“Are you sure you don’t want me to come?” the young man asked. “I don’t mind. I don’t mind a hit.”
George stiffened. He looked quickly at the girl, willing her to refuse.
“Of course, I don’t,” she returned. “Besides, you always get a hit hectic in taxis, Chunks, and it’s too hot to wrestle with you all the way to Highgate.”
The young man giggled. “All right, darling,” he said. “Have it your own way. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Thanks for a terrific evening,” she returned, climbing into the taxi.
The young man slammed the door.
“Manor House, Parkway,” he said to George. “Do you know it?”
George nodded, keeping his face in the shadow. He was shivering with excitement, and he let his clutch in with a jerk and roared away towards Hyde Park Corner. What a bit of luck! he thought. She’s just right. I’m sure she’s just right. Now, what’s the next step? Highgate Village lay beyond Hampstead Heath. That was a good spot to do what he had to do. At this hour it would be unlikely that anyone would be about. He gripped the steering wheel tightly. He had perfect faith and confidence in his gun. He felt positive that all he had to do was to point the gun at this girl and she would obey him There was nothing the Luger couldn’t get for him—and for Cora.
He turned up Park Lane and slid to a standstill as the traffic lights changed. As he sat waiting, he noticed a policeman at the corner, watching him, and his heart lurched. Were they looking for him already? The light turned to amber, and he hurriedly drove on.
He heard the girl singing to herself. She seemed a pretty lively type, he thought. Rich, and spoilt, without a care in the world. What a different world Cora lived in! He went on up Orchard Street, past Baker Street station and on towards Swiss Cottage.