As Time Goes By by Michael Walsh Page B

reflective sip of his whiskey and stud ied the back of Rick's business card. "We are all of us helpless prey in the face of beautiful women, are we not?" He shook his head. "The things we do for them . . .    "
    "The things we want to do for them," Rick corrected softly. "I hope I have the chance to make her acquain tance while I'm in London."
    "Just how long might that be, Mr. Blaine?" inquired Lumley.
    "Indefinitely, for the time being."
    "I shall make certain the two of you meet at the earliest possible opportunity." Lumley's next words took him by surprise. "What about tomorrow evening? Are you free for dinner?"
    "If you're buying, I'm eating."
    "It's settled, then," said Lumley. "Tomorrow at eight o'clock. I'll send my driver round for you. Where are you staying?"
    "Brown's."
    "Splendid. I live in South Kensington. It's not far. We'll all have a splendid natter."
    Things were moving fast. "If it's more convenient, I'll be happy to find my way to you," Rick said.
    "Oh, no bother at all," exclaimed Lumley. "Damn! Look at the time. I've completely forgot all about an appointment at Whitehall. That's what I get for having a beaker or two in the afternoon. I'm afraid you'll have to excuse me, Mr. Blaine. In the meantime, may I suggest that you enjoy the hospitality of the Garrick with my compliments."
    Lumley waved for Blackwell, who materialized immediately. "I say, Blackwell, would you mind terribly bringing Mr. Blaine a selection of the club's papers, there's a good fellow. Mr. Blaine is free to remain here as long as he likes this afternoon as my guest."
    "Very good, sir," replied Blackwell.
    "Keep an eye on him, will you?" Lumley requested.
    "I shall take very good care of Mr. Blaine, sir," re plied Blackwell. "You may rest assured on that ac count."
    Blackwell turned to Rick. "Would the gentleman like another glass of cordial?" he inquired.
    "The gentleman would," said Rick.     
     

 
     
    C HAPTER E LEVEN

     
     
     
     
     
    Their rooms had been gone through very carefully; that much was evident when he opened the door. Rick had seen better, but still this was not an amateur job. Just enough had been disturbed to let him know he'd had visitors. Just enough was put neatly back into place to let him know they were gentlemen. Just enough had been destroyed to let him know they meant business.
    "Boss, we been tossed," said Sam, who'd been back for an hour and hadn't told a soul or touched a thing. He'd seen this before.
    "Any guesses who?" asked Rick, surveying the wreckage.
    "I think I might have a suspicion," said a voice be hind him.
    It was Renault, hard on his heels.
    "Come on in and make yourself comfortable, Louie," said Rick. "Somebody else already has."
    Renault glanced around quickly. "Seems like old times," he remarked, snapping open his cigarette case and settling into an easy chair by the electric fire.
    "Don't flatter yourself," said Rick. "Your boys weren't this good." He started to poke through the de bris.
    Their closets had been emptied. Clothes lay on the floor, pockets turned inside out, except for Rick's din ner jacket and trousers, which their visitors had thoughtfully left hanging so as not to rumple.
    Renault smoked while Rick and Sam took inventory. "When your curiosity gets the better of you, do let me know," he said, puffing away. The dapper little French man was resplendent in a new suit, new shoes, and a fedora.
    "I thought you just bought a new suit," said Rick.
    "One must watch one's appearance at all times," said Renault.
    "I prefer to watch my back," said Rick, surveying the room. "I guess I'm not doing a very good job of it."
    Their passports were gone. Whoever had paid them such assiduous attention had wanted to make sure they wouldn't be going anywhere any time soon.
    "Ricky, how many times have I told you to always carry your identity papers with you?" asked Renault. "We Europeans do."
    "Maybe that's why so many of you want to become Americans," replied Rick. "We live in a