‘Yes,’ Kile said impatiently. ‘The best thing to do would be for me to give you five thousand, and for you to keep what you think for yourself, and the rest can go to Baird. Then if the job is successful, I’ll pay the balance.’
Rico relaxed.
‘That’s fine, Mr Kile. That’d suit me wel . In the meantime I will finance Baird and keep an account.’
Kile got to his feet.
‘Then this time next week?’
‘Yes,’ Rico said, bowing.
When he had gone, Kile joined Eve at the window. He stood near her, his hand resting on the sill. For some time they stood silent, looking down at the lights of the shipping, then abruptly Kile said, ‘Wel , I hope to God you’re satisfied.’
Eve didn’t say anything. Out of the corner of his eye he saw her shiver slightly.
Kile had a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach, and the pain under his heart nagged at his frayed nerves. He had a feeling that he was being dragged down into a nightmare situation like a swimmer helplessly caught in a whirlpool.
He felt he must get back to the quiet of his own home, where he could rest and try to forget that in a week’s time this crazy plan might materialise.