry was all over her now, like a coat of gray i uusparent plastic. It took the glow off. He thought there was fear in her eyes as well. She murmured, "I'm glad I'm going back to New York in a week." "That's no protection. They can have you cut up into small chunks long before that. Or if somebody is bulldog. ay about it, they can follow you to New York, Think, sweetheart. Who wants to hurt you?" "I don't know." "You don't have an enemy in the world?” "No." She didn't mean it. Nick sighed. He said, "You'd better talk to me, Amlic. I think you're going to need a friend and it may be that I'm one of your best bets. When I went to my hotel yesterday three mys jumped me in the room. Their key question was-how long have I known you?" She sank back on her haunches, suddenly pale, her 7 ·AMSTERDAM 37 breath held in and then expelled with a nervous spasm. "You didn't tell me who---?" "I could pull the old one about you didn't ask. It will probably be in the papers today. Visiting businessman victim of robbery attempt. I didn't tell the police that they asked about you Now I'm going to describe them to you. Sce if you recognize any of them." He drew clear word pictures. The waiter-type, sailorman and no-neck gorilla. He looked at ber as he talked, apparently casual, but observiog every change of expression and movement. He wouldn't bet on it, but he decided she knew at least one of them. Would she level with him? He concluded," ... I'd say the sailor doesn't go to sea any more and the waiter doesn't wait. They've found a better racket. No-neck is the boss of the team And there's money ia it. The clothes I just desenbed were of good quality. I ripped most of the coat off one of them. Nice wool worsted. No label " "Oh-b-h." Her mouth was a worried rose, her eyes gloomy violets. "I-I don't know anyone who looks like them." Nick sighed. "Amlie, you're in trouble. TVe're in trouble. Those lads meant business and they may be back Whoever shot at us at Schiphol may be around for another o. His aim may be better next time" "Do you think it was really meant to kill" "It wasn't just a threat. They meant business I don't think I have any deadly enemies in town." He thought to himself: I ought to cross my fingers or legs, I may have a double-dozen. Anyway, she's too pretty to disturb with any legs and I'm not superstitious. "So that leaves you and Jacobus. I think it was you. The slug was close to us. It went bigh as they often do shen you're trying to pick 1 target out of a crowd and don't want to pot the WORS victim. The gunner may have been in a car or eurt *** could have found a high spot like they did i. 7 ·19 95 38 NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER they'd have had you cold. Think about it. There might be a next time." She was trembling. "Oh--no.” You could see the circuits working bchind the blue eyes, relays and cores selecting and rejecting madly, pat terns forming and reforming swiftly in her brain the most complex computer in the world which makes man's devices look like an abacus. He programmed an overload and said, "What are the Yenisei Cullinans?” Fuses were blowing. "The what? I don't know." "I imagine they're diamonds of some kind. Think." "II seem to remember a Cullinan. But--10mit docsn't ring a bell" “Can you look them up, see if there are famous crown jewels or big stones or special settings with a name like that?” "Oh yes. We have a library at the office." She had answered automatically. If he dared fire key questions at her now he might get answers--and he might runsad an intricate portion of the delicate device. The dillions of relays packed into a delicate gray, misshapen ball can be instantly stalled by an amateur. The eye-lights will flash NO—TÍLT-REJECT. And you're through with that one. Her arms were braced on the bed beside his chest. He admired the sheen of her golden hair as she shook her head. She said, "I'll have to tell Phil about this. It may involve Manson's." "You've changed your mind about telling him of your adventures?" "It wouldn't be fair to the firm ... not to tell. It may be part of ... a robbery plot or something." The eternal woman, Nick thought. Smokescreens and subterfuges. "Do me a favor, Amlie, Call Manson's and see if my credit is okay." Her head came up. "How did you know?"

·n AXISTERDAM 39 "First thing a smart company would do Will you call?" “Yes." She clambered off the bed. Nick stretched and enjoyed the vier. She spoke rapidly in Dutch. He heard, Algemene Bank Nederland... She hung up and turned to bim. "Constant says your credit is approved. The Bard Galleries have a hundred thousand dollars on deposit and a letter of credit for more." "Did we pick the leading bank?" "They have twenty-five offices in Amsterdam alone." "So I'm a welcome customer now?" "Yes." She picked up her bra and started to dress, her motions slow and preoccupied. "Phil will be glad to sell you anything you want, I'm sure." She wondered why Phil had sent Oom Myer and to helpers to accost Nick And that bullet at the airport? She shivered Did someone at Manson's know that she had discovered what Kelley non included in the engravings? She refused to believe Phil was involved, yet who else? She had better not tell him she recognized Nick's description of Oom. Keep that as a secret weapon The police would like to know it By the time she gave Nick a long good-by kiss, before completing her lipstick, she had regained her poise. He said, "171 be along in a half hour. We tell Laansma the truth, eh? Except about where you spent last night?" “Yes. I think we must." "Okay, Amlie. You're the best judge of your own situation." He wondered if she bclicved that. Mickel Eduard Oom Myer squirmed under the scornfu remarks of Philipine Laansma. He bumped one expensive shoc against the other. It helped him to remain calmonly in the last few years had be enjoyed an income which allosed him to live as a man should. He san a cros the back of his peck that almost wasn't any came away damp from the heavy folds of find NI;

·40 NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER not to talk to him like this. He could smash the dapper man into nothing with one blow. No, noche mustn't think like a fool. Phil had the brains and the money. He winced as Laansma spat words at him like pellcts of dung. my force. Three imbeciles. Or two imbcciles and a cretin--you-to lead them. What idiocy! You fired the shot yourself?" "Yes." "With the muilled Browning?" “Yes." "You once told me you could drive nails with it at a hundred yards. How far were you from her head bigger target?" “Two bundred yards." "Liar." Laansma slow-marched back and forth in his plush office with precise strides. Not for an instant did he think of letting Oom know that he was glad he missed that ill-conceived shot, or that he had changed his first impressions of Norman Kent. When he had left the breakfast table to call Oom and order him to check on Kent when he reached the Die Port van Cleve, he had been certain hat Kent was a counterespionage man. Just as he had been sure that Amlie had discovered, at Kelley's studio, how complex and voluminous data and diagrams could be transmitted in the microdots of engravings. He was proud of the pipeline, as he thought of it, for it was his own invention. His customers included the Russians, and South Africa, and Spain and three middleeastern countries. So simple and so profitable, and it led to interesting sidelines, like Groot and his stolen Cullinans. Groot! Philipine squared his shoulders, He thought he could peddle his loot to the highest bidder. Let him dream, Groot was a capable spy but when it came to matching brains with a man like himself-hah! Nowas soon as he figured out what kind of a terminal to use, he would rent his pipeline to the Americans and the British and couriers could carry data both ways!

·AMSTERDAM The CIA would adore it. The British Mis nceded new patterns, they had only one left that was truly eflicient, Laansma did an almost military about-face. Firm, fearless, but lexible! Be more than you seem! The old German general staff selected the right maxims. Groot was right about that. Flexible! Amlie was evidently still of use-just nervous. Kent was a tough American playboy with money to spend for diamonds. So! A small, significant, instantaneous change in tactics. And he would use Oom's two failures as weapons. The brute was getting cocky. He watched Oom rotate bis big hands, rubbing one on the other. "You need practice shooting," Laansma said, "Some day you may meet someone who shoots back." Oom could not meet his eyes "I aimed at the head. It would have been stupid to wound and I couldn't aim lower," "I would have done as well with kirelings off the Hamburg docks. What a mess at the hotell He made fools of you." "He isn't an ordinary man. He must be from Interpol "You found no proof New York says Kent is a buyer for Bard. A high-living young man A hunter and boxer. You don't understand Americans, Oom. One of the street makes you call yourself a professional-look like a girl slapping her tennis partner for a goose. Three of you! Hai" "He has a gun." "A man like Kent might Our police take guns away from Americans every month You know that. Tell me again what he said about the Cullinans." "He said, 'I got 'em."" "You moron. I would have told you if he had them," "You said we wouldn't see them till we got to Geesteren so I thought maybe he" "Maybe he had outwitted mer "Vell not like that but" ·77 NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER ... !" Philipine liked to give such commands. They ..':.: fcel likc a German officer he had watched come '; billet ncar Rcichswald and silence his whole -troops, civilians and horses-with a word, :: ied his knuckles. ! ::: once more," Laansma ordcrcd. "Did hc cver ever say diamonds?" He watched Oom closcly, wondered for a monient if the man might be more than lic scencd. He had never let Oom know anything about his special conimunications pipcline. He used the hulking fellow as a messenger occasionally to contacts within Holland, but that was all. Oom's thick brows came together like gray siugs touching noses. "No. Just that he left them at the Krasnapolsky." "Not in the safe. Not locked up." "No. Nothing about how thcy were kept. Just that they were with Stahl." "Who knows nothing about it. I checked with him. Unobtrusivelyma procedure you wouldn't even understand." Laansma sighed with the wciglity ponderance of a general forced to make a difficult decision and convincing himself that what he did was wisc. "All riglit, Oom. Take Beppo and Mack to the farm in the big Citroën. Stay there. I don't want your faces around the city for awhile. Go out by the private gate and don't stop off anywhere." "Yes, sir." Oom Icft quickly. Laansma got up and paced his big office, puſſing gently on the cigar, stepping slowly on the thick carpet. He followed thc rich wood paneling with his cycs. It failed to give him a feeling of security and success, as it usually did. He took up a .position at the right distance from 'a Dufy original, studying the masterful color work. His spinc was straight, lis chin in and his weight even on liis feet. He failed to feel lucky--just jcalous. The games were getting dangerous. Amlic had discovered too much, yet lic dare not ask her about it. It had been a practical idea to ·ANISTERDAM 43 tave her climinated, if he convinced hitoself-it had Lone off smoothly. Yet it looked as it he might ride out the winds after all. If she had talked in New York and Norman Kent had been sent with her, they would have made their move by now. They had all the evidence they needed right in the artist's case she had carried on the planet Whew. He patted away perspiration from his forchead with a spotless handkerchief, replaced it with another from a drawer, The intercom announced Amlie. Laansma said, "In a moment." He went into his private suite and studied his handsome features in the mirror He must pay more attention to Amlic. He had kept it casual because he did not believe in strong alliances with those beneath him. He would warm it up and that would be pleasant, because she was among the greatest in bed He went to the door to geet her. "Amlie! Darling, Ah beste it's gond to have you alone for i moment." He kissed her on the check. She looked puzzied for a moment, then smuled--whout brightness "It's nice to be in Amsterdam, Phil. You know how I love it." *And you brought 3 customer with you. You have an cyc for business, my swect. Mr. Kent's references are crcellent, Sooner or later they will favor us with some business, I am surc. Sic down, Amlie." He held het chair for her, lit her cigarette. Jesus, she was beautiful! He stepped into his suite for an instant and checked his brown mustache and white teeth with a quick series of ເrimacts, Amlie said as he stepped back around the door, "I've been talking with Mr. Kent. I imagine he might develop into a good customer." you think he just happened to have the seat next to you on the plac?" *1 Link so." Aulic bad pondered this. "If he wanted to ·44 NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER contact Manson's that was a complicated way to do it. If he wanted to sit next to me--I'm flattered." + "He's a powerful man. Physically, I mean." "I noticed. We went sightseeing yesterday afternoon and he told me that three men had tried to hold him up ir his room. Someone shot at him or me at Schiphol. And last evening two men tried to abduct me." Laansma's eyebrows jumped when she mentioned the last attempt at abducting her. He had been prepared to act astonished now he didn't have to act, he was, "Amlie! Who? Why?" "The men, who attacked him at his hotel asked about me. And about something called the Yenisei Cullinans Do you recognize them?” She watched him closely. Phil was a magnificent actorand how she had once trusted him! His polish and suave generosity used to fool her completely. Revelation hai come to her with a jolt when she had unexpectedly visitet Kelley's Color Engraving studios in New York, She hau discovered their connection with Manson's and the unusuengraviogs that were inserted in her carrying case. erhaps Phil didn't know about it but thinking back, re-evaluating some things he had said and done, she believed he was part of the scheme. She hated him for it. Her nerves had twitched horribly until she had handed the case over to him. Laansma smiled warmly-friendly reassurance in his expression. "The Yeniseis are diamonds. Allegedly for sale, but you know how stories float around in this business. More important-how do you know someone shot at you at Schiphol?” "Norman said he heard a bullet.” "You call him Norman? That's nice. He is." "We agreed on first names when we met at the Krasnapolsky. Remember? And he is a charming man." She knew a dart like that pricked Laansma and she couldn't resist placing it, like a female picador. She sud- > ·AMSTERDAM 45 denly realized how self-centered he was. He hated compliments about other men, except when he made them himself as business flattery. Laaasma smoothed a corner of his mustache with a little finger. "You were with him, Did "you hear anything?" "I'm not sure. I thought it was a plane." "I see. And the men at his hotel or on the road. Any idca who they might have been? Perhaps robbers or mpists? Amsterdam isn't what it used to be. We have them-” "No The first three asked for me by name." "The ones on the road did not?" "No. They just said the girl comes with us." "Amlie, I think we may all be facing a problem. When you go back to the States next Tuesday I had planned to have you carry an especially valuable shipment. One of the biggest we've ever moved. Ever since I assembled them there have been suspicious things happening. These may be part of the plot, although how it all connects I don't see." He hoped she believed him. Anyway, it should confuse her and Kent. Amlie was shaken. There had been a number of thefts and robberies in the past year-more than usual. The loyalty she had developed for Manson's increased her gullibility. "Oh! But how? We had nothing with us when I left the planc except—" She bit it off. She had been about to say those engravings. *Who can tell how the criminal mind works? Perhaps to offer you a tremendous bribe Perhaps to drug you or hypnotize you so you would cooperate later on. Heaven only knows the evil things that are available.” - "What will we do?" "Did you or Kent repon the shot or the men on the road to the police?" She was not so shaken that she overlooked his failure to ask about the affair at the hotcl Did he know Norman reported that? Suspicion steadıcd her. She could swallow again. "No. There didn't seem to be much point to it."

·46 NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER "Probably you should have. But it's a bit late to do it now. Norman will be here shortly--if he keeps our appointment. Let's see what he says ..." “Norman” showed up on time. They shared a bountiful Dutch second breakfast in Laansma's office and discussed events. Nick learned nothing newmand Laansma remained on his prime suspect list. Laansma said he was giving Amlie a guard for the balance of her stay and Nick suggested politely, "You can withdraw him when Amlie is showing me the sights. I'll be responsible for her.” "From what I hear," Laansma observed, hiding his jealousy even from himself, "you are an excellent bodyguard." Nick shrugged and chuckled. “You know these primitive Americans. Always ready for violence." Amlie left them on that note, agreeing to meet Nick at six. Under Laansma's guidance Nick viewed more magnificent diamonds than he had known existed. They visited cutters and other houses, and Laansma was frank in pointing out good values and interesting selections. Nick noticed that there was very little difference in pricing. when they returned to Manson's after a hearty late lunch i the Waroeng-Djawa--rijsttafel with twenty-four items.- Nick said, “Thank you for your time, Phil. I've learned a lot. Let's do business." Laansma blinked, "You've made a decision?" “Yes. A decision to learn what firms my company can trust. So let's select a lot. Say thirty thousand dollars worth of those stones you showed me. We'll find out damn soon if you're doing us right or wrong. If it's right you've got a long-term customer. If wrong you and I are still friends but we won't do any business." Laansma laughed. "It's the old Venetian. You're maks. ing me balance my greed against my business judgment.” "Yep. It works with substantial firms. You don't use it in the street." "All right, Norman. I'll select the stones in the morning and you can go over them with your glass and I'l explain } ·--- 47 AMSTERDAM them so you'l be able to inform your people. It's too late to do it today--" "Of course. And Phil.please bave a batch of small white caselores that I can write on. I'm going to put Zarn yout remarks about each stone or group of stones." "Certainly. You may not talk the language but you know business. We'll get along, Norman. What will you do now? Sec more of Europe? Go home?" "12 he leaving soon." "You're not in any hurry?" "Not especially." "Then I'd like to suggest two things Come out to my country place over the weekend. We have a lot of fun. Tennis, borses, golf. And ballooning. One-man jobs. Ever try it?" "No." "You'll get a kick out of it." He put his arm on Nick's V shoulder. "I read you, Norman. You like gew adventures. And occasionally-acw beautiful women. Blondes included. Right?" "Right. "Thea here's my second suggestion. It's really a request for a favor. I'm going to send Amlie to the States carrying a big selection of diamonds. Really big. I think someone is planning to steal them. Your adventures recently may be part of the picture. I want you to travel with Amlie and help ward them and her---unless it won't fit in with your plans at all." "I'll make it fit." Nick senler! "Thirima facin I should hive bec } is a great Jam Nick Carter's ads "Yes indeed They're tremendously popular herc. Of course such things bappea mort ollen to you American.3.* *Maybe in quanuty. But I read somewhere that the most complex crimes happen in England, France and the Netherlands, is that order."

·48 NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER "Really?" Laansma was fascinated. "But think of Murph the Surf. Your police on every subway train. The way they rob armored cars in New Englandmmit seems like every month." "We can't match England, where they clean out a whole train." "I see what you mean. Our criminals are ingenious" "Sure. The States gets the action, but the Old World has the brains. Anyway, I'll be glad to schedule my return to match Amlie's trip. As you say I like diamonds and I love blondes," After Nick bad gone Laansma smoked thoughtfully, leaning back in his big leather chair, studying the Lautrec sketch on the far wallman original. Norman Kent was an interesting type. He looked deeper than he was. No police agent would discuss crime the way he had or admit his interest in it or mention secret service. Nor would any agency Laansma had ever heard of turn loose an agent with a hundred thousand dollars to spend and a letter of for more. Kent would develop into a good customt there might be a way to use him for other mat- He was glad Oom and his aides had failed. He hought of Amlie, She had probably spent the night with Kent. The idea aroused him. He had regarded her as a delightful playmate to be enjoyed cautiously. The image of that gorgeous body in another's arms excited his memories. He went up to the fourth floor and found her in her office near the design department. When he hinted at dinner she said she had a date with Norman Kent. He hid his disappointment. Returning to his office he found Nich olas G. Groot waiting to see him. They went into Laansma's private chambers. Groot was a small dark man with the odd ability to disappear amid three people. He was as inconspicuous as a theater usher or the co-pilot on your fight. After the ·AVSTEPDAN 49 grcctings Laansma asked, "Have you decided on a price for the Cullinans?" "Ilavc you decided what you will pay?" Ticy spent thirty minutes arguing to a do-decision. Nick walked slowly into his hotel. There were many things he wanted to do Nose about among Herb Whit- Jock's acquaintances and haunts, trace the Yenisci Culo Iinans in case Amlic brought no information; discover what Manson's did with the Kelley cngravings. But any wrong move might destroy his cover and role which were working well. It was frustraung-waiting watchfully for them to come to you. Or come at you. At the desk bc was handed a large, pink scaled cnvelorc, marked--Mr. Norman Keni, lland Deliver. Valuable. Ic stepped into the cxotic lobby and opcocd it. The typed message read; I have the YCs at an attractive price, I will contact you soon Jean Bariste Van Rijn. Nick smiled. He entered the clevator carrying the firx envelope like a ſag. They caught him at the door of h. Toom, two well-dressed men who scemed to fill the desertcd corridor. The Old World has a lot to lcam, Nick thought as he fumbled at thc lock. “Damn," he said. They were coming to him No doubt about it. Their paths at him were as true as two plancs homing on an omni-range station when they were six feet away he dropped ihe key and drow Wilhelmina in a fraction of a second. The practiced sweep of his right haod, as fast and unexpected as the flick of a lizard's tongue, hardly disarsangcd his jacket or topcoat. "flold it night there," he snapped. Rc tossed the pink cniclope from his left hand at their fect, "You are following that? Olay, you've found me."

·48 NICK CARTER: HILLMASTER "Really?" Laansma was fascinated. "But think of Murph the Surf. Your police on every subway train. The way they rob armored cars in New England-it seems like every month." "We can't match England, wherc they clcan out a. whole train." "I see what you mean. Our criminals are ingenious." "Sure. The States gets the action, but the Old World has the brains. Anyway, I'll be glad to schedulc my return to match Amlic's trip. As you say I like diamonds and I love blondes." After Nick had gone Laansma smoked thoughtfully, Icaning back in his big leather chair, studying the Lautrec sketch on the far wall-an original. Norman Kent was an interesting type. He looked deeper than he was. No police agent would discuss crime the way he had or admit luis interest in it or mention secret service. Nor would any agency Laansma had cver heard of turn loose an agent With a bundred thousand dollars to spend and a letter of dit for more. Kent would develop into a good customand there might be a way to use him for other mat- He was glad Oom and his aides had failed. He thought of Amlie. She had probably spent the night with Kent. The idea aroused him. He had regarded her as a delightful playmate to be enjoyed cautiously. The image of that gorgeous body in another's arms excited his memories. He went up to the fourth floor and found her in her office near the design department. When he hinted at dinner she said she had a date with Norman Kent. He hid his disappointment. Returning to his office he found Nich olas G. Groot waiting to see him. They went into Laansma's private chambers. Groot was a small dark man with the odd ability to disappear amid three people. He was as inconspicuous as a theater usher or the co-pilot on your flight. After the ·ASESTERDAY 49 Frectings Laansma asked, "Have you decided on a price for the Cullinans?" "laic you decided what you will pay?" They spent thiny minutes arguing to a no decision. Nick walked slowly into his hotel. There were many things lic wanted to do Nosc about among Herb Whillock's acquaintances and haunts; trace the Yenisci Cullinans in c3cc Amle brought no information; discover What Manson's did with the Kelley engravings. But any wrong more might destroy his cover and role which were working well. It was frustrating-waiting watchfully for them to come to you. Or come at you, At the desk he was handed a large, pink scaled covelope, markir, Norman Keni, Hand Deliser. Valuable, Ile stepped into the cxotic lobby and opened it. The tyred message rc34: I have the YCs at an attractire price. I will contact you soon. Joon Bariste Van Rijn. Nick smiled, lc entered the elevator carrying the full cniclore like a flag They caught him at the door room, two ucil-dressed men who scomed to fill the deseri. cd corridor. The Old World has a lot to leam, Nick thought she tumbled at the lock "Damn," he said They were coming to him No doubt about it Their paths at him were as truc as to plan's boming on an crni-rangt station when they wete sit feet away ho dropped the icy and drew Wilhel0u03 on a fracion of a second. Thic pracuced sxccp of his nicht hand, as fast and unexpected as the thick of algards tongue, hardly desar- Yangod luis jacket or toptal. *}{old it night there," he snapped He tossed the pink en clope from tuis la find at their feet. "You are following th27? Olas, seule feund me ·Chapter 3 The two men froze like characters on a screen when the film is stopped. Their eyes widened at the deadly greeting of Wilhelmina's longish snout, Their hands were in sight. One carried black gloves. Nick said, "Don't move until I tell you to. Do you understand my English all right?" After a pause to swallow the man with the gloves swered, "Ja--yes. You are making--" "Shut up. Follow me.” Nick swept up bis key, unlocked e door with one quick twist and backed into the room, keeping both men in sight. "Come on." They trailed after him. He kicked the door shut. The one with the gloves said, “You don't understand. We have a message for you. If you'll come- "'I got it. You put it in a pink envelope to mark me. We used that track in the U.S. a century ago. But you didn't come up in the elevator with me. How did you catch up?" The two looked at each other. Gloves said, "Transmitter. We were waiting in another corridor on this floor. Aj friend in the lobby sent us word when you picked up the envelope." "Very efficient. Your intercoms work in a building like this?" "Up to a few hundred yards. You walk back and forth until you find a spot where the receiver functions." "50 ·الربا والده با Nick siapped te 3, azíre back into the brim, RY Vilhelmids from tnder his arm back into her as They turned from the wall, looking storis *** AMSTERDAM 51 "We have the same problems. Sit doud. Don't tak: your hands out of sight." "We don't want to sit. Mr. Van Rija sent us to fetch "Well, Mr. Van Rijn was- definite " "Why didn't be ask me to call on him, or come to see mc himself?" "We don't know." "How far away is he?" "Fifteen minutes." "In his office or home?" "In a car." Nick nodded thoughtfully He had wanted contacts, action. Wish and receive, He said. "Both of you. Lean on that wall. There." They started to protest. Wilhelmina juu urged as Nick's expression charged from pleasant to uosmilingly impassive. They put the hands on the wall. Onc carried a Colt 32 aulomatic, the other was unarmed. He searched them thoroughly, right down to their ships for furter tol ters, He stepped back, snicked the magazine out of the Colt and thumbed the cartridges of its top in a cascade to the foor Pinning Wilhelmina under one arm he pulled back the slide. The chamber was empty. "This is an intersung canon. Not very popular any more. Can jou got seks for it here?" "Yes." "Where did yoctomy "In Bratdeboro, Vermont 1 528 Over on a visit. If it-comfortable." held out the Coll, "Here" MOMÇo, porcs feld out his hand for, it lo dim."Purit 292y," Nick sa ·NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER jn. I don't have much time. And please don't either of ou make any fast moves. I'm quite nervous and I move ast myself. Something might happen that we'd all be orry for." They had a large, rather ancient but beautifully kept: Mercedes, driven, Nick assumed, by the man with the transmitter. They drove toward Halfweg, turned off on the old road and into a street where a gray Jaguar was parked near the middle of the block with one man in it. "That him?” Nick asked. “Yes." "Please stay in the car. I will talk to him." He knew by the rise in tension--call it smell, a tightening of muscles, or intuition---that they didn't like it. He said, “Don't try it. I won't tell him what happened at the hotel. You tell him what you please.” They did not move when he got out and walked swiftly to the Jaguar, watching the Mercedes' driver until he was shielded by the gray car. The man in the car looked like a naval officer on liday. He wore a blue double-breasted jacket with brass buttons and a blue yachting cap. Nick said, "Mr. Van Rijn---may I get in?” "Please do.” Nick shook a firm hand. "Excuse my method of sending for you, Mr. Kent, but this is a delicate matter." "I enjoyed it,” Nick answered with a grin. Van Rijn looked puzzled. "Ah-well-of course you know what I want to talk to you about. You are here to buy the Yenisei Cullinans. I have them. You know the worth, I presume. Would you care to make an offer?" "'I certainly would," Nick said affably. “But you seewe don't know their exact value. What is your idea of figure?” "Six million." "Can I see them?" Cortainly."

·AMSTERDAM 53 They sat regarding cach other pleasantly. Nick wondered if he'd take them out of his pocket or the glove: compartment or from under the scat. At last Nick said, "Do you have them with you?" "The Cullinans! My heavens no. Half the police in Europe are looking for them." He laughed. "And pone of them letting the others know they are! Aod." He lowcred his voice. " --several highly skilled criminal groups are after them." "Really! I thought--it would all be very--secret," "On no. The news is all over East Europe so you can imagine the leaks The Russians are livid. I actually think they'd pop a bomb on Amsterdam--a small one I suppose--if they could be sure. It's almost the theft of the century, you know." "As you know, Mr, Van Rijn-" "Call me Jcan--" "Okay, Ican, call me Norman I'm no diamond expert. Tor instance, and forgive this stupid question, how many carats?" The older man's handsome facc espressed astonishment. "Normon--you really don't Anou the diamond busincss. Is that why you had Phu Laansma with you when you were visiting around" "Of course." "I see. You must be a little careful of Phil." "Thank you." "The Cullinans have not beza cu! The buyer may want to make many decisions about that. But I assure you want what you heard is correct They are as beautiful cod videndy as filas less as the onguel." "Really!" "Yes. God in his szidom. on knows shy site were found so far apar Tez: is a delighed at perhaps no puzzle :: 2 ta are not related "That's true." Van Rija stock is teed, poudating ·54 NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER "Amazing. Nature. Geology. Who can tell?” "It's a mystery." Nick thought: If you only knew what a mystery it is to me. We could do half this talking in Mondolingue for all I, really understand. "I bought a few stones froin Phil. A wholesale experiment." "Oh? Will you need them if you get the Cullinans?” "Our business is expanding rapidly." “I see. That's good. How did you know what to pay?" "I let him set prices. We'll know in two weeks whether we do more business with Manson's or never again.” "Clever. Norman, my reputation, I believe, is even more substantial than Laansma's. As you can check for yourself, 'Why not let me set a price on the Cullinans? With an agreement to renegotiate." "There's a big difference between a little test order and six million dollars." "You said yourself you're not a diamond man. Even if ** N'ou inspect them, what will you really learn?” "Il know a little more than I do now about them." ick took his jetveler's glass out of his pocket, hoping he didn't hold it too clumsily. "Can I have a look?" Van Rijn chuckled, "You Americans. I wonder if you are a diamond expert-fooling us all. It could be." He Teached into a pocket of his magnificent blue jacket. Nick stiffened. Van Rijn gave him a Wulff Bagatello cigar from a small case and lit one himself. "Very well, Norman, you shall see them. How about Friday evening? At my place in the count-r-;74..near Volkel above Helmond. T'll send ·"When a policeman buys the drinks he wants som AMSTERDAM 55 is the address and there's a little map on the back. Shall I have my ten drive you back to town?" "No thanks. I'll get a trolley at the end of the street. I enjoy riding them--and your web seemed bored with my :company." Nick shook hands and got out. He smiled and waved good-by to Van Rijn who nodded pleasantly as he drove off. Nick smiled and wayed at the men in the Mercedes as it followed. They cut him coldly, like oldschool British gentry passing a farmer who had closed his fields to the hunt. When Nick entered the Die Port van Cleve he sniffed the aroma from the steak dishes in the big restaurant, glanced at his watch. He should pick up Anlie in forty minutes. He was hungry. The big appetites were catchingen He hurried under the neat sigSmce 1870.We Sell Becstcaks. A voice bchind him stopped him near the elevator. om "Mr. Kent-" He turned swiftly, recognized the police detective who had taken down the statemcot after three aien had invaded his room "Yes" Nick had uked the sharp-eyed, businesslike CD man when he had met himbe hoped has opinion wasn't going to change. The man's pleasant, open, soft-featured "Dulch” face was impossible to read and there was often iron under those blaad features "Mr Kent, can you spare a moment for a glass of beer with me?" "All ncht, Just one, thank you, I have a date." They went into the ancient, nosc-teasing bar, with its rich smells of fine food and heavy brews. The CD man ordered schooners. 15.10. thing," Nick said with a grin to soften th. can I tell you?" He got back a smile to match his chouch. “I imagne, Mr. Kent, you will you kant me to know."

·17 56 NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER Nick let his smile go. "Oh?" "Don't be angry. We have so many problems in a city like this, It has been a crossroads of the world for centuries. We always wonder if events fit into part of a larger pattern. I think in America you may be tougher but simpler. You still have the oceans that shut out a lot of the world. Here we always wonder about every little possibility." Nick tasted the beer, Excellent. "I suppose you're right." "Consider your~Iobbery attempt. It would have been much simpler to burglarize your room. Or wait until you were on a lonely street if they wanted something you carry." "I'm glad to see you chaps are careful to distinguish between robbery and burglary." Nick put out the tiny lead.deliberately. "Not everyone knows the difference, Mr. Kent. Except lawyers and policemen. Are you a lawyer?” "I'm not a lawyer." "Ahh." It was a noncommittal sound of interest. "Of course, you are a diamond buyer." He took out a small picture and showed it to Nick. "I wonder if this might be one of the men who attacked you?" It was a file-shot of no-neck, with flat lighting which made him look like a professional wrestler seen full-face on a bad TV screen. Nick said, "Now that might be him. I can't be sure. Everything happened so fast." The CD man put the picture away. "Would you like to tell me off the record as the reporters say--if he was one of them?" Nick ordered more beer and glanced at his watch. He would have to call Amlie, but this was too important to hurry. "You're spending a lot of time on a simple hotel job. You must have a big staff." "We are just as busy as they are everywhere: But as I said sometimes things fit into a larger pattern. You keep 99 ·AMSTLRDAM 57 trying and sometimes the bit of the puzzic goes into place. If you will answer my question, I'll tell you something you ought to know." "Off the record?" ,"Off the record" Nick studied the man once more. Followcd his intuition. "He was onc." "I thought so. He works for Philipine Loansma. The turce of them have returned to his country home. Somewhat the worse for wear." "You've got an inside man out there?" "I cannot answer that, even of the record." "I understand." "Do you want to charge them?" "Not now, What are the Yenusei Cullinans?" "Ahh. Many people in the trade can tell you that although the papers haven't got it yet or don't believe it. 3ome months ago in the gold washings at the Yenisei Riter-that's in Soviet Siberia--three magnificent diamonds were found it was the most astonishing find ever made. Allegedly they weigh nearly one-and-a-half Engush pounds cach. Estimated 3,100 carats Do you realize the value?" "Approximately. Depending on quality." "Tlicy are supposed to be as good as the find after which they are named, the Cullinan Diamond found in 1905 in the Transvaal, It was cut here in 1908. Two of the first four big stones may still be the largest, most flawless brilliants in existence. The Russians reportedly allowed a former Dutch diamond cxpert to evaluate them. eir security was lar Both he and the diamonds disappeared. They arc supposed to be in Amsterdam." Nick made a short, soundless whistle. "That would be the theft of the century. Do you have a Icad on the man?" "That is the dificulty. During the Second World Wars number of Dutchmen, I am sorry to say, raise positions with the Hitler gang. For : L ·58 NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER some for ideological reasons. Naturally the records on them were destroyed or confused. And trying to trace those who went to the Soviet Union or perhaps were captured and stayed there has been almost impossible. We have over twenty suspects but we have pictures and des. scriptions on less than half of them." "Laansma one of them?” "Oh no. He is too young. Mr. Laansma is a businessman. His operations have been getting complex in recent years. "Complex enough to make a grab for the Cullinans? Or be a receiver for them?” The CD man carefully avoided the trap. "Since the ownership of the stones may be clouded, there are many firms who might take a chance at such a prize." "What about international complications? What will a find like this do to diamond values?" "We are cooperating with the Russians, of course. But once the stones are cut identification may be hopeless. They may be cut too quickly and wastefully, but there will still be several fortunes in gems. In themselves the stones are not a big danger to values, and as far as we know, the Yenisei area is not a new field. If it is there'll be chaos in the markets, at least for awhile.” "I see that I must buy very carefully." "Mr. Kent--not to contradict you—I don't think you are a real diamond buyer. Would you like to tell me who you really are? If my suspicions are correct, we could be of help to each other." "I hope to help you all I can, and I want your help. But my name is Norman Kent and I'm a diamond buydr. for the Bard Galleries in New York. You can call Bill Rohde, the owner and manager of Bard, and check for yourself. I'll pay for the call.” The CD man sighed. Nick regretted his inability to cooperate, but tactically it would never do to relax his AXE cover. The CD man might know more about Whit-

·AMSTERDAM
59
Jock's death than had appeared in the records. Nick
wanted to ask him about Jean Batiste Van Rijn, and if
Oom Myer and his boys were up to sniping, but be could
pot He finished his beer. "I've got to run. I'm late for a
Hate now."
"Can you postpone it for a little while longer?"
"I don't want to."
"Please--here is a man you must meet."
Nick hardened his jaw. For the first time since be had
moct him the CD man showed a little muscle. There was a
strong accent on the must.

·No text on this page.

·AMSTERDU 61 Mick called Amlie and told her he would be late. I'm sorry. Lots of people want to meet Norman Kent." "Norman--" The concem in her lone was genuine, “Bc careful." "Nothing to fear in law-abiding Amsterdam, my dear." The CD man left them beside a chauffeur-driven Bentley. De Troija was silent as they drove swiftly out Linnacus Straat and ten minutes later stopped before the door of a giant warchousc. Nick saw the sign Shell as the big metal door rose, then lowered behind the car. The interior of the well-lighted building was so barren they made a loop and stopped beside an even largot, shinir limousine parked ncar thic center. Nick saw stacks of cartons, neatly parked fork-liftsmand at the far end another, smaller car with a man standing beside it. He licida nile or submachine gun-Nick could not tell which at the distanca-trying to keep it unobtrusively bchod his hody. In an opening between cartons piled on a loading dock Nick saw another man Another was stationed near the door. They looked watchful. Nick cascd Wilhelming with a twist of his left arm. He was getting too trustful De Troija said, “If you will get into the back of the other car, you will meet the person mentioned." Nick sat still for a moment. llc saw the empty flag mounts on the gleaming black fonders of the other limousins lle said softly, "Tell ma-docs the person in that car have the right to put dags in those holders?" "Yes" "Mr. De Troja-hen I get out of this car I'm a Helploss larget for a few moments. Would you be so kind as to get out first and sale me across." "Certainly." Nick's back itched. He icpt very close to de Troija as the other opened the limousina's door and murmures, M Nomian Kent." Nick {o: Out of Hic open and into il:c car! nna 1 ·NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER Troija closed the door behind him. In the back seat sat woman, but Nick could only be sure she was a woman. her aroma of excellent perfume. She was so swathed in ars and veils you could not tell by looking. When she poke he felt better. It was a woman's voice, English poken with a strong Dutch accent. "Mr. Kent. Thank you for coming. I know this is anusual but these are unusual times." “They certainly are." "Please don't be alarmed. This is a practical busines matter I should say meeting." "I was alarmed,” Nick lied, "until I met you. Now feel better." "Thank you. We understand you came to Amsterdam to make a purchase. We wish to help you." "Everybody seems to want to help me. You have a hospitable city." "We think so. But one cannot trust everybody.” "I know. I've made one purchase. It will be a test." **Was it a-large transaction?” Jh no. Just a few thousand dollars worth of diauds. From a Mr. Philipine Laansma." "I see. Did Mr. Laansma offer you some especially arge stones?" "Are you referring to the Yenisei Cullinans?" "Yes.” "Since they may be stolen merchandise I don't believe I should say with whom I may have discussed them." Beliind the thick, dark veil there was a sharp exclamation of irritation. This was not a woman you should anger---that sound had a purposeful snap to it. Nick imas incd it forming irrevocable phrases: Of with his head Right this minute. We can hold the trial later. He chose his words carefully. "Would you consider position? I would not tell anyone that you and I discuss the Cullinans. It would be discourteous, to say the lea Let me just say that it has been hinted to me by m- ·37 AMSTERDAM 63 than one person that if I were interested the Cullinaos might be available." He heard something like a short, dignified snarl. "Beware of such offers. I am the only one who can sell you the Cullinans. The others are tricking you. What the English call confidence games. "Perhaps I don't cven want them." "Mr. Kent--we are a small community here. The purpose of your visit is quite clear. I am trying to help you." "And make a sale?” "Of course. We saw that you might be defraudcd, I decided to caution you. In a day or two Mr. de Troija will make an appointment with you to view the diamonds." "Can't I see them now?" Nick asked the question with bland interest, coupled with an innocent smile. "] sbink you know you cannot, Mr de Trovia will call you. Meanwhile don't spend any money foolshly." "Thank you The discussion was cvidently at an end Nick said, ""Well thank you for warning me. I'm sort of new to the diamond business." "We know. It is often wise to send a clover mon who is not an expert than an expert wbo is not clever. Good-by for now, Mr. Kent" Nick climbcd out of the limousine and returned to his seat beside de Troija. The car with the woman rolled silently to the metal door which arose in greeting-and vanished into the spring dusk There was a cover over the license plate. The door stayed up but de Troija's dnver "I'm late." 1 They were giving the "Ycs 17 "How shall we identify ber when you call me?

·64 NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER "Use any name or code you wish." "Madam J?" "Very well.” Nick wondered where de Troija received all those wounds. He was the type who might have been anything from a fighter pilot to an infantry officer. The man had a certain simple determination about him; you concluded that he would "do his duty” as he saw it under any circumstances. Like the British officers General Patton admired: "If it's duty they'll charge hell with a riding crop." Fifteen minutes later the Mercedes stopped at the Die Port van Cleve. De Troija said, "I'll telephone you. Thank you for coming, Mr. Kent." Nick say the man approach him in the lobby and turned slightly, alert and balanced. A hundred men can pass you and you don't change course, but if your senses are honed to a sensitive edge, your eyes extra keen ai. rarely relaxed, a man coming to you registers. Some of us, Hawk once said, have built-in radar, like the bat. The man was ordinary. He was oldish, well but not nicely dressed, on the small side, with a gray mustache and an uneven gait that hinted at arthritic or other trouble in his joints. He was uninteresting because he wanted to be. He wore shell-rimmed glasses with the lenses slightly tinted. The glasses prevented Nick from identifying him for a moment. Then he said, "Good evening, Mr. Kent. Shall wc take that stroll? It's lovely along the moat." Nick grinned, David Hawk! "I'd enjoy that," hc answercd. He meant it. It would be a relief to discuss the puzzling events of the last two days, and although he sometimes pretended otherwise, he always enjoyed Hawk's company. The older man was ruthless when his responsibilities required it, but when you saw beneath that surface there was a gentle compassion--an odd sympathy for the follies

·No text on this page.

·56 NICK CARTER: KILLMASTI The key question is, who really has them? Does it conncc with our espionage leaks and Whitlock's death??? "It may. Perhaps not. Let's say Manson's became an intelligence transmission line because of the continuous flow of couriers between diamond centers. The Culliñáns came to Amsterdam bcause there are diamonds and be cause Manson's transmission belt is here. The thief knows that much.” Hawk pointed at a cluster of floodlit flowers as if they were discussing them. Nick thought he handled his cane like an épée. "They may muddy: the waters enough to help us with such a counterespionage problem. According to his reports Herb Whitlock knew. L'aans: ma quite well but he never met, Van Rijn and he knew nothing about the Cullinans.” “There's a bare possibility Herb heard about them but: didn't connect it up. He would have--if he lived." Hawk? put his cane on the walk with a short stabbing motion We'll find out. Your CD man may have held backa piece of data which we have. His Dutch turncoat called himself a German in the Soviet Union. Name of Hans Seiser. Short, small build, about fifty-five years old. Light lond hair and he wore a beard in Siberia. Gray-blond." "Perhaps the Russians didn't pass on the description to the Dutch." "Very possible. Even the gigantic theft isn't worth re vealing what Geiser has been up to since 1945, in the opinion, or the CD man is withholding it from you, whic would be logical." "I'll watch for Geiser." "Look for a small dark beardless man. It would be predictable switch for a methodical type. That's about we know about Geiser. Diamond expert. Long-ras planner. No loyalties except to himself.” Nick thought for an instant. “None of the men: bumped into so far-or those that have tried to by memfit him." "A poor pun, Nicholas. I thir- the only letbal atte 93 ·AMSTERDAM 67 was the bullet at Schiphol. Probably by Laansma's mcn and meant for Amle because it is suspected that she has discovered she is a transmission courier in an espionage operation and you were perhaps a CIA agent or FRI boy." And they've changed their minds about eliminating her?" "Yes. Faulty judgment. The curse of the thieving class, We know that data is being dropped at Kelley's Color Engraving Studios in New York A business owned by Manson's, It shows up over here. They thought she discovered something at Kelley's. The attempt on her failed. Then she delivered the latest batch of engravings is good shape. She acts normally You turn out to be a diamond buyer who checks out okay and has a lot of lovely U.S. dollars. Everyone jumps to the conclusion that you don't fit the role of an ordinary diamond buyer Of course not, because you're after the Cullinans. You may be legitimate, you may be a Mafia spreader, but there's no need to fear you. Faulty judgment again” Nick recalled Amlie's nervousness on the plane. "I'm overtired," had been a thin excuse And Hawk had put the pieces of data tentatively together without even know ing that! Nick said, "She was nervous as a cat on the piane. Kept that art case with her as if it were chained to her wrist. Both Laansma and she seemed relieved when she passed it over to him personally. Perhaps they were, althougb for different reasons." "How interesting. We cannot be sure, and we must assume Laansma does not know, whether she has discovered what Manson's is up to or not. I'll leave that aspect to you." They sauntered on. Street lights came on. It was an Amsterdam spring evening Dot cool, not warm; the air moist with fragrance, pleasant rather than humid. Carcfully Hawk recapped several points, probing Nick's ordem ·66 NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER The key question is, who really has them? Does it connect with our espionage Icaks and Whitlock's death?". "It may. Perhaps not. Let's say Manson's became ár intelligence transmission line because of the continuous flow of couriers between diamond centers. The Cullinan came to Amsterdam bcause there are diamonds and be causc Manson's transmission belt is here. The thief know: that much." Hawk pointed at a cluster of floodlit flowers as if they were discussing them. Nick thought he handles his cane like an épée. "They may muddy the water enough to help us with such a counterespionage problem According to his reports Herb Whitlock knew Laans ma quite well but he never mct Van Rijn and he knew nothing about the Cullinans." "There's a bare possibility Herb heard about them bu didn't connect it up. He would have if he lived.".Hawl put his cane on the walk with a short stabbing motion "We'll find out Your CD man may have held backs piece of data which we have. His Dutch turncoat called himself a German in the Soviet Union. Name of Hans Geiser. Short, small build, about fifty-five years old. Ligh lond hair and he wore a beard in Siberia. Gray-blond." "Perhaps the Russians didn't pass on the description to the Dutch. "Very possible. Even the gigantic theft isn't worth Te yealing what Geiser has been up to since 1945, in theu opinion, or the CD man is withholding it from you, which would be logical." "I'll watch for Geiser." "Look for a small dark beardless man. It would be predictable switch for a methodical type. That's about al we know about Geiser. Diamond expert. Long-range planner. No loyalties except to himself." Nick thought for an instant. "None of the men I've bumped into so faror those that have tricd to bums mem-fit him." "A poor pun, Nicholas. I think the only lethal attemp ·AMSTERDAM was the bullet at Schiphol. Probably by Laansma's men sad mcant for Amlie because it is suspected that she has discovered she is a transmission courier in an espionage operation and you were perbaps a CIA agent or FBI boy." "And they've changed their minds about eliminating her?" “Yes. Faulty judgment. The curse of the thieving class. We know that data is being dropped at Kelley's Color Engraving Studios in New York. A business owned by Manson's. It shows up over here. They thought she discovered something at Kelley's. The attempt on her failed. Then she delivered the latest batch of engravings in good shape. She acts normally You turn out to be a diamond buyer who checks out okay and has a lot of lovely US. dollars. Everyone jumps to the conclusion that you don't ft the role of an ordinary diamond buyer Of course aot, because you're after the Cullinans. You may be legittc fcar Ni Overtired," had beca a thin escuse, And Hawk had put the picces of data tentatively together without even knowing that! Nick said, "She was nervous as a cat on the plane Kept that art case with her as if it were chained to her wist Both Laansma and she seemed relieved when she passed it over to him personally. Perhaps they were, although for different reasons." "How interesting. We cannot be sure, and te must assume Laansma does not know, whether she has discovered what Manson's is up to or not. I'll leave that aspect to you." They saunlered on Street lights came on. It was an Amsterdam spring evening-cot cool, Dot warm, the air moist with fragrance, pleasant rather than humid. Carefully Hawk recapped several points, probing Nick's opinion .

·68 NICK CARTER: ILLMASTER with subtic questions. At last the older man did an aboutface on Prins Hendrick Kade and Nick knew that officia busincss was completed. Hawk said, "Let us have one quick glass of good beer, Nicholas. To your success." They cntcred a bar, all ancient architecture and finc old woods, which looked as if it might be the one in which Henry Hudson had his last glass before sctling sail in de Halve Macn to discover an Indian island called Manhatta. Over amber schooners with crcamy, full-bodied heads on thc brew Nick said as nucli. "Yes." Hawk agreed somewhat sadly. "Thcy callcc them explorers. But never forget that most of them were on the make. Two words will answer most of your ques. tions about them. And about men like Laansma and Var Rijn and women like that one behind the veil. Wher you've got a tough puzzlc, put it to the test." Nick drank beer and waited, Hawk could be infuriating at times. Hawk sniffcd the aroma of his big glass. "Hmm That's becr. Not soda water with alcohol and.bccr flavor gadded." "What are the two words?" Nick asked, Hawk slowly drank the last of his bccr, put down the schooncr with a sigh and picked up his cane.. “Whic gains?" le murmured. - As Nick relaxed in the Vauxhall-Amlic drove well, there were few wonicn drivers with whom he did not sit up straight and worry-lic apologized again. “Business, darling. Damn nuisance. To make up for it--how abou D'Vijft Vlicghen for dinner?” "The Five Flies?” She chuckled. “You read Holiday, But it's for tourists." "You pick another place. Surprise inc." "All right." He was glad he asked. They dined at the 't Swarto Schacp, by candlclight beside a stained glass casement window, on the third floor of a picturesque Seventeenth ·ASISTERDAM 69 Century building. The stairway bannisters were oiled rope, copper pans adomed the bumished wood walls. You expected Rembrandt to saunter in with a long pipe and floppy hat, one hand patting his girl's burom bottom. The drinks were perfect, the food magnificent, the atmosphere a reminder that time is valuable and effortless Over coffee and brandy Nick said, “Thanks for bringing me here. This background reminds you that maybe birth and death are important but all between is a game." "It does seem timeless." She put her fingertips on his, CCTOSS the table. "It's nice to be with you Norman. I feel-secure, even after the things that have happened. All my life I've been really on my Onn My family was correct and affectionate in their way but I never actually felt close to them. Perhaps that's why I've developed such 2 warm feeling for The Netherlands And Manson's and Phil—" She stopped short and Nick thought she might cry. Women! Wonderful when you had them moving in one direction, but when you hit crossroads and forks-look out! They navigated by guess He frowned. You had to admit that some of the guesses were good He stroked her polished nails. "Did you check on the Cullinans?" “Yes.” She told him about the Transvaal Cullinan "Phil said there are diamonds called the Yenisei Cul linans. Probably for sale." "That's right. You may hear more about them. The story is they were stolen from the Soviet Union and are in Amsterdam." "And they are what you are really after?" Nick sighed. It was her way of explaining the mysteries that bothered her about "Norman Kent" "No, dear. I don't think I'm interested in stolen goods. But I'll take a look if they're offered." The pretty blue eyes sere pinched with a blend of f: and uncertainty; the narrowing for calculation which is ·70 NIE C1117UR: ILLJASTER oppunails of the widening for unworried thinking. "You puzzle 19, Norman. One minute l'in convinced you're a bri incepan-m109r or smarter as the circ may be. Then I wonder if itu're on insurance company investigator. Or vith Interpie kou? Darling-il me the truth." "Tione! :1d imur, siroci, No." S}:.was a weak crossexaminer. S stuld have asked if he was with any sacre organization. They always made his sweat a little when he was forced to lis, although he was good at it, and alcd is. "Dil tey find out any more about the men who ata tached you in scur ho:c!?" "." She alcuni or Oam lyer, a frightening man. Wliy would Phil have anything to do with a creature like that? The three of fear tightened along her spine. The airport Lullc-for-lo her? Could it have been ordered by L'i? Oh ! Nou Phil. Not Vanco's. But there were the Captavins from Kelley's; if she had not discovered them the Wevuld face Piil with her questions, but now the little Curid she 1734 17ched herself to was quaking and slic didn't 1.103 Where to burn. "I never thought of Ainsictcm a vicen. Normun, I'll be glad (o get back to Net York. ciif there I'm afraid to walk the strcct near iny 8.7.2!! al null. We've lied three muggings within (1407 lis fele lice und and 75 sorry for livr. A little M<?xlil q$ 7" färder for women to create din Dr! Streasured it. Clung in it. She uns recasting brancam hin, like :: 33 creure groping for a coral 1:51 91 hits. When she bed are you truc? M Inc. iſ incir relation hip was 80! jarrel (rom 1: "? c00!!!:, !Chlderantuulis cruale ili povrce 10 foro *** wash wieded. Iis would have that ni WW :1. O hor 2017 17:ferred from Mar m: 1. His would split hier alle- ·AVISTERDAM 71 giance and then ask, "Darling, can I really trust Phill with an order that will ruin me if he cheats?" Perch her on that knife blade of divided loyalty, then watch her reaction. Nick drove and she directed him out Haarlemmer Veg, cuddling close against him as they cruised through the muld, quiet night. Nick said softly, “I felt a little jealous today." "Why?" **Thinking of you with Phil. I know you admire him. And I saw the way he looks at you. That's a nice big couch he has in his office. imagined things. Even if you didn't want to the big boss and all that." "Oh, Norman-" She rubbed his leg, inside the knee, and he was surprised at the warmth she could create in him. "It's not like that. We never--not in the office. I told you. Just a few times at partics. You're not so wpid-fashioned as to resent that." "No. But you're beautiful enough to make a bronze statue try something new." "If it will make you feel better-Constant Draijer is always in and out. The office doors at Manson's are never locked. And, sweetie--if you want to try no cheating for awhile--I'm with you. I like you, Norman." He hugged her with the arm that encircled her "That's not a bad idea I've had a deep feeling about you, Amlie, since the instant we met on the plane Then last night it was so perfect. It's an unusual, strong emotion. As of your mind or your being was developing a link to minc" "I feel it too, Norman," she whispered. "Usually I don't worry about seeing a man one way or the other. When Jou called and said you'd be late I felt empty Im I to read and couldn't. I had to keep busy. Know whr Washed a set of dishes. You'd have dicd to Dressed for dinner with a big apron on and rubbi and washing dishes. To keep from thinking. A wonder if you might not come at all." 2 L ·72 NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER "I think I understand." He stifled a yawn. "Bedtime. You're invited." "I accept." When she was in the bathroom with the water running he placed a quick telephone call. A softly accented woman's voice answered and he said, "Hello, Mäta. I cannot talk long. There are some details about Salam's paintings I'd like to discuss. Hans Nordenboss sends his regards. Will you be home at ten in the moming?" He heard a muflcd gasp. There was a pause. "Yes." "Can you help me for the day? I need a guide. It will be profitable." "Yes." He admired her rccovery and thriſtiness with words. The water in the bathroom was turned off. He said, "Okay, John. See you," and hung up. Amlie came out carrying the last of her clothes, placed them acatly on a chair and asked, "Littic nightcap? Am toast?" "Grcat idca." Nick caught his breath. Every time he saw that. gota geous body it did things to the hairs on the back of his neck. In the soft lights she glowed like a model set up with back lights for a color shot. Her tan was not nearly as dark as his own, but no suit marks left white hands on her : mocha curves. She handed him his glass with a "smile :-which had a new, shy warmth. "TO?" "Us, of course." He gave her a kiss to go with it. "The Yankee traders." She walked slowly to the bed and put her drink on the bedside table. Nick' watched appreciatively. She climbed onto the white sheet in the angle of the turned-down covers and pulled her knees up under her chin, watching her toes for a moment and wiggling them. “Norman, we may be Yankee traders but we've got to be careful. :] Inow you're shrewd and you know a good deal abou diamonds but there's always the chance of getting stuck The smart way to do it is to place small orders so that yo ·AMSTERDAM 73 can check the selections at the other cnd before you are committed for more." Nick tuniblcd down beside her, "That makes sense, baby. I sort of planned to do it that say." He thought, The transier is working. Balancing on the Inife blade will be next. She was warning him against Liaasma and Manson's without putting it in exact words. She turned to him, all soft and sweet and powdery and surprising him with her power to trigger his own rcactions. Caution, he warned himsell. Yet the genuineness of his response cascd his sense of guilt. The sca creaturc floated, groping with her soft tentacles for security and a strong basc. She was not mistaken in judging him an immovable reef in a nising sea. Ile would not willingly shed licr hold and let her founder or penish. In the end that decision would depend on her She kissed the lobe of his car and his neck and like a bride surprising her new husband revealed new arts to pleasure him-slowly, as if to say, I've heard about this and I've secretly dreamed of trying it but this is the first time. Healthy animal with a new playmatc-hc reacted without resenic and although he knew he could fcim his part if necessary he was moved to discover his senses responding honestly and fully to her tiny dramas. You could get used to this Addicted has a better thought. He took a deep breath and curled and uncurled his tocs, watching the patterns of night beyond the windows and reminding himself that it would have been a good idea to draw the shades Hc stroked the goldco shcal-fluff of hair and she paused and smiled at him and sad, “Isn't it nice?" "Perfect." "I mean being here with the whole night ahead. No hurry. The world pushed back It's as if he found a chunk cf time." "You know how to spend it." "No more than you. I mean if you ·72 NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER "I think I understand." He stified a yawn. "Bedtime. You're invited," "I accept." When she was in the bathroom with the water running he placed a quick telephone call. A softly accented woman's voice answered and he said, "Hello, Mata. I cannot talk long. There are some details about Salam's paintings I'd like to discuss. Hans Nordenboss sends his regards. Will you be home at ten in the moming?" He heard a muffled gasp. There was a pause. "Yes." “Can you help me for the day? I need a guide. It will be profitable." "Yes." He admired her recovery and thriftiness with words. The water in the bathroom was turned off. He said, "Okay, John. See you," and hung up. Amlie came out carrying the last of her clothes, placed them neatly on a chair and asked, "Little nightcap? Amtoast?" “Great idea." Nick caught his breath. Every time he saw that gorgeous body it did things to the hairs on the back of his neck. In the soft lights she glowed like a model set up with back lights for a color shot. Her tan was not nearly as dark as his own, but no suit marks left white hands on her mocha curves. She handed him his glass with a smilewhich had a new, shy warmth. "TO-?" "Us, of course.” He gave her a kiss to go with it. "The Yankee traders." She walked slowly to the bed and put her drink on the bedside table. Nick watched appreciatively. She climbed onto the white sheet in the angle of the turned-down covers and pulled her knees up under her chin, watchidy her toes for a moment and wiggling them. "Norman, we may be Yankee traders but we've got to be careful. I know you're shrewd and you know a good deal about diamonds but there's always the chance of getting 'stuck. The smart way to do it is to place small orders so that you

·No text on this page.

·74 NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER wouldn't be the same. No point. That's the catch to having all the time in the world I guess. Say, that's not a bad hypothesis. Time is only as important as its content. How about-time should be measured by its content?" He tickled hier—very lightly—and watched her try to contain her laughter and then admired her excitement as it exploded, "You're on the track of something, Miss Einstein. Now" He explored her flesh with his lips, kisscaresses that brought sighs from her, rich sounds of relaxation, pleasured hums. “I'm going to give this time something to remember." Using the tips of her fingers very cleverly she made him start as she whispered, "I'm going to help."

·Chapter 5
The name or the apartment door in neat lettering on
black plaquz reod. Michel Ecard Oom Vyer If Amiee
Laasma or Coaster: Drajer, or 20yone who xncw My
er's income and tastes visited it they would basc been
surprisedmad to the case of Laansm2, he would have
isvestigated Carters further.
The apartment was on the third floor of one of the
older buldings ouerlooking the darden road, a sturds.
timeless strusture whist, with moute Dutch care and
maintenaco, promised to descr change or old
Years ago a building materials dealer with three chiar
had arranged to lease the small adjacent spart 2
had knocked out the walls and combined the ESE
with his connecuons the permuts had sales
team
months. In The Netherlands, real estate in
ia onderous channels But once comoplitech
tica had eicht rooms and a long balcon
Three years ago the man sold ts les
several other properties and sect 13 Stan
mambo shoxed up to tale oters.
a nyonc, with 22,000 guiders C
Make Myer.
He sat a quict 16.11
gradually became a base
who look com

·16 NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER women, although there were a few, but other substantiallooking men like Myer himself. He must be a busy and prosperous man. Myer's prosperity came from these men, especially Nicholas G. Groot, who had appeared five years ago, told Mike to watch for a nice big apartment, and vanished for six months at a time. Recently Mike had learned that he was "a diamond man for the Russians," which was all Groot would say. It was enough. When Groot appeared suddenly and virtually vanished into the apartment, Mike knew, "You've got 'em," was all he had to say. "I've got 'em. You get a piece. Watch Laansma and say nothing. Groot made his contacts with Laansma and other prospects via poste restante, The Cullinans were hidden in a gutted camera in a nondescript case in Groot's luggage. Mike had made a quick hunt for them on three occasions, but he was not too disappointed when he did not find them. Better to let another handle a package of explosives long as you take a small profit.

·19 AMSTERDAM 77 he had been wrong, although he regretted not the means, only the lack of success. Hasbrouck merely shifted his needs from one symbol to another. He was absolutely loyal to Groot. \Vhen Groot told him about the Culligans Hasbrouck bad smiled and said, "I knew someday you would succeed at something big. Will we make a lot?" "Two fortunes, perhaps. One for each of us," Hasbrouck was the only person in the world, outside himself, for whom Groot had any feeling at all. Now he placed the two letters carefully one on the other. "Henry, the fish bite Van Rijn wants a meeting Friday night Laansma on Saturday” "At their places?" "In the country "Dangerous." “Yes, but necessary “So we will go?" “We must Wary and armed, Cautious. Mike will protect us with inside information against Laansma's tricks. Philipine has him out sometimes trying to trail me at the post office! He gives me a wink and we have a grin together as we pass." They chuckled. "But Van Rijo may be another matter. What do you think of him?" "I was surprised when he offered to buy." "A good point, Henry. Van Rijn was vouched for by The Three, yet" Groot poured more coffee, his expression thoughtful. Hasbrouck said, "The Three cannot be often wrong and survive." "True. They are the biggest fences in the world. But why did they not show more interest themselves? They said, "Too hot. You need a big channel to sell off to. Like your own diamond house. Yet they handle big quantities of stolen diamonds from all over the world. Cut and uncut." “We must be very careful."

·97 > NICK CARTER: KLLMASTER We will be, Henry. You brought the dummy Culas?" Locked in the secret place. And the car is locked." With the guns?” 'Yes." ‘Meet me here at one. We will go. Two old men siting crocodiles.” “We need glasses for long-range,” Hasbrouck replied avely. “But we are still very good shots.” Groot laughed. Henry was a dullard compared to himelf-he had been sure of since the day long ago when ve had left for Germany and Henry had declined to accompany him. But Henry was trustworthy, a dependable soldier of whom you must not ask too much. Henry had never asked about Groot's special work for Laansma, and there was no point in telling him about the courier service to Moscow. Groot carried the merchandise-mas Laansma called the stolen data-to his connections. Some of it was valuable, some worthless. It sold for more, or for less, but in the long run it provided a nice income. There would be no more of that--a risky business if you kept it + too long. Laansma would have no trouble finding another courier-agent. If he went at it right the Russians would provide onc. But it was now none of his, Groot-Geiser's, concern. He had just one swamp to cross, disposing of the Cullinans while the reptiles fought each other for the privilege of eating him. Groot's hard, thin, colorless lips firmed. Let those animals underestimate a man. After Amlic departed, all bright and bouncy as if Nick's company erased her worries, Nick prepared for a trip out of town. He packed carefully, checking his special equipment. He swiftly assembled the pistol from parts of his portable typewriter which could not write. The platen made a ſine, mid-range barrel over nine inches long. The maga ·AMSTERDAM 79 zinc held five cartridges of the same 9mm caliber as Wilhelmina. I functioned He stripped it and rebuilt the "typewriter," and packed it in its casc. Stuart--AXE's genius with special devices-was especially proud of it. Nick did not mind the catra weight when traveling If you accded it, you'd need it badly. Nich inspected the three candy bars and large hairbrush which were molded of cxplosive plastique. The firing caps were capsules in a medicine bottle, complete with date and prescription and the advice Take one cvery four hours. The fuses were pipe cleaners in his pipe case, the six that cre a half-inch shorter than the authentic ones. His luggage contained an unusual number of ballpoint Thens, distributed in half-dozen lots between his writing casc, dispatch casc, pockets and two-suiter Some of them Werc picric acid slame ignsters with ten-minute timers, others were explosive and the blue ones were fragmenta- . tion grenades. When he was ready to gomleaving only a few items sa the room--hc called Van Rijo and Laansma and confirmed his dates with them at their country estates. Then he reached Amle and scnscd her disappointment when he said, "Sugar sweet I won't be able to see you this evening. Are you going out to Laansa's for the ucelend?" "I was waiting for you to bring it up, I'm always invited "I'm liable to be tied up for awhile Let's meet there Saturday." "All right.. She spoke slowly and with concem. He Know she was wonderng where he would be, what he would be doing, conjecturing, worrying He felt sorry for her for a moment, then closed his emotions She had taken chips in the game, Anon ing its odorous and brutal rules Driving a rented Volvo 144, using a detailed map of the city and its suburbs, he found the address Bear Zaandam, on the edge of 2 toy town pasoted bright colors and 29 ·80 NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER kept spotless and in perfect repair. You wouldn't want it any otber way, he thought as he bought a cluster of beautiful flowers at a corner shop, but the dolls ought to learn to think as they scrub. Mata opened the door the instant he knocked, said, "Darling," and when he held out his arms, crushed the flowers between them. Kissing and fondling took a long time, but at last she put the flowers in a vase, then dabbed at her eyes. Nick said, "I'm not that bad news. Stop crying." "It's been so long. I'm lonely. You remind me of Jakarta.' "The happier times I hope." “Of course. I know you did what you had to do." "I'm on a similar job here. My name is Norman Kent. The man before me was named Herbert Whitlock. Ever hear of him?" “Yes." Mata walked slowly to a small self-contained bar, lifted its cover. "They drink too much here, but I feel the need. A small oude genever with some coffee?" "Love it." She brought the drinks and sat beside him on a couch with a crisp, fovered cover. "Som-Norman Kent. I would not have connected you with Herb Whitlock, although now I see why he was in so many places, attended so many parties and affairs. I should have guessed." "Perhaps not. We come in all sizes and shapes. Look -” He took a map from his pocket and showed her the Volkel area. "Do you know this country?" "Yes. Wait a moment I have detailed maps." She went into another room and Nick surveyed the apartment. About four good-sized rooms. Very expensive. Mata had landed on her feet- or you might make a bad joke, her back. Mata had been one of the cleverest, most influential amateur "intelligence" agents in Indonesia until * See the Nick Carter book-Jakarta.

·81 AUSTERDAM Nick ctpelled her. It had been a deal without rancor--he might have been much more severe. Mata rclured and spread out a detail map. "There. Voll-1." "Here's an address. It's Jean Batiste Van Rijn's country place, Can you placc 1!?" She studied the intricate lines and shalings "Here. It must be a farm. Fislds and forests. They're rare and crpensive in this country." "I asked you if you could spend a day with me. Suprose it ales long-lay?" She tumed to him. She wore a simple wrap which resembled a far-East wraparound in design and pattern It gave her a wilowy, supplc look, and act off attractively the rounded arcs of her breasts and rump. Mata was small and dark, in dircct contrast to Airlie, and she was as utterly attractive in her dificrent way. Her smile was luick, her sense of humor broad. In one way she was smarter than Amlic. She had seen more, lived through (rying times she did not resent life because of it--she thought it absurd, Her dark cyes mocked him as she raised red lips and put her small hands on cach side of his stomach. "I hacw you would come back to me, darling What took you so long?" After two more gins and several warm embraces for old time's sake they left, Nick carrying Mata's quickly packed overnight case. It had taken her four minutes to get ready. SIC wondered if she still kept herself ready to go over the as well at the wrong laork. As they rolled along International Route 9 Nick said, figure under a hundred miles Do you know the way?" "Yes, We'll turn nest at Bois Le Duc and I'll inquire al tic post offices or police stations in Udon or Zeeland I 2s«ume you're still on the side of nghe? Otheriyuseme'll fed 2 o! "Van Rijn is a solid citizen We look like responsible rests. Use the post office. I have an appoitment with 1 ·82 NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER him this evening but I want to look the place over carefully. What do you know about him?" "Not much. I did one job for his company's ad agency and met him two or three times at parties. Like all business communities, you get the feeling that the great city of Amsterdam is a small town once you start to move around. The same propositions." "From him?" "No, no. I was just thinking." She sighed. "If you talk politely and keep your ears open you get the feel of all of them. Not speaking literally. He is supposed to be big time. Excellent connections. And loyal..I mean, if he has any leanings toward international crime like those men we knew in JakartaI think I would have heard of it." "In other words he's not mixed up in espionage." "Yes.” She replied softly, as if the word were distasteful. "I don't suppose he's any more honest than any other wheeler-dealer, but his-how do you put it?-his skirt are clean?" "Right. How about Philipine Laansma of Manson's?”: "Ah! I don't know him but I have heard he will do business in the dark." They rode for awhile in silence. And you, Nick wondered, you, Mata?-do you no longer do business in the dark? He peeked at her. The clean-cut, eye-catching Eurasian profile was outlined against a wide green field. He said, "You're as beautiful as ever, Mata. How are things going? Financially romantically?" "Thanks. Is that why you left me in Singapore? Because I'm so beautiful?" "I deserve that. You know my job. Shall I take you back to Amsterdam?" She sighed. "No, my love. I'm happy to see you again. Except that I cannot, for a few hours, laugh quite as much as we used to. I'm working. They have heard of me in Europe. My sample book is impressive. I make out well." "By the looks of that apartment- very well."

·AMSTERDAM 83 "It cost me a horrible amount. But I had to have a decent one Romantically? Nothing serious. Some very dcar fricnds. Nice men. I cannot any longer stand the other kind " She Icaned against him and added softly, *"Since I knew you-" Nick put his arm around her and felt a little bit like a hcel. They enjoyed a magnificent lunch-a bountiful Hollandsche Koffietafel--at a lovely restaurant overlooking the blue Maas, where the proprietor banked both sides of the entrance with live yards of assorted, multi-hued flowcrs. The effect was so striking Nick thought Mata was taking him into a florist's instead of a restaurant. Less than an hour later they drove slowly along a rural road lined with the typical new-toy farms, following directions Mata had obtained at a post oflice. They passed scrubbed children wearing klompen-wooden shoes. Across a field Nick watched a sailboat that appeared to be sailing in a meadow with cows, so hidden was the little canal on which it floated. They passed what was clearly a stable and Nick grunted. “I don't believe it." "What?" "I'm sure that was a stable. There was a horse in a stall looking out at me past lace curtains." Mata laughed. "It's not verstandsverbijstering. Sometimes you do see stables with curtains." "Okay, but what's that word?" **It means madness." She sat up and pointed ahcad. “Thicrc! That's the side road on the detail map. Unless there are smaller roads not shown it should cross Van Rijn's place at the back, or close to it. He must come from n old family--to have this many acros in the Netherlands. It is not like Jav3." A high, wire-topped fence came out of a neat forest, made a right angle to parallel the road It was set well back. Nick said, "That may mark his property." "Perhaps."

·84 NICK CARTER: KILLNASTER The road was barely wide cnough for two cars, and here and there were turnouts, usually with small clumps of trecs, their neat shapes showing that they were pruned and cared for. There were no branches on the ground, not a scrap of litter, even the grass was neat. From the forest beyond the fence a dirt and gravel path appeared and made a gentle turn to follow the road, then lcd away from them again to disappear in the trees. Nick pulled into one of the turnouts. "That looked like a bridle path. Van Rijn said he has horses." "There is no gate here. We passed one but it had a big lock on it. Why not look further?" "In a moment. Please---the map. He studied the topographical drawing. "Sure it is shown as an unmarked trail, and it goes all the way to the road on the other side of the forest." He drove on slowly. "Don't you ever just drive in a main entrance? I remember in Indonesia---you usually popped up." "Still at it, Mata, my sweet. There" He saw faint tire tracks in the grass leading to a space between the fence nd trecs. He followed them and parked, partly concealed on the road. In the U.S.A. it would be called a lover's lane, except that here there was no litter. "I'm going to take a short look around. I like to know something about a place before I pay a visit." She uptilted her face to him, and he thought: In her way she's prettier than Amlie it's the dark, little-girl, Eurasian look. He kissed her slowly and thoroughly and handed her the keys. “Keep these." "And if you don't come back?" "Go home and cable Hans Nordenboss the whole story; But I'll be back." As he climbed onto the roof of the car he told himself, I always have. But the day will come when I won't. Mata is so practical. He made a powerful, standing broad jump that rocked the car on its springs, cleared the fence, rollcd over once in a side-somersault and bounced to his feet and ·ANESTERDAM 85 Erinncd at Mata, making a little acrobat's bow. Then be ran into the trees and vanished from her sight. A generous slice of golden sunlight came through the tress and crossed her checks. She basked in it-smoking Linking, remembering. In Jakarta she had not accompanied "Norman Kent" -hc was known by another name then--but he was the same powerful, fascinating, kind, uns enable, soft-hard and hard-hard man when he trailed the mysterious Judas. He had searched without her for the Q-ship headquarters of Judas and Heinrich Multor, and when he found it, a Chinese junk disguised as a Portugese prau, another Indoncsian girl was near him. Mats sighed. To an objective observer her brown Eurasian beauty was more captivating in thoughtful serenity than when she was animated or smiling. She had the timeless loveliness of the girls thc Chinese artists paint and cond-passion highlighted and stopped-in-place. That worer girl in Indonesia, Mata thought, had bcca beautiful. As charming as Mata herself. to be fais--but beycod that, bet cea them there was the world's difference. Mata know what a man wanted between dawn and dusk and darkness and light, the younger woman was just leaves life. No wonder that pretty adolescent had farbined Licentie "Norman Kent" as the ideal man to anaked any al Mala studied the forest into which Normda tud asp peared. She ined to remember just what she had earl about Jean Batiste Van Rijo she had described to "Excellent connections Loyal." She sa: cp saam Hz.! she misled him? Perhaps she had not hesa explish! not krow l'aa Rijn. She had as crocked scen a cambio ehe got out of the car, siamped ca look og tor yao* lez:her shoss. They were c! bez cured hide, sh medium Esels, der Had a tool heel, the cresia com top of the l'olio, brased bers!! : . tirecess the festz. Her leap tattoo OC.

·86 NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER as Nick's but it was more graceful. She landed on legs which cushioned the shock with a deep knee bend as smoothly as the shock absorbers on a light plane. She put on her shoes and headed for the trees. Nick walked along the edge of the bridle trail for Several hundred yards, following its gentle curve through the forest. He walked on the thick, spring-green tightly woven grass in order not to leave footprints on the horse trail which was as smooth and even as a raked footbal field, except for the track of one set of hooves which hac passed by at a steady trot. There were indentations on the edges of the gravel path which had been made by tires Nick decided that was the answer to the immaculate con dition of the trail. They had a landscaping machine o! some sort which probably clipped the edge-grass and raked and smoothed the gravel at the same time. He reached a long tangent where the bridle path cu straight through the trees and the tracks of the unknow. horseman changed to a canter. Nick decided not to be caught in the middle of that open stretch, and went into if woods and moved parallel to the trail. You couldn' wave done it in Southera Pines, or even near the trails ir Pocantico Hills which Rockefeller tries to keep neat. Here Nick was able to stroll through the trees as if he were walking in a park. Low branches were pruned to head level, there was almost no deadfall or even leaves on the ground, and the trees themselves were so well-spaced that they grew sturdily with wide-spread tops because each received ample sun. He came to a large oval of tight growth, composed o! barbed and impenetrable bushes that looked like barber. and wild roses. The vicious spines, green and red be: and multi-color flowers were deceptive. There were tunnels into the oval and Nick decided it was a refr: game. A rabbit's resort. He went on, humming 16 about the man who jumped into the bramble bush The bridle path crossed a creek on a fusta ·AMSTERDAM 87 bridge that looked as if it were coated weekly with linseed oil. The wood glowed. The creek's banks were as manicured as the trees and a deep pool with rocks at its edge seemed to guarantee good fishing. Nick jumped it, went s'p a long rise still paralleling the horse path, and came to the top of a knoll where the trees had been removed like a circle of missing hair on the head of a man going bald. The trees had been cut away to permit a view. A path or sidetrack came to the top of the hillock from the bridle path, and on the crest there was a hitch-rail, two long benches and a mounting block, made out of the same rich wood as the bridge. Nick took one quick look and then faded off to the side to stay of the skyline The panorama was losely It belonged on a tourist postcard captioned Dutch Landscape The forest stretched away for about a thousand yards, and even the tops of the trees looked pruned-to-the-round. Beyond were neat sec- :.jons of planted fields. Nick studied them through his sínali telescope, another of Stuart's devices, all finc lenses and very little brass case The fields were an odd assortment of grains, fowers and vegetables A man worked onc with a small, bright yellow tractor, and two women were bent low working in another. Beyond the fields was a beauuful big house with large outbuildings that included a garage, stable and a long group of greenhouses that sparkled in the sun. Nick lowered his glass suddenly and spiffed-cigar smoke! He went back into the trees and circled the tooll, fronlias from tree to tree On the opposite side of the hill be found a now, blue Daf sedan hidden in the trees. Its tracks showed how it had corkscreised through the soudless for: est, and water stil dopped from its wheels. Somewhere, it must have been forced through the creck. He studied the ground. You couldn't track rom mhody on the carpet-like earth. He went on throw and the cigar smell became stronger. These sitting a a rock with his back to birt, 1 ·97 88 NICK CARTER: XILLMASTER valley through a large pair of binoculars. Silently Nick made a note of the Daf's plate numbers, took a look around for other intruders, cascd Wilhelmina in the soft leather and coughed, The man whirled on his hard perch. Nick said, "Hello." Nick smiled affably as he remembered Hawk's words look for a small dark beardless man. And about fifty-five! Well! Nicolaas G. Groot Icturned the smile and nodded pleasantly. "Hello. A beautiful view.” The smile and pleasantness were on the surface. Hard as steel, Nick thought. He said, "Marvelous. It is the first time I have seen it. You seem to know your way." He tipped his head in the direction of the hidden Daf. "I've been here before, although always on foot. But there is a gate. A common lock-" Groot shrugged. "I suppose we're both-trespassers." "Let's say explorers. You know whose house it is?" "Jean Batiste Van Rijn's." "Yes." Groot was studying him. “And you're Norman Kent?” "Right. Mister? "Groot. Nicolaas Groot. I sell diamonds, Mr. Kent, and I've heard in the city that you buy them." "Maybe that's why we're here studying Van Rijn’s? You may be going to sell and I may buy?" “Very quickly put, Mr. Kent, but perhaps right. Since we've met, it might be that we do not need a middlemán." Nick thought swiftly. The older man had the picture in a flash. Nick shook his head slowly. "I'm not a diamond expert, And I'm not sure it would be to my advantage, in the long run to anger Van Rijn.” Groot put his binoculars in the leather case slung around his shoulder. Nick watched his hands carefully. "I don't understand that. You Americans are supposed to be so sharp at business deals. Do you realize what Van Rijn's commission will be on our-this-deal?"

·> ABSTERDAM 89 "A lot of money. But to me it might be insurance. "If you're worried about the merchandise we can meet later. With your expert if he is trustworthy." "Van Rijn is an expert. I'm satisfied with him." Groot came forward until he was six feet from Nick. The smaller man walked with an alert step, his spine straight, as if he moved in breeches and jackboots iastead of a conservative gray suit He shook his head from side to side. "It doesn't seem to me that you are taking the best advantage of our pcw situation." "You have a point, I know. Wellmfor opcoers-do you want to show me the Cullinans?" "I might. They're searby." "In the car 1 suppose. "Of course." Nick tensed. The small man was too confident. He drew Wilhelmina in a fraction of a second. Groot faced the long blue barrei unperturbed except for a widening of the hard, keon cycs. Nick said, "Of course there's somcone else in the woods watching the car And you. Call him or her in here. No tricks, please. You know what a slug from this can do." Groot did not move a muscle except those of his lips. "I'm very familiar with Lugers, Mr. Kent 1 hope you are familiar with the big British Webleys. There is one pointed at your back and it is in competent hands" 09 sometime. So kül with me" Groot try to hit him, „Henry. If he shoots, kill him. Take the diamonds and sell them. Auf Wiedersehen." "Arc jou bluffing?" Nick asked gently. "Say something, Henry" The voice came from behind Nick, with the hint of a sob in it. "I follow orders. Exactly You are so brave" ·Chapter 6 Nick stood still. The sun was hot on his neck. Songbirds trilled in the forest. At last Groot said, “It's called a Mexican stand-off, isn't it?" "Sometimes. I'm surprised you know the expression." "My hobby, Mr. Kent. Your West. Dutch and Germans had far more to do with its development than they are given credit for. Did you know that some of your Indian fighting cavalry received orders in German?” "I had heard it." "It is true. The Fifth Cavalry once had a band that roke only German.” He smiled as if he could hear the blare of brass on the air. “Now-business. Won't you change your mind about buying the Cullinans from me?" "I might. Considering the circumstances. But why do you care whether I buy direct or through Van Rijn? I'll want them at his price. Or the price you were going to ask Laansma or Madam J." "Madam J?" "Everybody wants to sell me the Cullinans. Some woman in a big car told me to wait for her deal." Groot frowned. The news shook him a little. Nick wondered what he would do if he mentioned the CD man or Hawk. “This complicates matters," Groot said. "We should conclude our arrangement at once." 90

·No text on this page.

·+ 92 92 NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER except that his voice had an odd fanatic quality to it Henry? Oh Henry! I hope you have that thing pointer somewhere else if you stumble. If it was one of the big sturdy government Webleys it had no safety. They crossée the few feet of ground and could see the Daf through the trees, looking like a child's toy left among model railroat scenery. The voice came from behind him, shortly after ther was a rustling of tree limbs. “Drop that gun!” Nick got the picture in a flash, leaped to his left an whirled around, snapping out words. “Tell Henry to obey Groot. She is with me.' “What will I do?" snarled the small man Nick saw tej feet behind where he had stood. A few feet behind the little man who held the Webley firmly, following Nic with the muzzle--Mata Nasut crouched where she has dropped from a tree. She had a small blue automati pointed at Henry's back. “Stand still,” Nick said. He fought down an impulse to draw Wilhelmina. "Yes--hold still," Groot growled, "Kent-tell her t op that gun." "Let's all put our weapons away," Nick said soothingly I was first. Tell Henry_" "No," Groot said. “We do it my way. Dropan Nick dove forward in a somersault-McDonald Singapore rolling dive. The Webley roared over his hear as his body was flat on the ground, covering the ten fee between him and the Webley with the speed of a roller hoop. As he came up from the ground, his feet double back to support him in a crouch; he was almost unde Henry's outthrust gun hand, Nick was canted to the right, his hands leading his hear and trunk, They came up under the Webley as it blaster igain, locked in under the big gun and the small hand and Henry was dragged with him as he completed his fal he gun pointing first at the sky and then above the two 99 ·AMSTERDAM 93 men sprawled on the ground. Nick took the revolver away from Henry like a mother taking a rattle from a baby sod bounced to his feet, whirling as Mata saarled at Groot like a female tigress, Don'-don't-" Groot's hand was inside his jacket. He froze. Nick held ihe Webley by its barrel. "Easy, Grool Let's all calm down." He watched Heary from the corner of an eye The small man stumbled erect, gasping for breath, but be did not reach (or another Acapon if he carried one. "Bring your hand out empty," Nick urged "We're on eyen urms now. But nothing else need change" Groot's icy cyes met gray ones that were less cold but inflexible as polished granite The tableau remained fixed for several seconds, except for Henry's cough, then Groot slowly withdreu an empty hand. "I sec se underestimated jou, Mr. Kent. A serious tactical mistake." Nick grinned and Groot looked puzzled "Asif we'd fach had vee or four people with us, think how long this sort of thing might have kept up You don't have any more men hidden in the trees fraid 91 yo illy Snook his head, made no answes. Groot said drily, “You have excellent reflexes for a businessman, You anco'i-anything else?" “Just a 'Yankee who's used to handling guns " It 35 the kind of absurd remark that just might Fork with a man whose hobby was the American West and who had a the mendous cgo. These primitive Amencans, he would ink, wait till the tables are turned Nick's cert mose disconcerted him, but it was too late to checkmate it. The American came closer to him, thrusting the Webley away inside his belt, and suddenly thrust his hand inside Groot's jacket and plucked a shortbarrelsd .38 Iron Groot's clamshell belt holster It was all Osce ia an instant. The American's limbs xere hard as ·94 NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER: oak. Groot knew that if he moved he might discover the big man had other surprising reflexes. Grit your teeth and wait. “Now we can all be friendly," Nick said: "I'll give these back to you when we part. Thanks Mata" She came to his side, her lovely dark face completely composed. "I followed because you might have misunder stood I don't know Van Rijn well. Or what his policies, is that the word?--may be." "It's as good a word as any. Maybe we don't need him now, eh, Groot? Let's have a look at those Cullinans. The four walked through the forest to the Daf. Henry looked at his leader. Groot said, "Get them, Henry." Henry produced keys, climbed around in the car, came out with a small brown bag. Nick said boyishly, "Gee; } thought they'd be bigger than that.” “Less than four pounds," Groot observed.""All that value in so small a package.” He put the parcel on the roof of the little car, fumbled with a drawstring which secured one end of it like a moneybag. "All those tomatoes in one little-bitty can," Nick murvel "I beg your pardon?" "Old Yankee maxim. Motto of a canning company in St. Joseph, Missouri, in 1873." "Ah! had not heard it. I must remember. All those tomatoes." Groot repeated the phrase carefully as he dug at the cord, ... Mata said sharply, “People are coming. On horses." Groot,” Nick said. "Give the bag to Henry, Quick Have him put it back." Groot tossed the packet to Henry who was already diving for the car's interior. It went from one man to the other like an NFL handoff on a smooth, tight spinner Henry's back wiggled as he worked in the car, replacing the diamonds in their hiding place. Nick watched him and the portion of the forest at which Mata was looking. You 2 ·95 AMSTERDAM mustn't underestimate these two old boys. You could wind up very far in the rear, or even dead. Four horses came through the trees, following the faint tracks left by the Daf. They were medium-size, sturdy saddle horses of about 15.2 hands-called ponies in Europe. Riding the frst one was Van Rijn's man who had accosted Nick at the hotel, the younger of the pair who had been unarmed; he had accompanied the one who had worn black gloves and carried the Colt 32 automatic which he claimed he had bought in Brattleboro, Vermont. Only Nick's exceptionally keen vision and photographic memory for faces enabled him to identify the man, for he was riding the chestnut horse well-balanced, light-handed ... and stark naked. Nick bad only a moment to approve the man's horsemanship before noticing the two girls and a man who rode the other horses. The man sat well, although not as perfectly as the lead rider--there is a precise point-of-balance to sitting a horse which you either have or haven't, and some cowboys never achieve it-and the girls were just average. They rode Indian bareback style, hunched and bent-kneed. But one thing the four had in common---there - wasn't a stitch of clothes on any one of them. Nick growled to Groot, “Know them?" "No. Decadent young fools." Groot ran his tongue over his lips as be watched the girls approach. “Do you have nudist camps around here?" "I suppose so." "Van Rijn a swinger?" "I don't know. Give us back our guns." "When we part." "I think-I think I recognize that fellow in front," Groot muttered, - muncu, Nick decided the girls were ·29 96 NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER stunning, and there was something exciting about them nude on a horse-the succubus cavalry, Centaurs wit lovely breasts that the motion of the horses kept in con stant agitation so they drew your eyes like magnets. Whia to call them ... gay Centauros? The man Nick recognized said, “Welcome, trespassers. I guess you know you're on Mr. Van Rijn's estate." Nick watched the brown-haired girl. Milky white pat tems on her deep tan, tiny strips of skin in a Bikin design, showed that she wasn't a full-time nudist. The other girl, whose long black hair reached below her shoulders, was browned all over. Groot answered. "Mr. Van Rijn is expecting me. "In the back gate? So early?" “Ah--then he told you I was coming." "You and many others. Now we'll all go down and se him." "Suppose I don't agree?" Groot suggested in the precise, cool tones he had used during the Mexican stand-of with Nick before Mata changed the odds. "You have no choice." "Perhaps not." Groot looked at Nick. "Let's get into the car and see. Come Henry." Groot and his shadow went to the car, followed by Mata and Nick. Nick thought swiftly-this case was getting more complex every moment. He must not clog his channels to Laansma which might lead him to his firs objectives, the pipeline of intelligence-espionage and Whitlock's killers. On the other hand Groot and the Cullinan would be powerful leverage to hold, and he had his suspi cions about Groot-Geiser and his possible connection to Manson's and Whitlock's death. At the side of the little car Groot paused. The hors party had followed them. "Please, Mr. Kent-our guns “Let's not have any shooting. Would you bang away a that?" Nick gestured at the brown-haired girl, a mounte nymph wlio now wore a mischievous grin.

·נה* a Dutise itcalled that they had muuu's AMISTERDARI 97 you drive, then's "Sure." Groot didn't want Nick or Mfata in the rear compartment; they might have seen just where Hedry hid the package. Nick wondered how Groot planned to prevent Van Rijn's people finding the Cullinans. The small car wouldn't be hard to search. The four squeezed in, Groot in front with Nick. The rider Nick recognized came up beside the driver's wiadow. Nick rolled it down. The man said, "Circle the hill and get on the horse trai and follow it down to the house." "Suppose I decide to go another way?" The horseman smiled. "I remember your fast draw, Mr. Keat, and I suppose you're carrying your gun now. But look" He gestured at some far trees. Nick saw another horseman, dressed in dark trousers and a black turtleneck sweater. He carried what looked like a sub- Nick swallowed. They'd be fish in a barrel in this thing.--00, sardines in a can “I see some of you wear clothes." "Sure." "But you prefer ub ... the sunshine?" Nick looked beyond the rider at the two pretty gris. "U's a matter of choice. Mr. Van Rijn bas an artist's group and a nudist camp and a place for squares at the main house. You could fit in with them." "Stil sore about the hotel scene, eh?" "Not a bit. You went where we wanted you to. Now drive down the horse path and stop at the house. Nick started the engine, guaded it appreciatively. It had controls and instruments He had driven almost every kini trait of some kind which was - d. by machine gun. pa smooth porr. He ed himself out swiftly on the not? It had worked well on supposed to be ver 13 Warent" ·TUK CARTER; KILLMASTER He drove slowly, corkscrewing through the trees, getting the feel of the car. It handled nicely. When he reached the bridle path he intentionally turned the wrong way, south instead of north, and was gunning along at a fair clip when the posse caught up. "Hey--the other ** way." Nick stopped. "Uh? I figured it went to the house either >> way.” "It does, but this way is longer and you have to ford the creek again. Turn around." "Okay." Nick backed into an opening between the manicured trees, headed down the trail which offered him a long straightaway on which to get started, and opened her up. "Hang on, gang.' The little car clawed itself quickly up to a decent speed, spurting gravel and crushed stone at the riders like a hound dog digging in a fox bank. They were rolling about forty miles an hour when they reached the first turn, andsthe Daf cornered nicely and whipped into a mild S curve with little sway and good traction. Nick followed the mooth, narrow roadway with the concentration of a country boy leading a holiday road race, braking and pouring it on, using the turf here and there to catch the wheels and hold the car away from trees. Someone grunted or gasped as they shot out of the forest and saw before them a long, gentle incline leading down to the buildings in the distance. The bridle path was almost straight, following the planted fields to its left. On the right side was a parallel jump course-stone fences, hedges, post and rails, and prettily painted oxers and targets. "Lovely country," Nick said cheerfully, and fed all the juice the motor would take. It drank it and growled gratefully without a bobble--they built a good carburetor into these little skates, “How's the cavalry doing?" Henry's voice answered from the rear. “They are just coming out of the woods. The gravel in their faces slowed them up. Now we're gaining on them."

·AMSTERDAM "The guy with the machine gun with them?" "Yes." "Is he going to shoot?" "No." "Let me know if he aims that thing. I don't think will." Nick grunted as he braked hard and skidds neatly into & felt turn, following the trail toward wha Jooked like stables. The rear end started to fade forwar and he steered right and into it and felt the slide catc nicely as they completed the curve and made a smal fishtail as the car straightened into the path, which turned again around the barn ahead. He duplicated the turn, let the car shoot through the canyon-like passage between two buildings, and they came out into a spacious, stone-flagged courtyard with a big iron fountain in the middle. Across the courtyard a broad, paved driveway led a bank of a dozen garages, then Banked the big bouse, aod cat on toward what should be the public highway. The trouble was, as Nick evaluated the situation in a fraction of a second, there was no way around the big horse van and dump truck parked right across the drive. They reached from the garages to the stonc fence on the right, plugging the roadway like a corked bottle. Nick spun the Dat around the circular courtyard three times, fecling as if he was driving a roulette ball, before he saw the first of the riders gallopiog toward them between the buildings. It *2s just a glanccma peck in a slot as they flashed past. "Get ready, kiddies," Nick said. "Hang on." IIc braked sharply, stopping on the next circle with the nose of the car thirty feet from the opening between the buildings through which the riders were coming. Hc lunced at the horse van barrier. Van Rija and the man ho liked his Colt and two other men and a woman had one out from behind the vehicles and were watching the urtyard. They looked puzzled. Nick stuck his bead out of the window and en Rija and griaaed. Van Rijn tilted his ! past ·100 NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER raised a hand just as the riders started popping out of the passageway and hid him from view. Nick counted aloud, "One-two--three-four-" One short. "Last girl takes her chances, He gunned the car back into the opening as the riders fought to halt their mounts, iron shoes clanging and slipping on the stones. The girl with the long black hair--the poorest rider, sitting in her schoolgirl show-off bareback crouch-was coming up the aisle. Nick hit the horn, touched the brakes just in case, he had no intention of hitting her, and whizzed past her on the right hand side. He made a mental bet that she didn't dodge him the horse did. But sloppy rider or not, she made a gorgeous picture, bareass on that pony. They rolled at speed back up the long stretch of trail past the jump course and into the forest. It shouldn't be hard to plan---when he crossed the bridge the section of trail which ran along the back country road where he had parked the Volvo would be close ahead. Nick said, “We've got a car out on the road. Shall I the fence or try your gate with the lock?" vroot answered with the pleased tones of a man pointmg out a tactical mistake. It was the first time Nick heard him sound cheerful. "They may have sabotaged your car. Test it. Let us try the gate, I will show you." Nick felt chagrined. Groot was, of course, right. They Whizzed past the fence near the road, caught a glimpse of the Volvo, made several mild S-turns, and Groot said, "Just ahead. Turn off past that next clump and you'll see it." Faint tire tracks appeared in the turf. Nick braked swung left, saw the big gate ahead, barring them from country road. He stopped and Groot jumped out trotted to the lock. He efficiently inserted a large key tricd to turn it ... and tried, and twisted, and shook: lost his cool, struggled with the lock. A motor roared behind them and a big Opel p ·ABSTERDAM 101 and stopped inches from their rcar bumper, pinning the smaller car between itself and the gate It disgorged men like nickels from a slot machine slot when the jackpot is hit. Nick climbed out of the car and called to Groot, "That was a nice try on the gate," before he turned to face the mob.

·Chapter 7 Philipine Laansma Icft his office carly for the long weekend, pointing his rcd MG toward Gecsteren with a sigh of relief. He had problems-sometimes it helped to thrink about them while driving. He was pleased that his current girl friend a daughter of an excellent family who wanted to become a toonecispeelster like Bette Daviswas in Paris meeting with a producer who might have a: part for her in a movie hc was making in Spain. Problems! The dangerous but profitablc pipeline he had ut together for carrying information from the United States to anyone who would buy it was clogged at this end as long as Groot refused to carry on. He had thought that Amlie had discovered the system's machinery at Kelley's Color Engraving Studios in New York, but he had been wrong. Thank heavens Oom had missed her with that stupid shot. Groot could be replaced. Europe swarmed with eager and hopeful spics, couriers and hustlers who would like to be spics as long as it was reasonably safc and profitable. Groot's Cullinans were the rainbow's pot of gold. It should be possible to turn a profit of over half a million milders on them. His contacts reported that dozens of Amsterdam sharpshooters—the ones with real capital were sniffing after the prize. That would explain Norman Kent's unusual adventures. They wanted to contact him- 102 .

·AMSTERDAM 103 but he, Philipine, already had. If he swung the Cullinan deal for Bard Galleries, they might become customers for many years Eventually he might be able to buy a bigger estate, like 3.Van Rijn's. He scowled at the thought. Van Rijn! He was intensely scalous of the older man. They both came from famdies that operated stoombootmaatschappij steamer companies--but Laansma had sold bis in order to enter lines that promised faster profits. Van Rijn still had his, as well as Far East plantations, tobacco companies, oil interests and his diamond operations It was hard to overtake entreoched holdings like those, it was like trying to match the royal family's wealth. Rulers didn't need treasure houses any longer--the loot poured in from their worldwide stock holdings in such streams they could sim in it. He came to an empty stretch on the International Highway and broke the speed regulations. It gave him a feeling j of power. Tomorrow Groot and the Cullinans and Kent would be at his country place. The deal would profit Philipine Lagnsma even if he had to use Oom Myer and Beppo and Mack to turn the trick. This was no world for weaklings. He wished he had uved in the days when Van Rijn's ancestors and other ancients got their starts. You didn't look aside, you just wrung it out of the natives. Jean Batiste Van Rijn knew of Laansma's envy. It was a fact he kept on file in his keen mind aloog with many, many others. In spite of what Laansma thought, Van Rija's great-grandfather had not brutalized the natives in Sumatra and Java, He had had eig killed and the rest worked diligently for small rewards Big men know the difference between the stick and the carrot. As Van Rijn walked up to the imprisoned Daf he was smiling slightly, symbolizing the carrot. "Good morning Mr. Kent--you're early." Nick matched him with a small grin, "Got bere carly.

·9 104 NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER Lost my way. I was looking your place over. It's beautiful." “Thank you. I saw part of your motor tour. You outdistanced the escort. "I couldn't see their badges." "Non-they belong to our little nudist colony. You'd be surprised how well behaved they are. I think it's because their frustrations and repressions are out in the open." "Could be. They don't conceal much.” As they.chatted Nick weighed it up. Van Rijn had four men with him who, after their eruption from the Opel like olives suddenly released from a bottle, now lined up respectfully behind their boss. They all wore ties and jackets and had the bland, purposeful faces Nick was beginning to identify with the sturdy Dutch, Mata and Groot and Henry had clambered out of the Daf and were clustered hesitantly at its side. Nick sighed. His only logical course was to go farther into the parlor and hope that, if Van Rijn and his crew were spiders, they mistook the wasp for a fly. Nick? said, "Although I'm early perhaps we can get down to business." "Have you mentioned the matter to Mr. Groot?”! "Yes. We met by chance. We both-lost our way and were coming in your back door. He told me he's part of the deal you and I are considering.". Van Rijn looked at Groot. He wasn't smiling now. He looked like a dignified, unswervable English justice of George III. The type who insisted that the ten-year-old children before his court be well behaved and quiet as he sentenced them to death by hanging for stealing food. His expression indicated that he knew when to be kind and when to be firm-and you'd better believe it. "Did your show Mr. Kent the details?” Groot flashed a glance at Nick. Nick looked up at a treetop, admiring the pruning. Groot replied, "No. We just discovered that we all--have mutual interests." "I see.” Van Rijn turned to one of his men. “Alan. 2 ·AMSTERDAM 105 Unlock the gate and bring Mr. Kent's Volvo to the house. The rest of you ride back in the Daf." He motioned to Nick and his group "Won't you join me? The big car is much more comfortable." Nick introduced Maca to Van Rijn who nodded appreciatively. They agreed they had met briefly but couldn't remember the party, Nick made a bet with himself that they both recalled it and in detail. If you ever took a chance on this phlegmatic but keen man forgetting something, or the beautiful girl not remembering a face or a fact, you'd be guaranteed a loss. Mata had stayed alive by staying alert. You could guess that generations of stolid Van Rijas had created this extensive estate by keeping their eyes and ears open every waking moment. The map called Alan had no trouble at all unlocking the gate. As he walked toward the Volvo Van Rijn said to Groot, "We change the locks around here frequently." x. "A clever tactic," Groot said as he held the Opel's door for Mata. He followed her into the car, and Nick and Ven Rijn took the folding scats. Henry watched, then joined the driver. Groot said, "The Daf" "I know," Van Rijn answered calmly. "One of my men-Adriaes--will bring it to the house and guard it It is a valuable car " He added the last phrase with just the right amount of emphasis to mean we know what's ir il. They rolled majestically back through the estats to the main house, passing a yellow road machine stich already was sweeping the bndle path, eliminating both tire trucks and hoof prints. You couldn't fanli Vas Rijn ca minte The horse van and truck were goas fotos de corte -surfaced drive. They went along it and added to mense house that looked as if it were pics and the gleaming windows smashed ein öz iste site side was a large, black-topped pertinente about forty cars and had room for nance, ·NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER e almost all new, and many were expensive makes. < memorized several tags on the largest limousines. Rijn had a lot of friends or guests-probably both. The little group got out of the Opel and Van Rijn led m on a leisurely stroll through gardens which flanked - house on the far side. Gardens with shaded conversa- - nooks carpeted with smooth green grass, edged with tonishing parades of tulips and furnished with wroughton furniture--chaise lounges with foam rubber cushions, eck chairs and tables with sunbrellas. Van Rijn bowed to me nook where two bridge games were in progress. They climbed wide stone steps and came to a big swimming pool. A dozen people lounged on the patio and splashed in the water. From the corner of his eye Nick saw Van Rijn give a small smile of pleasure at the sight. An amazing man. You felt that he was dangerous yet not evil. You could imagine him ordering, "Give that stupid boy twenty lashes." And if you suggested leniency he would say with a surprised lift of his neat gray brows, "But one must be practical.” Their host said, “Miss Nasut-Mr. Hasbrouck-that first cabana is mine. You'll find drinks and ice and swim suits there. Enjoy some sun and the water while Mr. Groot and Mr. Kent and I take care of some business. If you'll excuse us we won't be long." He led the way toward the house without waiting for answers. Nick gave Mata a quick nod and wink and went with him. Just before they entered the house Nick heard two cars drive into the parking area, out of sight beyond the plantings. He was sure he recognized the Volvo and the odd hum of the Daf. Van Rijn's man who had driven the Opel, a wiry lad with a determined look, paced ten feet behind them as he had done all the way through the grounds. When they entered a large, beautifully furnished office-study, the man took up a position beside the door Efficient and unobtrusive, Nick thought admiringly.

·AMSTERDAT 107 One wall of the room was líned with ship models, on shelves and in glass cases atap tables. Vaa Riga pointed at one. "Do you recognize it?" Nick could not read the nameplate in Dutch script Vo." "She was the first ship built in what is now New York City. The Orrust. It means unrest in English Prophetic, perhaps? She was built with the help of the Manbattan Indians at about wbere 45 Broadway is con. The New York Yacht Club has offered me a very large price for the model, I won't sell-but I have willed it to them at toy death." "Very generous of you," Nick said, Van Rijn went bebiad a wide desk of rich, black wood that almost glowed. "Now--Mr. Groot, are you armed?" Groot actually blushed. He looked at Nick, Nick took the short .38 out of his pocket and pushed it across the desk. Van Rijn dropped it into a drawer without commont. "I assume you have the merchandise in your car or hidden somewhere op sy grounds?" "Yes," Groot said crisply, "Would you say this is a good time to get it and we can discuss terms?" "Yes." Groot tumed toward the door, *Tony will go with you so you won't lose your way.' Groot went out with the wiry lad at his heels. Nick said, "Groot can be-elusive" "I know. Tony is dependable If they do not come back I will conclude that he is dead Now Mr Kent about ** transaction if you make what deposit you can here, cyou pay the balance in cash in Switzerland or you ountry?" Nick sat down slowly in a large leathamalar. "Ik --if you take responsibility for delik States. I'm not an expert at smuggling! "That I can handle. There remain: "And inspecting the merchandise.' beton ·. 108 NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER "Of course. We will do that in a moment- The intercom chimed. Van Rijn frowned. "Yes?" A girl's voice came from a speaker. "Mr. Jan de Troija and two friends. He insists it is very important." Nick stiffened. Across his mind flashed the memory of a hard jaw under a cold glass eye and expressionless artificial skin and the woman in the black veil. Uncontrolled emotions flowed briefly across Van Rijn's face-surprise, determination, chagrin. His host did not expect these visitors and he was thinking fast. If Van Rijn was losing control of the situation it was time for a stranger to move. Nick stood up, “You must excuse me- "Sit down." "I'm armed, too." Wilhelmina glared suddenly at Van Rijn with her expressionless Cyclop's eye. He put his hands down on the desk. “You probably have all kinds of buttons under your feet. Don't push them unless you want lots of violence." Van Rijn was solemn faced again, as if this was something he understood and could handle. "No violence is necessary. Just sit down, please." It was a stern command. Nick said from the door, "Meeting postponed," and went through it. De Troija and Van Rijn and a horde of troops. There were too many loose ends for an AXEman to hold still under the potential weight of this cretv. He ran back the way they had come, across a giant living room and through the glass doors that led down to the pool. As he went down the wide steps three at a time Mata, seated in front of the cabana with Henry Hasbrouck, saw him coming. She got up without a word and ran toward him. Nick gave a come on wave and tumez and galloped through the grounds toward the parking lot. He caught Groot and Tony at the Daf. Tony lcancd against the car, watching Groot's small rump just inside the door as he groped in the rear of the car. Nick had tucked Wilhelmina out of sight and he grinned at Tony .. Y .

·AMSTERDAM 109 who pushed himself off the car and swung to meet lin, balanced on both legs. "What do you" The Wiry lad was prepared for all Linds of attacks except a clean right which hooked slightly as it drove in faster than the cyc could follow just under the bottom button of his jacket. The blow would have shattered a ate-inch plank. Tony folded like a book snapped shut and beforc be squirmed twice on the ground Nick's powerful fingers closed on his neck muscles, the thumb punching in the spinal control cord. Tony would be useless to anyone for five minutes no matter how sugged he was. Nick extracted a small ſtalian automatic from the lad's belt and straightened to face Groot who stumbled out of the car holding the small brown bag Nick beld out a fand Like a robot Groot put the bag in it. Nick heard the patter of Mata's feet coming across the tarmac. He glanced back No onc followed her or him-yet. He said, "Grooimac can talk about our deal later. I'll hold the merchandise. Then if they catch you you're clean" Groot stood straight, speaking crisply. "And I have the problem of catching you?" "I'm giving you no choice." "Where's lienry?" "At the pool last I saw He's okay. I don't believe they'll bouber him. Now you better roll out of here." Nick beckoned to Mara and man to the Volvo which had bech parked four spaces away from the Daf. The keys were in it. Nick sunned the engine as Mata hopped in. She said without puffing, “My what a short visit.” Too many hosts." Nick answered, reversed the car and whipped around the oval lot and headed for the highway. As he picked up speed he shot a glance back. The Da Was moving from the house Henry came at a run, fol. lowed by Alan and Adriaen and de Troija and one of the men who had been in the garage with the veiled woman None of them had guns in sig erabitha ck:

·110 NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER driving, cut the corners of the double-curves between tá Icgimcated trees and entered a straightaway that led to t highway. Forty feet or so back from the main road were to squat, stone structures, one joined to a neat stone ga house. As he floored the accelerator he saw the wide, stur iron gates begin to close. He considered a lot of things oncembut he kept the throttle wide open, Stone pastt fences came up to the gatehouse and the stone squares each side. You couldn't crash them. He judged the opeuing between the gates as they swung toward each other. Fifteen feet? Say fourteen! Now thirteen-ntivelve eleven The gates swung faster, folding shut in their faces. They were majestic metal barriers, so heavy their outer ends rolled on small carrier wheels like casters. The vertical bars were six inches apart, made of iron two inches thick. Any car that crashed them head-on would be demolished. Eight--seven- He kept the spewing carburetor wide open, rolling the ball of his foot over the pedal with an extra push and press. They sure as hell weren't going to ever stop Dow. They were whizzing past trees and blurred landscape at well over sixty and still accelerating. Mata bent over. From the corner of his eye he saw her fold her arms over her head she'd rather have a broken back and neck than scarred features. He didn't blame her. He estimated the remaining opening, tried to steer at it centered to a hairline measurement, Clangskleck-cranng! A metallic screech-and they shot through the vanishing opening. One or both of the gates had closed on the Volvo like shark's teeth snapping at a ficcing fish. Their speed had added enough longitudinal rigidity to carry them through, helped perhaps by some play in the gates and their hangers which the slashing force of their contact had gained. An inch of vibration--the difference between freedom and disaster.

·AMSTERDAM 111 The highway was close. Nick stabbed the brakes, pumped them again as they raced at it. He did not dare fishtail or sideslip--she'd turn over. The blacktop was gritty and dry, ideal for traction but don't try to slide on it unless you saw an oil slick. And he saw none. The highway was a nght-angle T across Van Rijn's drive. Nick used every foot of curve he could see. They shot behind a bus and his luck beld---nothing comiog the other way. The Volvo's wheels circled within inches of the for edge of the road. There was a four-foot-drop bank at the far edge. They skirted it in a shower of lying gravel. He was sure a rear wheel swung out over it for an instant--you could feel the wobblc and sidesway as the sturdy little car fought and clawed for a hold. No more brake--be gunned the motor. The car serpentined, staggered erect like a man who has stumbled, and they roared down the two-lane highway. Mata raised her head "Vbewwoosh," Nick shot a glance back at Van Rijn's drive. A mon bad run out of the gatebouse and was looking at them and shaking his fist. Good. If he didn't get the gate open be would delay any pursuers. "Do you know this road?" be asked. "No." She groped in the locker for maps "What happened back there? They serve you bad Scotch." Nick chuckled. It did him good He had been imagining Mata and himself scrambled in an uon and stone omelet, "I never even got a drink," "At least I got a sip of mine. I wonder what they will so to Henry Hasbrouck and Groot. They are odd lille "Odd? Like scorpions "I mean to have stolen the Cullinans," "Groot did that. Henry is bus shadow I imagine that Van Rijt will simply throw them out What value are they to him dow? He may not even want them to be seen by tren." - ·4 NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER Jan de Troija, He's the British diplomat type I told you introduced me to that mystery woman." “He was there?" "Just arrived. That's why I decided to get away. Too many angles. Too many clutching bands after the Cula linans. Take a look in that little bag. and see if Groot pulled a switch on us. I don't think he had time, but it's a thought." Mata opened the bag. She said, "I don't know much about uncut stones, but these are big." "They're record size, I understand.” Nick glanced over. The objects in Mata's lap looked like small pieces of high-grade rock candy. "I guess we got 'em. Put 'em away and check that map. They raced around a gentle curve where picturesque bridges crossed small canals or streams on both sides. If they had been going more slowly he might have tried one of the roads--then he shook his head. Too close to Van Rijn's. A thorough search would find them, especially if the lancs were dead-ends. Far back, a beetle in the mirror, he saw a car that did not gain on them. Van Rijn was slow in following-or had he given up? No, he wouldn't. **Junction ahead," he said. "Check the signs against the map. Our compass direction is south." "Which way would you prefer to go?" "Northeast." Mata was silent for a moment. "Id go straight. If we turn left we have to go back through Wanroy and we might run into them, if they're following us. Go on to Gemert and then we'll tum east and we'll have a choice of roads." "You've called it. I'm not stopping to look at the map." The four-way intersection led them onto a better road, but there was more traffic, a small parade of little polished cars. Local people, "Watch our backtrail," Nick said. “This mirror is too 99 ·AMSTERDAM 113 small. See if any cars are passing others, trying to catch us." Mata kneeled on the seat, looking back. After several minutes she said, "Everybody is staying in line. I meanif there was a car following, it could pass some of them." "Damn funny," Nick muttered. As they approached the town the landscape became more crowded. The neat littic houses stood shoulder to shoulder, there were no more pastures with sleek-coated cows that looked as if they had been washed and perhaps they had. Mata turned around, "Take two lefts." "Okay." They were approaching another intersection, in an industrial area with closely fitted, narrow side streets. A helicopter droned overhead. He searched for a road block. Did Van Rijn have such good connections? Certainly de Troija might have, if they were now allied against him. He moved slowly through the town traffic, made the miro lefts, and they rolled on into another rural area. No 'road blocks, no pursuers. "There aren't any cars that seem to stay with us," Mata said, "Shall I keep watching?" "No. Sit down I'm going fast enough to spot apybody who tries to catch up. But it's a puzzle. He could have caught us in the Opel.” "The helicopter?" Mata asked calmly. "It went over us again." "Where would he get one so fast?" "I don't know. Perhaps it is a traffic control.” She put her head out the window, "It's gone way ahead." "Let's get off this road Can you find another one that makes a loop so that we can still head east and north?" The map crackled "Try the second right. About five miles ahead. It goes through forests, too, and then after we cross the Maas we can go north on the big bighway. Nijmegen." The turnoff looked good. Another two-lane cour road. After they had traveled a couple of m ·114 NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER slowed down and said, "Not a siga of anybody following us.” "A small plane went over us." "I know. You're a good girl on detail, Mata." She moved across the seat and snuggled against him. "It has helped me to survive," she replied softly. He put an arm around her soft body. Soft-but how strong her muscle and bone and brain were, developed as she said, to survive. Their relationship was a strange one, He admired her for the many qualities she had which matched his own--and first among them were durability and alertness and swift reflexes. Many times during warni, perfumed nights in Jakarta she had said, "I love you," and he had returned the averment. And being the people they were they had meant it, for the night or as long as it might last. It was why, when she might have caused his death and thus saved herself a fortune--she could not. And why he, when logic haä called for her elimination - he had not. He had offered her banishment, and with wry smiles which each understood, she had accepted it. "You're as beautiful as ever, Mata,” he said softly. "But we don't belong to the beautiful people. We're the durable people." She squeezed his knee. "Which would you choose, if you could?" "To be? Since we just twinkle for an instant on this ball of mud I take durable." "Because you feel the bumps less?" "And you can help another twinkler. The beautiful ones often fold fast." She kissed his neck, just under his ear. He said, “That feels nice. Now look at that." He slowed and braked. On the bank of a small stream, nestled under tremendous trees that looked like willows, was a tiny camping ground, an oblong carved out of the cultivated fields that came right down to the road and streamside. A swing بم ·"We were just married. My so-called Irier AMSTERDAM 115 bridge crossed the little canal which paralled the road they were on, and the stream apparently went under the canal or the canal crossed over it in a wooden channel. Yellow stakes marked the corners of three campsites, and all of them were occupied. A big Rover was in the first one, a Volkswagen in the second with a camping tarpaulin attached to it, and a battered Triumph was in the last one, parked beside a large umbrella tent with an aluminum outside frame. The umbrella tent was old and faded to a thin, light green, "There's our man," Nick sad He drove over the swing bridge and along the narrow track to pull up beside the Triumph. It was a four- or five-ycar-old TR4, and at a closer look was more worn than battered, recording a life of sun and rain and flying sand and gravel. Its tres were quite good. Nick got out and a lcan, all-brown man in faded khaki borts with fringes for bottom hems left a little campfire and walked toward them. Nick put out his hand. "Hello, I'm Norman Kent. American" "I'm Buffer Whicker Australian.” His grip was firm "That's my new wife in the car." Nick glanced toward the Volkswagen. A couple were scated under the tarpaulin, within heanng distance. He lowered his voice. "Can we step over by the sercam, I've a proposition that might interest you." Buffer followed him, saying, "I can offer you a cup of tea, but if you're selling anything you've got the wrong bloke." Nick took out his wallet, rcmoved five 100-guilder notes his stomach so that those in the other campsites could not scc them. "I'm not selling I'm renuing Anyone with you?" "My girl Asleep in the tent." and hearty.

·ts 116 NICK CARTER; KILLNASTER for us, you know the bit. Usually I wouldn't carc, but as I think you lads say Down Under, some of the boy's are bloody bastards." Buffer looked at the money and sighed. "Norman, for that you can not only stay with us you can travel renl-fres all the way to Calais." "It's simpler than that. I'd like you and your girl to drive to a nсarby town and enjoy a good hoiel or motcl. Don't say anything about Icaving your outfit and campsito ... hcre, of course. All you have to leave us is the tent and tarp and a couple of sleeping bags or blankets. The money I'm giving you should be worth more than the outfit you leave." Buffer took the money. "You look straight, male. We'll leave you all the stufi except our personal gear. There's not much. Few odds and ends of cooking things and grub." "How about the neighbors?" "I know them. I'll tell them you're my cousin who is using the camp for the night." "A dcal, Will you help me hide my car?" "Drive 'er around this side of thc tcnt. We'll camouflage ber somchow." Within fifteen minutes Buficr had rigged a tent fly which hid the Volvo's rear from the road, yet looked plausible, introduced "Norman Kent, my cousin" to the other two camping couples, and departed with his cutc plump blonde in the Triumph. The interior of the tent was comfortable, with a folding table, chairs and siccping bags on air mattresses. A cleverly crafted wooden cabinet, apparently made to fit in the Triumph, served as a pantry. Its various slots and shelves were filled with dishes, silverwarc and a small amount of canned goods. Nick brought in his luggage from the Volvo, took a bottle of Jim Beam out of his case, put it on the table and said, "Sweetic, I'm going to have a look around. Will you mix up a couple?"

·AXISTERDAM 117 "Love to." She hugged him, kissed his chin and stepped anay. A lot of woman, he thought as he walked to the bridge ovcr thc canal. She knew what to, when to, and how to--and when not to. He crossed the little bridge and sludicd the camp. You could hardly sec the Volvo. A little sed and black barse, ponered by a purring outboard motor, slowly approached the bridge, Nick walked back over it to the camp bank to watch its passage. The skipper stepped to the walkway at the canal's side and spun a ciant wooden wheel which swung the bridge aside like a gate. He stepped back aboard and the barge crawled past like a snail with flowers on its head. The waterman waved at him. Nick walked alongside. "Don't you have to close the bridge?" "No" Thc man laughed, his English was rourdly accented, as if each word came wrapped in pastry. "Time clock in the locker. In ten minutes it closcs. A bell will ring. You will sec." He pointed hus pipe at Nick and laughed morc heartily "Electric. Scc. We are not all tulips and tobacco. Ho-ho-ho." "Yo-ho-ho to you," Nick replied, but he laughed hcartily as he spoke. "Why not open it with a button then, instead of the wheel?" The bargeman looked around the empty landscape as if alarmed. "Shhh!" He selected a bunch of pretty flowers from one of the boxes stacked on the deck and hopped ashore and put his head close to Nick's “If we did that tourists like you wouldn't come to watch it any more and ask questions. Here is a gft" Nick was looking into twinkling blue cycs as the bouquet was pressed into his Land and the man jumped back onto his toy-like bout. "Thank you very much. My wife will like them." "Peace." The man waved and the barge's siera purred past Nick. As he strolled back toward the campsite than hentos ·116 NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER for us, you know the bit. Usually I wouldn't care, but as I think you lads say Down Under, some of the boys are bloody bastards." Buffer looked at the money and sighed. ""Norman, for that you can not only stay with us you can travel rent-freer all the way to Calais." "It's simpler than that. I'd like you and your girl to. drive to a nearby town and enjoy a good hotel or motel. Don't say anything about leaving your outfit and campsite here, of course. Al you have to leave us is the tent and tarp and a couple of sleeping bags or blankets. The money I'm giving you should be worth more than the outfit you leave." Buffer took the money, "You look straight, mate. We'll leave you all the stuff except our personal gear. There's not much. Few odds and ends of cooking things and grub." "How about the neighbors?" "I know them. I'll tell them you're my cousin who is using the camp for the night." "A deal. Will you help me hide my car?" "Drive 'er around this side of the tent. We'll camouflage somehow." Within fifteen minutes Buffer bad rigged a tent fly which hid the Volvo's rear from the road, yet looked plausible, introduced “Norman Kent, my cousin" to the other two camping couples, and departed with his cute plump blonde in the Triumph, The interior of the tent was comfortable, with a folding table, chairs and sleeping bags on air mattresses. A cleverly crafted wooden cabinet, apparently made to fit in the Triumpb, served as a pantry. Its various slots and shelve's were filled with dishes, silverware and a small amount of canned goods. Nick brought in his luggage from the Volvo, took a bottle of Jim Beam out of his case, put it on the table and said, "Sweetie, I'm going to have a look around. Will you mix up a couple?" >>

·No text on this page.

·118 NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER hummed and creaked-and crawled back into position across the canal. The owner of the Volkswagen stopped him, stepping up to the narrow roadtrack with a smile. "Bonjour, Monsieur Kent. A glass of wine?” "Thank you. Can I join you this evening? My wife and I are tired. It has been a big day.” "Come over when you please. I understand." The man bowed slightly. His name was Perrault, according to Buffer's introduction. The I understand was because Buffer had told them his "American cousin, Norman Kent" was with his bride. Nick could have given Buffer a different name, but if he needed to produce his passport and papers, that would lead to complications. He went into the tent and gave Mata the flowers. She beamed. "They're beautiful. From the barge?" "Yes. Prettiest little scow I've ever seen. But how in the world do they make a living?" "Very ... gently." He thought that over as she filled a glass with water om a canvas bucket, put the flowers in it and arranged m as a centerpiece for the table. He watched her small k head bent over the cluster of color and shape, houghtfully moving a bid here, a leaf there, as if this moment in her life, concerned with bits of organic matter which would be dust in days, was all-important. As he had discovered in the Orient, this girl-of-two-worlds had unique depths. You could learn from her, if you had the time and the world would keep its hands off you. She handed him his drink and they sat in canvas chairs with a view of the quiet stream and its tall flanking trees and the neat fields on the other side. Some of the oblongs were of different colors, probably flower fields, and they looked like a giant's patchwork quilt. They faced away from the other campers. Nick felt secluded, drowsy. It was very quiet except for an occasional car passing on the road or a murmur from another tent. He took a pull at his ·AMSTERDAM 119 glass. Mata said, "There was a bottle of soda water in the bucket Is your drink cool epough?" "Delcious" "Cigarette?" "All right--thanks” He didn't care if he smoked or not-he was cutting down but be enjoyed the way she lit one for him, carefully putting just the tip in her red lips, handing it to him carefully, as if to serve him was an honor. A man could get to like it. And make mistakes. Somehow he knew she wouldn't make a try for the brown bag's contents, but perhaps that was because they could be profitless disaster to anyone without strong connections. He felt distaste for his profession, in which you stayed alive by trusting no one. She stood up and he watched her take off the wrap-type garment to reveal tailored shorts and a bra of the same goid-and-biack fabric She hung the outer garment neatly on a hanger, one of a cluster hanging from the roof center-hook. A woman to be proud of. A woman you could love? You could live out a pleasant life under such attention and affection. He had decided once, admitung that his small sampling was an unfair survey, that the most wildly passionate women in the world were the Scots and the most intelligently passionate the Japanese, He had told it to Bill Rohde one night in Washington over several drinks at the University Club, and the younger AXEman had considered the opinion carefully, then said, "The Scots have been going to Japan as sailors and merchants and so on for generations. First one of us gets there again, Nicks, Search for the nght girl. Japanese-Scots Eurasian. May have to advertise." Nick chuckled. Practical fellow, Rohde. It was only chance that he hadn't been sent to Amsterdam on the Manson project instead of Whitlock, Bill was haodling the New York end and the Bard Galleries. .

·120 NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER Mata leaned her small dark head on his shoulder. He placed an arm around her. "Are you hungry?" she asked. "A little. We'll see what we can put together after awhile." "There are beans and corned beef. Enough vegetables for a salad and oil and vinegar. Cookies and tea." "Sounds great." Smart girl-she had the larder inventory in her head already. "I hope they don't find us," she said softly. "The helicopters and that small plane bother me." "I know. But if they've put up roadblocks they should grow tired after twelve hours and think we've slipped through. We'll leave early in the morning. Before it's light. But you're thinking clearly, Mata, as usual." "Van Rijn is a shrewd and persistent man, I think." "I agree. Yet he seems to have more real character than Laansma. If either one bas principles, it's Van Rijn. By the way, Mata---did you ever date Herbert Whitlock?" "Of course. He took me to dinner once." Nick kept his arm still with an effort, it almost tensed flexively. "Where did you first meet him?" "He bumped into me at Kaufman's. The photographer's place. That is he pretended to bump into me, but somehow he had planned it. He was looking for me. He wanted something." "What?” "I don't know. It was about two months ago. We dined at De Boerderij and went to the Blue Note on Korte Leidsedwarsstraat. The acts were wonderful. Herb was a good dancer." "Go to bed with him?" "No. Just some warm kisses at good night. I guess we would have the next time. But he went out once or twice with a friend of mine, Paula. And then he had the accident. I was sorry. I liked him. I'm sure he would have called me again."

·AMSTERDAM
121
"Did be ask questions? Have you any idea-wbat ta
was trying to do-or find out?”
"I thought he was like you. American agent probably.
We talked mostly about photography and the modelics
business."
"And business? Advertising?"
"Yes. The commercial side of photograpby. I punct
the next time to ask him frankly if I could help him."
Nick shook his head thoughtfully. Poor Herb 6:26
and methodical He lined up Mata and was present
Paula, plodding along the trail. If he had been core
with Mata, he might be alive now. Herb tad cereb 2
hunch jumper, he went by the aumbers. *D:
much?"
"Almost nothing. One of the things I liked abc
"Do you think he was murdered?"
"I wondered about it. Perhaps Paula kom
Shall I talk to her when we get back to Amsten
"Please. You're right about his concert
American agent. I'd very much like to
was really accidental. I mean--the Dute price
cient, but-"

·122 NICK CARTER; KILLMASTER Nordenboss about her. He sighed--for want of a word, for want of a note, for want of a nail- Mata's kisses and caresses were guaranteed to take your mind off your troubles. He stretched and relaxed, holding her as close as the small aluminum arm of his chair wouldi let him. You got so much more with one of Mata's kisses, he thought lazily. She up-spiraled your temperature through all five senses. Her subtle perfume blended with the moist warm-woman aroma and your nostrils dilated automatically like those of a hungry man smelling a roast in the oven. The taste of her lips and tongue stirred you as if every drop of her saliva was part of a sixth peach brandy. In your ears her soft sighs and occasional hums of satisfaction strummed tingles from your spinal cord with a sooth-and-surprise brilliance, the way Richter stirs you with a Tchaikovsky concerto. Don't clamp your eyes tightly shut, the out-of-focus loveliness is dynamite ilk close-detail, all the colors are absolutely true because when you try to see clearly they change to what your dreams want. And to hand, to the touch!he tilted her and massaged her small rump thoroughly with the slow tenderness you use on the head of a beloved child after it has received a bump. It was enervating, yet no more so than the stroke of her agile fingers on his chest where she had teased them past his jacket and through his shirt, raising his T-shirt, yet not seeming to touch Wilhelmina, Her hand danced down, solved the buckle of his belt in an instant. The belt, he thought grimly, with its flexible blade-and-file encased at the back, money folded long-way around one side, on the other flat waterproof packets of instant death or suicide powders, improved chloral hydrate and an acid dust of a dozen dangerous uses. Even as she exposed him, distended and stiffiy vibrant, and her head made tiny bumping march-steps down his chest he felt like an alien in paradise. The guest with the dagger.

·ASISTERDIM 123 He stirred, "Darling, let me get some of this cloth and gear off.” She got up lazily, smiling in understanding, and held out her hand for his jacket. She hung it carefully on a -hanger, added his tre and shut, watched quietly as he Tucked Hugo out of sight in his open case on the sleeping bags. "A swim would be nice,” she said. He promptly took off his pants "Still Javanese, eh? Want to get into the water five times a day?"* "Yes. Water is good. Gentle and it cleans" He glanced out Dusk was falling, no one was in sight from this angle. "I can wear my shorts." Shorts, he thought, even they betray me in the garden, with deadly Pierre sleeping in the secret pocket. "This cloth isn't bothered by water," she said. "Anyway, if we go along the stream a little way perhaps we can swim nude. I like to be cleansed all over" He found two towels, wrapped the brown bag and Wilhelmina and his wallet in one and said, “Let's get wet." A straight, neat path followed the side of the stream. Just before they lost sight of the campsite Nick looked back around a thick tree trunk. No one appeared to watch them. The Rover people were cooking supper on a grill. He understood why the campsite was so small. As soon as they left the grove the trees were set back from the bank and evenly spaced, and cultivated fields came down almost to the water's edge. The path seemed almost like a towpath, as if in generations past popies or mastiffs had hauled small barges or scows along the edges of the feld, delivering manure, taking in harvests. Perhaps they bad. "They walked for a long time and still the fields went on and on. It surprised you in a country you thought of small and densely covered by man. Man. He befied 12- helmina, The cancer of the planet. The fun stings and workers were gone from the fields. Under one of the big trees be found ·124 NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER cluded bower in the gloom, a shallow gully filled with dry Icaves, like a nest. Mata studied it so long he looked at her. She was smiling. He asked, "You're cnjoying something?" *This place. You've noticed how ncat the sides of the stream arc--10 litter or branches or Icaves. Yct here are leaves, all dry and fluffy. I think lovers come here. Perhaps they have for many years." He put the towels down at the base of the tree. "You're probably right. Or perhaps somc farm lad just keeps the leaves forked over for a comfortable place for his lunch nap." Mata was stripping off her bra and shorts. "That toobut this place has known lots of love. In a way--it's sacred. It has its own resident spirit. People sense it. Nobody carves the trees or leaves trash. Isn't that proof?" "I guess so," he said thoughtfully as he shed his shorts. Go ahead, Carter, prove she's wrong! Mata turned and walked into the stream. It shelved oli sharply and she ducked under and came up a few yards upstream. “It is lovely. Warm. Comes It wasn't the sort of setting you disturbed with a dive, cven if you were foolish enough to disregard unknown rocks. Nick Carter, who had on occasion dove a hundred feet and more, entered the water as softly as a twig falling and swam to the girl with noiseless strokes. He felt that this setting deserved quiet, respect for all those who had known and shared love in it. Ormhe stood up beside Matamis that spirit caretaker working on me! "Don't you feel-good?" she whispered. "Yes.” The water was relaxing, the night air warm on his skin. Even breathing it, close to the calm surface, seemed to fill your lungs with something new, fresh, invigorating. Mata draped herself against his side, partly floating, her head on a level with his. Her hair was quite long, and its damp coils draped against his neck with a tender softness ·. AMSTERDAM 125 that was deliciously tantalizing. Another Mata plus, as he recalled, no bairdresser visits. A few moments with a towel and comb and brush and a bottle of the aromatic oil she used, and she could have it perfectly arranged again in any of a dozen pretty ways. She faced him and put her arms straight along each side of his head and they kissed lightly, their bodies rubbing together with the rhythmless harmony of two boats moored side by side and rocked in a swell. He raised her slowly and kissed each of her breasts, an action expressing as much homage as passion, and when he lowered her she was supported partly on bis distended tumescence. It was a position so emotionally satisfying you wanted to hold it forever yet perturbing because you were impelled to seek more. She sighed and ber strong, small arms closed on his back. He could feel the palms open and close, the unthinking loving grip of a healthy baby kneading its mother's dreast as it suckles. They kissed exploratively for a long, enlivening time. A quiet aquasport of captivating sweetness, mixing grcedy draughts with the daintiest bonne bouche. Neither moved quickly or with strength, this was a duet of skill and intuition. When at last he lowered a band she captured it, whispering, "No. No bands. All the way Javanese, remember?" He remembered, with a blend of anticipation and awe at the stimulation of the recollection, It took a little longer, and that perhaps was part of the delight. "Yes," he murmured as she floated higher and lowered herself on him. "Yes--I remember—" * The pleasure was worth the patience. A hundred times over, he reminded himself, as he felt the cloying warmth of her so excitingly accented and marked by the division of cool water. He thought, oddly, how simple and peace. ful and rewarding life seemed at this moment, and he felt - pity for those who said they couldn't enjoy making love in water. Shackled, they were, Bound in their inhibitions and ·126 NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER superstitions. Poor devils. They couldn't unwind and go back-back-back, forgetting-forgetting. Back to a warm sun on a pool and odd creatures trying to beach themselves to move from the sheltering liquid and build their own towering, racing, explosive hell. He imagined some of the creatures coupled in the water, like this, watching the climbers at the shore. Come back, they felt-thoughtprojected. It's much better like this. Up there you'll scparate. There's no connecting fluid. Mata closcd her legs effortlessly, like an old-fashioned swimmer, and her buoyancy carried her up and then she pressed herself down. He met her presence with a surge of need. His loins glowed with a new warmth, his spine tingled as if to the pricklc of alternating current, bis toes curled to grip the gravel bunching wetly under his insteps. Down here! In here, you fools! Forget- He made a small, involuntary growling sigh of satisfaction and Mata setticd herself to hin like a hungry puppy. She said, "I know I know," as she fastened her lips to his. They walked back to the campsite in the water, shielded by the darkness. Under the friendly hiss of a gas lamp Mata prepared a meal, She found curry and added a touch to the bcef, a dust of chili for the beans, thyme and a sliver of garlic crushed between two spoons for the oil in the salad. Nick ate every scrap and felt ashamed for consuming at least a dozen cookies with his tea. Well Buffer Whicker could buy a lot more now. He helped her clean the dishes and pans and tidy the camp, trying to leave it as shipshape as they found it. Then, when they got into the sleeping bags, unzipperca and spread open doubled, they began teasing cach other. Instead of going to sleep they made love again. Fun sex, varied sex, wild sex, delightful sex, blending animal urges and healthy physical needs and affection and technique and experience. They then decided to take another dip and of course they must visit their special dell again. The ·- --- AMISTERDAR 127 resident spirit ensnared them onto the leafy couch to try the brand new Swedish innovation. It was after one in the morning when they again cuddled slecpily in the soft downy nest Mata whispered, "Thank you, darling. We still make cach other happy." "Outstanding and it's wild" "Wild? Nice, Lovey love. Not everyone enjoys life this much." "People like us develop a knack We've had the knocks to sbow us we're just passing by this way A visit not long remembered. Soon we will be dead and forget everything and soon everyone will have forgotten us We're free of phony guilt. We know it doesn't matter. So enjoy." "Yes." Sleepily. "Only love and kindness are real, one guru told me. Some people can't help it. They're frozen young. Wrong treatment? He kissed her lazıly "Good night Miss Zen Freud. I guess you're right. I'm just too wonderfully tưed " His last comment was a long satisfied sigh. Ordinarily Nick slept like a cat He could awaken himself within a minute of a mentally pre-set time. This night-excusably-be slept so deeply he was taken by surprise. Before he fell asleep he told his mind to awaken him if any passing car slowed or stopped A few seat by, pone stopped within hearing The two big Mercedes stopped a half-mile from bridge. Five men walked softly along the road and crossed the bridge to the camp with light cat-steps. Trier eliminated the Rover and the Volkswagen para bis light. The rest was easy. He merzis ca 2*** Volvo. Nick's first knowledge of them are glow that battered 2: his eyelids, RS bus eyes as he stepped awake 2 eyes quickly bec: Izry piasbeeks gate expanding and cominci ·128 NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER moments. He put his head in his bands-caught cold turkey! Wilhelmina was under his sweater beside his case, He might reach it with a lunge. He forced himself to sit still. Patience and shuffle the cards. Mata was playing it, smart. She lay very still. She would be awake now, Watchful, awaiting developments. The light was turned away from him and directed at the floor. He knew because the glow on his lids eased. "Thanks," he said. "Please don't shine that damn thing in my face again." "Sorry.” It was the voice of Jan de Troija. "There are several of us here, Mr. Kent. Please be cooperative. We want the Cullinans." "All right. I have them hidden.” Nick got up, keeping his eyes closed. “You blinded me with that light." He groped his way outside, pretending more helplessness than be felt. In the darkness he opened his eyes. The pinwheels still blurred his vision. "Where are they, Mr. Kent?" "I've got 'em hidden away I told you." "Of course. But I'm not going to let you look for them. To the tent or the car or out in the fields. We can overpower you if we must. Make your choice quickly." Some choice. He felt other men in the blackness. De Troija had plenty of backing. It was time to play a hunch. He could imagine that once handsome, now immobile face watching him carefully. De Troija was a strong man, less to be feared than a weak man like Laansma. It's the scared man who kills you and then wishes he hadn't. "How did you find us?” "Helicopter. Mr. Van Rijn radioed. Very simple. The diamonds please.” "You're working with Van Rijn?” "Not exactly. Now Mr. Kent--no more talk" It wasn't a bluff. "You'll find them in my case beside the sleeping bags. Left side. Under the shirt."

·ANISTERDAM 129 "Thank you." One of the men went into the tent, came out and the bag rustled as he handed it to de Troija. Nick opened his Eyes a shut. He could see---perbaps sixty per cent visica. Give himself another minute, He could knock the light out, but probably some of the others had them. If shoot ing started, Mata was right in the line of fire De Troija gave a disgusted snort. “You may have these For souvenirs, Mr. Kent. They are fates." Nick was glad of the darkness. He knew he fushed. Fooled like a schoolboy. "A switch. Groot" "Of course. He had a dummy package A sensible thing to do when you're handling items like the Cullinans." "Did he get away?' “Yes. He and Hasbrouck made the gateman open up again while Van Rijn and I were briefing the police helicopter to watch you." "Then you're a Dutch agent. Who was the" "I didn't say that. How did you contact Groot?” "I didn't. Van Rijn arranged the meeting. He was going to be the middleman. So where do you fit?” "Can you contact Groot?" "I don't even knoty where he lives. But he had heard about me--the diamond buyer. He'll find me if he wants me again." "Had you known him in the past?" "No, I bumped into him in Van Rija's backwoods by chance, I asked him if he was the man selling the Cullingns and he saw a chance to cut out a middleman, I suppose. He showed them to me. I think they looked a Little different from these dummies, Must have been the originals, since he thought I might be a diamond man." "Why did you depart so swiftly?" "When you were announced I thought it might be bojack. I passed Groot so I took the merchandise alor; Told him to contact me, the deal was still on. I figured younger man svith a faster car should carry them."

·No text on this page.

·Chapter 8 "Stole what? A package of junk from a big-timc jewel thici?" "Ah-then you know the Cullinans were stolen goods when you offered to buy them." Iic sounded like a policeman, Afirm your guilt. "As far as I know they don't belong to anybody, or to whomever has them. They canic out of a Sovict mine and they ucre grabbed." "Oh? It's not stealing if the vicum is a Communist?" *You tell me. Your woman in the black veil said they're hers." Nick could scc perfcclly again This de Troija was a master of ſcint and parry, but where did it lead and why? The other man handed him a card. "If Groot contacts you, please call me." "Are you still working for Madam I?" 11: Troija gaused. Nick sensed that he was going to rescal somethias, then decided against it. "Yes," the man S. "I hope you call." {"from staze I heard last time," Nick said, "shic may get Cullinans first." "Perhaps. But as you can see, things are more complinon." Ile went away into the blackness, flashing his ! ictermittently to find his footing. Men fell in behind fron the sides of the tent, another dark shape came ·>> 132 NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER. from beyond the Volvo, a fourth from down' by the : stream. Nick blew out a breath of relief. And how many more did he have? Thank his lucky star for a good guess--you couldn't call it judgment not to reach for Wilhelmina when the light hit him. He went back to the sleeping bag, tossed the dummy diamonds into his case, confirmed the position of Wilhelmina and that the magazine hadn't been slipped from the butt, and lay down touching Mata. She put her arm around him, saying nothing. He stroked her smooth back. "You heard it all?" “Yes." “Van Rijn and de Troija are now cooperating. Yet they each offered to sell me the Cullinans. What are they the Dutch Mafia?" "No," she replied thoughtfully in the darkness, her breath sweet against his chin. "They are both respectable." After a pause they both laughed. Nick said, "Respectable businessmen. Or Van Rijn is, anyway. De Troija is an agent for the world's leading business woman. They only take respectable profits, as big as they can get away with and if there's a reasonable chance they won't get caught.” He recalled Hawk's maxim who gains? He let his photographic memory search back among the recent confidential IPR memos he had studied at AXE HQ--International Position Reports. The Soviet Union and the Netherlands were on good terms, with some coolness because the canny Dutch were cooperating with the mainland Chinese in certain nuclear research in which the Chinese were making startling progress. The Cullinants didn't fit into this pattern easily, and yet ... He thought and dozed until his watch read 6:15 A.M. He came fully awake and thought about Groot and Hasbrouck. Men who liked established plans. What would they do now? They wanted cash for the Cullinans and ·ABISTERDAR 133 they still had a contact in Laansm3. Their more was forced-Zugswang. He kissed Mata awake. "Time to roll." They drove east into the arriving dawn. The cloud cover was thick, almost moist, but the temperature was moderate and pleasant. They turned northeast and Nick exclaimed as they skirted a neat town and crossed railway tracks, "That town. It's called America." "You'll see a lot of American influence soon. Motels. Supermarkets. It has changed the face of the country. Especially along the main roads and near the cities." They ate breakfast at a motel coffee shop which would have fitted into Ohio. Studying the map, Nick found the main road north to Nijmegen and Arnhem. When they came out into the parking lot Nick checked the car swiftly. He found it under the tailend, a narrow, three-inch Slastic box with flexible wire clamps and a frequency changing button which he was careful not to touch. He showed it to Mata. “One of de Troija's boys was busy, in the ---- we are." ... eanut. This one probably is cheaper or has a long battery life and a good range." He turned south on the highway instead of north and drove for many miles until they reached a Shell station with a dozen cars waiting at the pumps. Nick pulled into the queue and said, "Take over. Keep her moving up toward the pumps." He walked forvard until he saw a car with Belgian tags. He stumbled and dropped his pen under the rear of it, went forward and said politely to the driver in French, "I dropped my pen under the rear wheels. Please don't move for a moment." The plump man at the wheel smiled cheerfully and nodded. Nick retrieved his pen—and fastened the beeper 1 ·134 NICK CARTER, XILLMASTER under the Belgian car. He held up the pen and thanked the man and they exchanged pleasant nods. They topped off the Volvo's gas tank and turned north. "You put it under another car?” Mata asked. "Yes. If you throw it away they know at once it's stopped. But maybe they'll trail that car for awhile. But it's a gamble. They may have a visual contact on us right now. It could be any of the cars on the road." He kept watch for a car that stayed with them too long, made a U-turn at Zutphen, took a country road back and forth near the Twente Kanaal and no car followed them. He shrugged. "We seem to have lost them but it probably won't make much difference. Van Rijn knows I'm doing business with Laansma. But we may have confused them some." They enjoyed an excellent lunch at Henglo and reached Geesteren just after two. They found the road to Laansma's country home. It was on a wooded plain which could not be far from the German border, with about 500 yards frontage on the rural lane lined with well-trimmed trecs a sturdy two-rail fence. t was a pale version of Van Rijn's opulent layout, the Terence between a well-preserved, timeless plantation in Middleburg and a small country estate in Silver Springs assembled at bargain rates. The price would be relativamine neither could belong to other than a moneyed man, but the comparison was clear. On one the trees were centuries old, the house gigantic, the water plentiful because that was what the old aristocracy looked for. The other Laansma's.---had a lot of land but none to sparc, less stone work, and you couldn't stand almost anywhere and see a rook, "mk **** the Volvo slowly up the curved drive, lot among ty or so cars. He did big limou? vorcd by Van Rijn ·AMSTERDASI 135 drive leading to the rear marked Service. There could be cars hidden back there. Beyood the parking area on a lower level there was 3 free-form swimming pool, two tennis courts, barer oard court and three lanes that looked as if they were for bowls or bocci. Both tennis courts were in use, tot only half-2-dozen people sat around the pool The day was still cloudy, Nick locked the Volio. "Come on, Matz. Let's see what we can see before the party starts." They walked purposefully along the terrace post the pool and sports arez, circling the house. A gravel war descended toward guages and stables and outbuildings. Nick led the way down it In a feld to the right of the barns two giant balloons stayed in the breeze, tended by a man who appeared to be valving something into one of them. Nick wondered if it was helium or hydrogen. His syiſt glances absorbed every detail. There were apart- Krents or servant's quarters over the six-stall mrage. Three small cars were parked neatly in front of it, and the service road continued on to disappear over a rise between cultivated fields into the forest beyond. Nick was guiding Mata toward the garage when Laansma called from behind them. "Mr. Kentbello" Nick turned and smiled and waved. “HI." Laansm3 trotted up, slightly breathless. He had been alerted in a hurry. He wore a knitted white sports shirt and brown slacks, in which he suill looked like a businessmag who was careful of his appearance. His shoes Deared. The news of Nick's arrival bad clearly upset Laansma-- was struggling to conquer his surprise and command the situation. "Well-52!! I 52sn't sure you'd be coming" "Lovely place you have here." Nick introduced Mata. Laasma was effusive. "Why didn't you think I'd come?" Nick studied the balloons, One was covered with weird ·>> 99 4 136 NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER designs, curves and shivers in fantastic colors, sexual symbols and flowing explosions, "II heard some news, "Groot get here?" "Yes. I see we're going to be frank. It's an odd situation. You both were willing to leave me out, but you were driven back to me by events. Fate has willed it." "Is Groot angry at me? I took his package.". The flicker of Laansma's eyes told Nick thatGroot had told him he had fooled "Norman Kent" and Groot was angry. Laansma spread his hands expansively and led them up the garden path, "Oh, not really. After all Groot is a businessman. He just wants his money safely and to be rid of the Cullinans. Shall we go see him?" . "All right. But I can't do business until tomorrow morning. That is if he wants cash. I'm having a considcrable amount sent out by messenger." "Messenger?" "A friend, of course." Laansma was a study. He was looking at the holes in it. Whicre was the messenger when Kent was at Van Rijn's? And Norman Kent wasn't supposed to have friends in the Netherlands at least not confidants who would carry large sums of money for him. “Couldn't you..-call and have him come sooner?” "Not the way it's set up. I'm mighty careful of you folks" "You ought to be careful of certain ones," Laansma obscrved primly. "I'm not flattered that you discussed the matter with Van Rijn first. And you see what happened. Because thc Cullinans are allegedly stolen goods everyone grabs at them. And that de Troija! You know who he works for?" "No. Just another Cullinan seller, I thought," Nick replicd innocently. Led by their host they reached a curve in the terrace rail overlooking the pool. Nick noted that Laansma turned ·AMSTERDAM 137 them away from the garage and outbuildings as quickly as he could. Laansma said, "I suppose we'll just have to wait. And Groot will have to stay. He won't leave without money." "Do you blame him?" "No." Nick wished he knew what plans and projections were being evaluated in that too neatly groomed head, He felt that Laansma had swiftly considered and rejected the idea of getting rid of Groot and Hasbrouck the hard way. Small men with grand ambitions are dangerous, like babies who will clobber another for 2 toy until they are shown it is wrong. Some grew up never believing that greed was wrong, even senseless Laansma pressed a button under the railing A Javanese in a white jacket appeared. Their host said, "Let's get your things out of your car. Sim here will show you your rooms." At the Volvo Nick said, "I have Groot's package. Shall I return it to him now?" "Let's have a talk after dinner. Let it go until then.” Laansma left them at the foot of a big staircasc in the front hall of the main house, urging them to enjoy swimming, tennis, riding—he sounded like the hustling proprictor of a small resort. Sim led them to two adjoining rooms. Nick whispered to Mata while Sim was stowing luggage in one of the rooms, “Ask him to bring back two whiskies and sodas." When Sim had gone Nick joined Mata in her room, a chamber of modest size, like his own, connected with hers via the shared bath, "Mind sharing the bath with me, nadam?" She floted into his arms. "I don't mind sharing anything with you." "Sim is Indonesian, isa't he?" "I'm sure of it. I wanted to talk to him," "Go ahead. I'll leave. Make a friend of him, Do you think you'll speak a common language?"

·138 NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER "He's Javanesc. I can tell." "Good. Take your timc. Level with him about your recent arrival in the country and how hard it is to get along. Turn on the charm, you beautiful doll. No man cán resist it. He's probably lonely. Since we'ro: in separate rooms his dreams nccdn't be limited, Tum him on," "All right, darling." She lifted licr car to be kissed. Nick bummed a theme from Finlandia as he unpacked. Ho nccdcd one little thread to start working on the knot and this might be it. The handicst, nicest, most serviccable Icver in the world was sex, wonderful sex. He hung up his clothes, distributed his toilet articles, put his typewriter on a small tablc in front of the window. All this special cquipment wasn't as much help as one lovely, clever woman. A knock sounded on his door. He opened it and admitted Nicholaas G. Groot! The little man was crcct and formal as ever, and unsmiling. "Hello," Nick said hcartily. “We made it. They couldn't hold us. Did you have trouble getting out that gate? I lost sliver of paint." Groot's gaze was cold, calculating, cautious. "Thcy ran to the house and Henry and I departed. Tlic suteman needed only a little convincing to open up.". "We had some problems. Helicopters overhead and all that. I went way south and then cast." Nick handed him the brown parcei. Groot looked into it briefly. “They're all right. I didn't even look at them, Haven't had time." Groot was puzzled, "Yet--you came here." **We were supposed to meet here, weren't wc. Where cise would I go?" ...5"II Seca Nick chuckled understandingly. "You're wondering why I didn't beat it to Amsterdam and wait for your call? What do we need a middleman for? You don't-but I do. I may be doing busincss with Laansma a long tinica don't know this country. There's the problem of getting the diamonds across borders to where I want them. No ·(+1 AMSTERDAM 139 I'm not a lone operator like you. I'm a businessman who cannot burn bis bridges. So you'll just have to hold still for your side of the commission. Although I imagine you can make a better deal with Laansma now. He won't do much work for his money. You can bint that you can do business with me directly, but between us, I won't go that route. He said we'll talk business after dinner," Groot was stalled on dead center, confused rather than convinced. "The money. Laansma says you have a couricr. Did he go to Van Rijn's?" "Of course not. We have a pattern. I stopped him. Early tomorrow morning I ring him and he comes in;'or stay's out, if we don't make a deal." "I see.” Groot quite evidently didn't, but he would wait with his eyes open. "There's one other thing." "Yes?" "Your fun. I told Mr. Laansma of course what hap. pened when we met, We-he thinks you should leave it with him until you leave. I know all about your American ways-nobody takes my gun and all that but as a logical thing. As a gesture of good faith—" Nick frowned. With Groot on a knife-edge he had to play it carefully. “I don't like to do that. Van Rijn and the others might find us here." “Laansma has plenty of good men. They won't get in. He's putting a watch on the roads." "I see.” Nick shrugged and smiled and dug Wilhelmina out from where he had hidden her on a hanger under his jacket. He dropped down the magazine, levered the top action and popped the cartridge out of the chamber and caught it in the air: "I guess we can understand Laaasma's point of view. Master in bis own place. Here." Groot departed with the weapon out of sight in his belt. Nick grimaced. They would search his fuggage the first chance they had. Good luck. He removed the straps from Hugo's long case and the stiletto became an unusually fine letter opeoer in bis writing case. He passed some time by ·140 NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER searching the room for a bug but found none, whic meant nothing because when you own a place and ha the time you can hide an excellent one in the walls. Mata came through the connecting bathroom, smility. "We got along very well. He is terribly lonesome. He's I been with Laansma for three years and the pay is good, but" Nick put his finger to his lips, took her into the athroom and turned on the shower, speaking softly near he water's splatter. "The rooms are perhaps bugged. From now on-we'll do our important talking here." She nodded. Nick went on, "He'll bump into you often, you can bet on that, my beautiful one. When you have a hance, tell him you're scared of Phil Laansma. And especially of a big man who works for him who looks like an ape with no neck. Ask Sim if this man would hurt girl. See what he says. And get his name if you can." "All right, darling. Sounds easy." "For you, my sweet, it will be.” He turned off the wate and they went into Mata's room and drank the highbal nd listened to excellent jazz on the piped-in system. Nie garded the unit thoughtfully. That would be an ide *ding place for a bug. Although the clouds never entirely vanished they sw in the pool, played a set of tennis which Nick let M almost-win, and had another guided tour of the ës under Laansma's polished direction. Groot never peared again, but Amlie was at the pool in the late a noon with a dozen other guests. All seemed to be from styinging existentialist set. Again, Nick thought, the d cnce between Laansma and Van Rijn. These were always-ahustle generation .., Van Rijn would ente the haves, the solid and watchful types. The balloons were Laansma's pride, partly defiate moored by heavy manila ropes. "These are new one explained proudly. "We're inst inspecting them for ·AMSTERDAM 141 They're okay. We'll make some trips in the morning. Want to try it, Mr. Kent? I mean, Norman—" "I think so," Nick replied. “How about power lines?" "Ah! You think abead. And sensibly. They are one of our great dangers, Fortunately we only have one nearby, á few miles to the cast. Of course there are a lot of small pole lines left, but you don't get low enough to hit them unless you're landing. We make short flights, then valve down and the truck picks you up." Nick decided he'd rather fly in a soaring plane, but kept it to himself. Two big colored balls. An interesting status symbol? Or could they mean more? What would a psychiatrist say? They ambled back to the house. Laansma did not offer to show them the garage, although they took a brief look at the stable where three chestnut horses stood under shade trees in a paddock, More status symbols? Van Rija rode ponies with abandon, Laansma prei ferred horses that looked as if they could handle themselves in an English bunt. Dinner was dress---jackets and ties but not dinner jackets. Mata got the tip from Sum and they dressed accordingly. She said she was doing remarkably well with Sim, he was about ready for the questions. Nick got Amlie aside over pre-dinner cocktails. Mata was the center of attention at the other end of the screened patio. "Are you having a good time, my outstanding blonde?" "Yes." She didn't quite sound as if she were. She wore a keen, uneasy edge, much like Laanstaa's He decided her nerves were quivering again. Why? "I see you're enjoying yourself. She's charming "An old friend I bumped into." "Not so old. And she certainly looks bumpable." Nick followed her glance to Mata, where she smiled gaily amid a jovial group. She wore a cream-colored cocktail dress that clung besitantly to one shoulder like a sari, one gold pin shaped like an oyster pretending to hold it 19 ·142 NICK CARTER: KILLIZASTER up. With her black hair and brown skin, the clicct was stunning. Amlic, in tailored blue, was as chic as a model, yetHow did you measure rcal depth in women? "It's sort of a business relationship," he said. "I'll tell you all about it later on. What room do you have?" Amlic tilted her bright cycs quizzically at him, decided his grave, small smile was sincere and looked picascd. "North wing. Ten carpet in the hall, Second door on the right.” The rijsttafel dinner was magnificent, with twenty-cight gucsts seated at two tables. Groot and Hasbrouck cxchanged brick formal greetings with Mata and Nick, The wines, beers and brandics flowed with the valves never off. It was late when the boisterous group wound up cither on the patio, dancing and snuggling or around a crap table in the library. "Le craps" was manned by a suave, husky man who might have been a pit boss in Reno. He was good. So good that Nick watched for forty miautes before he saw him switch the dice on an clated half-drunk youth who had bet a bundle and let it ride to more than 20,000 * uilders. The lad was looking for a six point whe sevencd his second roll. Nick shook his head. He would never nderstand men like Laansma, He went and found Mata on an empty section of the veranda. A white jacket disappeared as he camc up. Mata whispered, "That was Sim. We are now dear fricnds as well as compatriots. The big man is named Mike Myer. He is hiding in one of the apartments out in the back with two others Sim calls Beppo and Mack. They most certainly would hurt a girl and Sim has promised to protect me and get me away if I have to run. He is very nice, my dear. Don't hurt him. He has heard that Mike mor Oom as he is sometimes called tried to harm Amlie." · Nick nodded thoughtfully. "Tried to kill her. I think Phil backtracked and they called it off. Maybe Mikc went too far on his own. Anyway, he missed. And he tricd to squeeze me but it didn't work."

·AMSTERDAM
13
"Something is going on. I've noticed Laansma in
out of his office several times. Groot and Hasbrouck lave
- been in and out of the house. They're not acting liker
relaxing for the cvening."
*Thanks. Kcep an eye open but don't let them ***
you. Go to bed when you feel like it. Don't look for ca.
Mata kissed him tenderly. "It beiter be bus.com o
not that blonde."
"Darling, the blonde is business You knoir rose
one I come home to. Even if it's a tent."
Hc cut in on Amlie who was dancing with you
haired man who looked as if he had bai: 4
swayed in the corper farthest from the others :
was Mike Oom Myer and Beppo and Mach
shoot you. They're the ones who tried to pay
hotel. Probably because Laansma though:
ing together but later he changed his riz..."
She stiffened in his arms like 3 places
"Oh!"
-

·NICK CARTER: KILIMASTER ollicc 2 few minutes, I put the engravings back just like they were. But he gave me an awfully funny look wien he come in and I was thinking all the way over on the planc-.c knows-lic doesn't-he knows--" Her eyes lycre \yci. "From what's happened, we can guess that hic did know, or guess that you saw somcthing. Tell me exactly What it was." "Tliere was an ciglil-by-tcı blow-up on his drawing tallc. It had a complicated drawing and mathematical formulas and a lot of notes. All I remember are the words U.S. Mark-Martin 10SG, Hawkeye. Egglaycr RE." "You remember pretty well. And the blow-up was a portion of one of the proofs or separations you carricd?" "Yes. You can't make anything out of the dot patterns cven if you know where to look. Unless you make a blow-lir. I know I was just a courier for some kind of spy game." le linnded hier liis handkerchicſ and she wiped . ir eyes. “I thought maybe Phil didn't have anything to y with it." "Now you know hic dnes, Kelley must have iclcphoncd stim luis suspicions as soon as you left." "Norman Ken who are you?" "That doesn't matter, si'cetic." "What was that in the dot patterns?" He chose his words carefully"If you read all the space and missile technical magazines and every word in The New York Times you could put the puzzlc together yoursell." "I don't. Who docs?" "I try 10. Although I'm often weeks bchind. Egplayer RE is our new niulti-warlicad satellite nicknamed Robot Cagle. I suspect that the information you brought over will tell Moscow or Pcking or some other high-paying customer the tclcmetry details." "How it's madc?" "Worse. How it is controlled and operated. The radio 3 ·ASISTERDAM 145 frequencies which maneuver it and order it to release its cluster of nuclcar devices. Bombs. That's especially nasty because you may find your own bombs raining down on you. Try and make an international complaint out of that." She was crying again. "Oh, my God. I had no idea." He put his arm around her. "We can guess more," he said, Irying to be gente yet anger her at the same time, There was a steel core in Amlie if he could reach it. “There has been an efficient information pipcline carrying data like this out of the U.S.A. for at least a couple of years. Military information, industrial secrets once stolen they've turned up around the world as if they were airmailed. I think you stumbled onto the pipeline." Shc used her handkerchiet again. When she looked at bius her chin was firm, her pretty features angry. "Dama them. I don't think you got all this out of The New York Times. Can I belp?" “Maybe. I think the best thing for you to do now is to Lo on exactly as you have. You've lived with the tension a few days so you've had practice. I'll find a way to get our suspicions to the U.S. authorities. They'll tell you to either stay on the job or get away from Manson's." The bright blue eyes met his. He was provd 10 see how magnificendy she had brought herself under control. "You're not telling me everything," she said. “But I think I understand. You'll tell me more when you can." He kissed her-Dot a long embrace, but with warmth, You could count on an American girl in a squeeze. He murmured, "When you go to your room put a chair uader fuc handle just in case. Get back to Amsterdam as soon as sou can without stirring Phi up. Iu get in touch with you As soon as I can.” He left her on the patio, went up to his room and exchanged his white jacket for a dark coat. He took the platen out of his typewriter and assembled the action, creating the five-shot single-action revolver, bulky--but ·146 NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER reliable, accurate and throwing a powerful slug from its nine-inch barrel. He strapped on Hugo. The next five hours were tiring but informative. He slipped out a side door and watched the party subside, speculating with private amusement as the upstairs lights went on and off in interesting combinations. The lad who had been playing a fine hot trumpet wandered out and fell in the pool, very drunk. His friends fished him out and carried him off. Nick moved amid the lush landscaping like a dark Wraith with patience. He circled the garage, stables and outbuildings. He followed two men to a guard post on the drive and the men they relieved back to a servants' cottage. He trailed another man back along the dirt road for at lcast a mile to where a country road came into the area, like a service entrance. The man used a small flashlight to find his post, a scat beside a tool shed, Philipine believed in night security. When he returned to the buildings they seemed like a bright island under the floodlights and colored strings. He spotted Mike Myer, Beppo and three others playing cards in the garage office, Laansma visited them once, after midnight. At three A.M. a black Cadillac was driven from the garage down the back road and returned immediately. Nick heard the unintelligible squawk-chatter of a communications radio. When the Cadillac returned it stopped beside a large building and Nick saw three dark shapes shepherded inside. He lay prone in the shrubbery, partially blinded because the big car had stopped with its headlights pointed in his direction. The car was put away and two men walked back down the service road. Nick prowled around the building, forced a door in the rear, then retreated and lay down again to see if he had triggered an alarm. The night was still again and he sensed as much as saw a dark shape moving along the building, exploring it as he had done but with more direction, as if he or she knew where to go. The dark

·No text on this page.

·ung 148 NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER 1 ance, thic CD man. Thcy all looked battered and shecpish. The CD man's cycs were red and swollen, Nick said, "Sim, see if the handcuff keys are on that guy we tied up." He looked at the CD man. "How did thcy get you?" "Gas in my face, I was blind and choked for ten minutes." Sim returned. "No keys." He inspected the steel bar. "We'll need tools to get this off.” Nick said, "I think we'd better clarify our objectives. Mr. Van Rijn-do you still want to sell me the Culligans?" "I wish I'd never heard of them. But it wasn't all-for 1 profit." "Only incidentally, I suppose. You planned to get Groot?" "I believe he killed my brother." "I'm sorry.” Nick looked at de Troija. "And Madam J? s she still interested in a deal?" Dc Troija was the fastest to regain his composurc. He ooked deadly. "We want Groot. The diamonds go back to their owners." "Ah! A diplomatic gambit.” Nick sighed. “To ease the annoyance because the Chinese are helping you with the centrifugal problem." "We need somcthing. You have three defusion plants. The CD man said, "You are well-informed for a diamond buyer, Mr. de Troija and I are working together now. Do you know the man with you?" "Sim? Of course. He's from the opposition. Planted to watch Laansma's courier operation. If you want to make friend you can let him take the Cullinans back.” He handed the Beretta to de Troija, saying to the CD man, "Sorry but I think he can use it better until your eyes improve. Sim--can you find tools?" “Yes." "Get them loose. Join mc at Laansma's office. The ·AHISTERD437 149 Culigans and perhaps somethiog I sant are probably in tis safe, so he and Groot won't be far away." Nick Fent out the front door and across the grounds at a ucl. As he bounded up the flagstoces to the patio a man stood op in the darkness beyond the glow from the porch. Stop" "It's Norman Kent, Nick answered. Mike Myer walked out of the gloom, one hand behind Lis back. "It's an odd time to be out. Where have you been?" "Why? You got something to hide ?" "I think we better see Mr. Laansma." Mlyer brought his hand around from behind his back, an object in it. Nick barked, "Don't The hand kept coming. Nick dress, fired and dove sideways in the fraction of a second made possible only by hours and years of practice. He rolled to his feet and ran sateral yarus anns, his eyes tightly closed. After the blast of the gun a hıssing sound persisted, softening Mike Myer's bornble groans. A mist rose and expanded like a white ghost the gas that had gotten the CD) mat. Nick ran along the terrace and vaulted onto the fatio beyond its resch. Som ove threw a main switch and the colored lights and floods Dashed awake. Mick ma into the main hall and doxe behind a couch as a gun crashed at the far door. He caught a glimpse of Beppo, suddenly awake and iostiacsively Eriog at this apparition popping out of the night Nick bugged the floor. Beppo called uncertainly, "Who Ethet? Come out." * Doors bagged people shouted, feet thundered on Cocms. To: strong lights were behind Beppo, and Nick Eda's w221 lo nate the house a shootiag gallery. He took fet a ballpoint pen with an unusually thick blue tube frzestien grenade. No one of the guests might come il and gal kit. He selected an orange one-blast and with 2 20. . F ·50 NICK CARTER: VILIMIALAmoke, He twisted the igniter and flipped it toward Зерро. "Come out!" Boppo yelled. Thicc was a scrambling noise. The orange tube clattered off the wall and landed rast Nick. Damn those long fusesi Beppo had puts he had tossed the hissing object back! Barroom! Nick had barely time to open his mouth and cqualize the pressure. Lucky he hadn't used fragnicntation. He wiggled back and cntered the thick gray smoke. He crossed the room and burst out of the artilicial cloud with his gun leveled. Bcppo lay on the floor in a weltcr of crockery. Mata stood over him holding the basc of an Oriental vasc. Her lovely black cycs focused on Nick and glowed with relicf. "Ten-strikc," Nick complimented. "Good thinking. Go warn up the Volvo and wait." Shc trotted out. You could use a girl like Mata, but these lads played for kecps. The order was as much to get her safely away as to rcady the car. Nick burst into Laansma's office. Groot and his host were at the open safc, too distrustful of each other to tand a proper guard. Laansma was stuffing papers into a kingsize bricfcasc. Groot saw Nick first. One of his hands swung round and a little automatic spat a well-placed shot at where Nick had been in the doorway. Nick charged right across the corner of the room and into Laansma': private bathroonu with thc little gun snapping lead at hi backside all the way. A good thing Groot hadn't don more skeet or acrial shooting and learned instinctively lcad. Nick reversed his course and pecked around ti door at knce level. Splat! Over his head. He ducked bac How many shots in that damn little gun? He had count six. · He wlirled, grabbed a towel, bunched it and pushed around the corner of the door at lead-levci, Splat!.? towel jerked. Groot wasn't so bad when he had a mor

·No text on this page.

·150 NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER smoke. He twisted the igniter and flipped it toward: Beppo. "Come out!” Beppo yelled. There was a scrambling noise. The orange tube clattered off the wall and landed past Nick. Damn those long fuses! Beppo had guts-he. had tossed the hissing object back! Barroom! Nick had barely time to open his mouth and equalize the pressure. Lucky he hadn't used fragmentation. He wiggled back and entered the thick gray smoke. He crossed the room and burst out of the artificial cloud with his gun leveled. Beppo lay on the floor in a weiter of crockery. Mata stood over him holding the base of an Oriental vase. Her lovely black eyes focused on Nick and glowed with relief. "Ten-strike," Nick complimented, "Good thinking. Go warm up the Volvo and wait." She trotted out. You could use a girl like Mata, but these lads played for keeps. The order was as much to get? . her safely away as to ready the car. Nick burst into Laansma's office. Groot and his host v at the open safe, too distrustful of each other to .id a proper guard. Laansma was stuffing papers into a kiagsize briefcase. Groot saw Nick first. One of his hands swung round and a little automatic spat a well-placed shot at where Nick had been in the doorway, Nick charged right across the corner of the room and into Laansma's private bathroom with the little gun snapping lead at his backside all the way. A good thing Groot hadn't done more skeet or aerial shooting and learned instinctively to "lead. Nick reversed his course and peeked around the door at knee level. Splat! Over his head. He ducked back! How many shots in that damn little gun? He had counted six. He whirled, grabbed a towel, bunched it and pushed it around the corner of the door at head-level. Splat! The towel jerked. Groot wasn't so bad when he had a moment ·AMSTERDAM 151 to aim. He pushed the towel decoy out again. Silence. Then stumbling sounds from the room. A door slammed upstairs. Someone shouted. Fect pounded on halls. Now he could not hear Groot if he slipped out the magazine and saapped in a fresh one. Nick sighed. Here's what I get paid for. He leaped out into the room, turned toward the desk and safe, the long odd platen-barrel gun in front of him. The casement window to the patio banged shut, vibrating its thick curtains. Nick jumped on the window seat and hit the window with his shoulder, banging it open. In the thin gray light of dawn Groot was disappearing around the veranda toward the rear of the house. Nick raced after him and rounded the corner to watch a curious scene, Laansma and Groot bad separated, Laansma carrying the briefcasc and running toward the right, Groot with a Familiar little bundle in his hand racing for the garage. *Out of the gymnasium, carrying the steel bar which still linked them together like slaves in an Arabian caravan came Van Rijn, de Troija and the CD man. Groot was twenty yards past them. The CD man carried the Beretta Nick had given de Troija. Hc yelled after Groot, "Halt!" and fired almost before the echo died. Groot staggered, ran on. De Troija had his band on the CD man's arm. "Please Take it." He handed de Troija the weapon. De Troija sighted quickly but carefully, triggered lightly, Groot collapsed at the corner of the garage. He was nished--you can tell when they collapse like laundry Jumped out of a basket. The Daf whined out of the garage and fled down the back road. Henry Hasbrouck was at the wheel, bent low. De Troija sighted carefully, held the pose like a man in a duel, then lowered the gun. "We'll pick him up. There's enough billing." Nick watched while pounding down the steps and turn- ·152 NICK CARTER: KILLMASTER ing right across the courtyard to follow Laansma. - They.. hadn't seen him, and Laanşma had run alongside the bam and out of sight just as de Troija lowered the pistol. Where was Laansma headed? He had been going after a car but the men handcuffed to the pole blocked that? route, as Groot unhappily discovered. Did he have another car hidden at the rear of the barn? Would he go through the woods? Nick debated as he ran, wondering if he should dig out a grenade. He held the revolver in his hand like a relay runner's baton, and he could do sprints in near-record time. He rounded the corner of the barn to see Laansma in one of the free-flight balloons, dumping ballast in a cascade as he gained altitude. The big pink ball was already sixty feet up. Nick paused, aimed, held. his fire. Laansma's back was to him. Nick lowered the gun. He had killed, coldly he had never slaughtered. A brisk breeze carried the balloon out of range. There was Do sunlight yet the balloon looked like a soiled, dullpink pearl against the sky's gray. Nick ran to the other brightly colored balloon. There were four tie-downs with trips with which he was not amiliar. He dove into the small plastic basket and slashed the mooring liges with a sweep of Hugo's razor-sharp edge. He floated slowly after Laansma's escape craft. Too slowly. What was wrong? Ballast! Weights hung from the basket's rim, and neat bags of sand. Hugo snipped their ties. The balloon lurched, rose rapidly. In a few moments he was as high as Laansma, although a hundred yards from him. More ballast fell from Laansma's basket, Nick cut loose his last bags of sand. It was suddenly very quiet and peaceful. Except for å gentle purr from the wind in the rigging, sounds were tiny squeaks from the grounds they were leaving. Nick held up an arm at Laansma and pointed at the ground with a sweeping motion, a clear signal--land. Go down. Laansma answered by throwing overboard a briefcase :.

·AMSTERDAM 153 empty, Nick was sure and a number of other articles. The other balloon rose slowly above his own, yet Nick's craft was gaining on the other. Why? Nick decided that it was because his sphere seemed to be a few feet larger than the other, he had more surface for the wind to work on. Laatsma had taken the newer balloon, but it was either smaller or not fully inflated. Nick threw over his shocs, gun, his shirt, T-shirt, Laansma responded with a shower of clothing tossed into the winds. Nick floated almost in under the other balloon and they looked at each other as if to say, "There's nothing more to drop-but me." "Go down," Nick called. "Go to hell," Laansma yelled back. Nick glared at him. What a standoff. I can stay with him, but it looks as if the wind will carry my balloon far beyond him. He can land and be lost by the time I land and get back to him. Or I can land now and try to follow him. He'll cross one river and I'm beaten. Nick studied his basket. It was held by eight lines that ran aloft, joining a web of them where the balloon bellied outward. Nick cut the four lines that came to the centers of the basket's edges and square-knotted the opposing ropes. He hoped the test-strength of the lines had a gencrous safety factor-he was a heavy man. He clambered into the ropes he had tied, hanging like a spider in a very limited web, and slashed away the corner ropes. The basket spun away toward the earth. Nick decided not to look down again. His balloon weat up. There was a shout from above as he felt the mushy contact of his fabric ball against Laansma's, and then he was scraping up the side of the other balloon, passing Laansma so closely he could have reached him with a fishing pole. Laansma looked at him with vide, horrified eyes, "Your basket!” "Gone. It's more fun this way." 13 ·154 NICK CARTER; KILLMASTER Nick rose out of sight as his balloon joggled the other and his opponent clutched the rim of his perch. As he skidded along the side of the soft ball he plunged Hugo into the fabric and gutted it open like a fisherman sawing through a fat salmon's belly. The ripped craft seemed to belch and shudder, then went down swiftly, Nick found the gas valve not far above his head and used it cautiously. His balloon descended, He saw that much of the fabric in the ripped bag, now far below, was compacting at the top of the rope web and acting as a parachute. He recalled reading that this was a common occurrence. It had saved the lives of hundreds of balloonists. He valved more gas from his own bag. As he tumbled to a stop in an open field Mata raced across a vagon track, the Volvo bumping wildly. He waved and ran to the car. "Nice timing. Did you see where the other balloon hit?" "Yes. Come on--" As they bumped down a lane she said, "You sure scare a girl. I couldn't see which balloon was dropping." "Did you see the impact?" "Almost. It was hard. Didn't you?" "No. The trees hid him from me before he crashed." Laansma lay in a junkpile of rope and fabric. Van Rijn, .de Troija, Sim and the CD man untangled him somewhat, then desisted, The CD man said, "He's hurt. At least a broken leg. Wait for an ambulance and a plastic break-bag." He looked at Nick. "You play for keeps." "I'm sorry," Nick answered honestly. "I did what I had to do. I could have shot him. Did you find the Cullinans on Groot?" "Yes," He handed Nick a red cardboard file tied with cord that he had picked out of the debris of Laansma's balloon. "Is this what you're looking for?” It held sheafs of engraving separations, photo prints, film packs. Nick studiсd the irregular dot patterns in one of the larger proofs. “These are what I want. It looks like ·ARISTERDAM 155 he kept copies of everything that traveled through his hards, Do you know what they are?” "I believe so. We've been watching bim for some months. He's been making deliveries to half-a-dozen expensive spies. We weren't sure just what or where he was getting it. Now-we know." "Better late than never," Nick replied. "At least we can backtrack all these items. Change everything we have to. It's good to know what they know." Sim joined them. Nick's expression became anreadable. Sim saw it and smiled. He hefted the small bag that held Grool's loot. "We each got what we wanted, eh?" "If you're willing to look at it that way," Nick 20- swered. “Maybe de Troija has ideas about your end—" "No," de Troija said, “We believe io international coopcration where crimes are concerned." Nick wondered what Madam J would say to him. Siou looked down sympathetically at the half-conscious Laansma. "He was so greedy. He should have kept a tighter rein on Groot." Nick nodded. "Your pipeline is finished. Are there more diamonds where the Cullinans were found?" "There'll be other pipelines. There always are. As for diamonds--I'm sorry. That's classified information." Nick chuckled. You could admire alert opposition. "Not with microdots there won't. Stuff in those channels is going to be looked at a lot more closely." Sim lowered his voice to a whisper. “There's one last item in there that wasn't delivered. I can authorize paying you a small fortune. It won't be missed." "You mean the Mark-Martin 108G plans?" "Yes." "Sorry, Sim. I'm damned glad you didn't get them. Makes my work worthwhile-knowing I didn't gather up all ancient history." Sím shrugged, grinned and tbey walked toward the cars together.

·156 NICK CARTER: KILLM/ASTER Nick put Amlie on the planc for New York the following Tuesday. The parting was warm with promises for the future. He returned to Mata's apartment for dinner thinking, Carter, you're a fickle man but friendly. She had asked if he knew who the men were who had stopped them on the road that first evening after dinner. "Thieves," he assured her, thinking that Van Rijn would never again explore the action route. When you've got it made, sit tight and let compound interest take its course. Mata's friend Paula was a cherubic minx with quick innocent laughter and let's go-go eyes. A cuddle-kitten so. well-rounded she looked padded but wasn't. After three drinks they leveled with each other, Paula said, "Yes, we all liked Herbie. He became one of the gang at The Red Rooster. You know~-fun, talk, music, dance, love. He wasn't used to so much drink or the dream candy but he tried. He wanted to be one of us, I know. He was happy-blind when he said, 'I'm going over to cool off.' We never saw him again." Nick frowned. “How do you know what happened?" "It happened before,” Paula said sadly, shaking her pretty head. "He got high he jumped in. Only the other time there were six of us. We thought he had gone home this time, but he had gone into the canal." “Maybe somebody pushed him." "There was no one out there but him," Paula said. "After dinner let's go look. You'll see what I mean. Nick nodded gravely, picked up the telephone. He said, "I want you to tell this to a friend of mine. It's something we all must--consider. You can jump to conclusions too often. And I have an idea he'll enjoy meeting: you, Paula, if he has time.” The bright eyes sparkled. "If he's like you, Norman, I'd like to meet him." Nick grinned briefly--then placed his call to Hawk in London

·SAVE MONEY ...
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR
SPECIAL PRICE OFTER!
Award books retail at prices from 50 to 954 per
title wlicrever pagerbound books are gold. You
may order any of these books directly from us at
*pecial reduced prices. Uac the special order cou.
non on the last page.
Special Price Offer
Order #book --Pay only 50¢ plus 10€ entre for
postage and handling
Order 2 book-Pay only $100-We pay postage.
Order 3 book-Pay only $1 4QWo pay postage.
Order 4 booksnPay only $1 75W pay postage
Best buy
Order 5 boots-Poy only $200m We pay postage.
THE GENTIEME ...
an unlikely losk force of ex-commando officers,.. a slick
version of The Dirty Dozen... "Exciting"--Punch.
THE GENTLEMEN AT LARGE
A bizarre trop is sprung when the British Government assigns
The Gentlemen to smash o ruthless spy ring
A332
THE GENTIEMEN FEFORM
Operation Jollbreak wa; The Gentlemen's most dangerous
mission--no man had ever escaped from s maximum
sccurily prison and kred to brag about pourtantes
A3212

·No text on this page.

·No text on this page.

·No text on this page.

·No text on this page.