"Elrod, P N - Jack Fleming - The Vampire Files 02 - Lifeblood" - читать интересную книгу автора (Elrod P N)

"What is all this, Escott?" he demanded in a small, thin voice that
didn't suit him.

"We merely came by to return your property and discuss some details on
the case."

"Then you have it? Where is it?"

"I see you have a library. Perhaps we shall be more comfortable there."
Escott led the way as if it were his own house. Swafford glared at his
back and then at me, ineffectually. I just waited until he got tired of
it, then followed him into the next room.

He was wide and stocky all the way down to his slippered feet, and even
a fancy silk bathrobe had a difficult time making him look society
smooth. My guess was he made his money the hard way and was using it now
in an attempt to make people forget about the work. His library bore
this out, and was done up like something out of a movie, with an eye to
impress the audience. There was a Renoir over the fireplace, but its
function was to hide the safe and not to express the owner's tastes.

"Where's my stamp?" he asked, planting himself at one end of an acre of
desk.

Escott was busy admiring the Renoir. "I rather like this one. What do
you think of it. Jack?"

"Nice colors," I said noncommittally, keeping an eye on Swafford. He was
awake enough now to know something was wrong and to try dealing with it.

Escott drew out the envelope full of hundreds and tossed it on the desk.
Swafford grabbed it up and counted them. While he did this, Escott
discovered a gold-plated candelabrum on an overvarnished table and lit
all five of its candles. He carried it to the painting.

"Yes, either by diffuse daylight or by candlelight, that was how it was
meant to be viewed." He placed the candelabrum on the desk. "I trust it
is all there?"

"Yes, now where--"

"Then you may regard this case as closed."

Swafford looked up slowly and tried some hard thinking. "What happened
to the stamp?"

"You signed a contract with me for my services, you should have read it.
A good contract is designed to protect both parties should one attempt
to defraud another. You defrauded me of your trust. Our association is
ended."