More of Tobe E, Private Eye

As it turned out the story of Tobe E, Private Eye, goes on. I just forgot to write it down in a timely fashion. Here it is:

Some time later the dame was back. I can't recall how long exactly - it seemed like an eternity but can't have been more than a couple of weeks. Sure enough, it was her, though. I recognised her easily. Those ruby red lips, milky white skin, hazel brown eyes and that flood of jet black hair. And again that purposeful air about her as she let herself into my office. Again, it was early morning; I was just having my first cup of Java with a cigarette. Her cheque had just arrived in the mail. It was still lying on my desk. I didn't take her being here as a good sign. I was only hoping she hadn't gotten herself into more trouble.
"Mister E, I need your help one more time." The voice sent shivers down my spine. I offered her the chair opposite me and a cigarette. She accepted both.
"Any news on that last case, ma'am?" Keeping it professional I lit her cigarette, then myself another one.
"That's what I came to discuss with you, Mister E. I have thought about the matter and I would like to go ahead with it."
I nearly spilt my coffee.
"You what!?"
Always keep it professional, Larry had said, don't get yourself too involved. You're doing your job, you get paid, you move on. Somehow, though, I just couldn't keep my professional distance here. I had a feeling it was more than the prospect of another paycheque from her. For only a moment my entire professional attitude went out the window.
"Did you read the report I gave you? Did you listen to anything I said? These guys are not to be trusted!"
Her lips, shiny with gloss, were set firmly, defiantly.
"Of course, I did, Mister E. But the decision is still mine."
I was back in control by now. I picked up my cigarette and inhaled deeply, letting the smoke pass back out through my nose. I leaned back in my chair.
"Sure thing, lady. Be my guest. But what exactly do you need me for in all that?"
She hesitated. She was obviously approaching a difficult subject.
"It's about your fee, Mister E..." Another pause. I motioned her to continue.
"Well, I was wondering if you had cashed in the cheque yet."
"I've just received it, many thanks. Very punctual. I was going to take it to the bank later at lunch time." I produced the cheque and held it up briefly.
Something in her face told me I wouldn't like what came next. As usual, my intuition was right. After another short pause it all spilt out in front of me.
"I was wondering, Mister E, if you could waive your fee for the time being. I need the money to make the initial payment to my business partners. A friend of mine owes me money. I'm trying to get in contact with him and he will pay you back as soon possible. Would you do that for me?"
After that confession I needed another breath or two of nicotine. Hidden behind my veil of smoke I tried to hide the conflicting feelings going through my head. She was clearly distressed. But this was utter madness. Wagering my rent on a couple of crooks that would make off across the state border with it. How could I break this to her? Professionally, added Larry in my head.
"Look, ma'am, I understand your position. But if you've read my report you know the conclusion I drew after the investigation. There is practically no chance you'll see that money again. You might as well flush it down the toilet."
"I would like to give it a try. This deal will be very lucrative for me if it works out."
I couldn't believe what I was hearing. How could she be so desperate? A woman of her standing! She could have done better than that. Than dealing with these crooks. I had to talk her out of it.
I told her my toughts. That she was dealing with criminals. That an intelligent woman of her caliber could do better. That there were other potential business partners in town, more trustworthy ones. I would even go out of my way and give her some free advice on how to get in touch with them. She hardly seemed to listen, absent-mindedly taking draft after draft on her cigarette. In the end she stamped it out in the ashtray with a resolute gesture.
"Look, Mister E, as I said, I have read your report. I haven't come to you for further advice in this matter. I have decided to pursue it further and take my chances. So, are you going to help me or not?"
That moment something inside me quietly shattered. Larry had been right - as always. She had meant trouble from the first moment on. Now, somehow all the dignity had vanished. She was showing her true face. Obstinate and spoilt - used to getting what she wanted. I had gravely misjudged her.
"You expect me to put this month's rent on the line when I know that it'll be lost?"
"You have nothing to loose. My friend will pay you as soon as I get in contact with him."
Why was her friend not making the payment for her if he had the money? I voiced the question. She frowned at this.
"That is rather personal. But I'll tell you anyway. You see, his bank account is held in a different state. It'll be a lot of hassle transferring the money. He will bring it with him in cash when he comes to visit me. You will receive your payment - don't worry about the details."
That stank. To high heaven. In my profession you develop a sixth sense for this sort of thing. Bermuda Triangle they called it: person A wants money from person B. Person C owes person A money but can't hand it over straight away. If person B gives person A the money A can arrange for C to reimburse B. Somewhere in-between it gets so confusing that B can't track anymore who owes him money and A gets it for free. Almost like money laundering and as illegal.
I took a last puff and stamped out my cigarette, as well.
"You know as well as I do that this sort of business never goes as smoothly as you think. And you're talking about my livelihood as if I could afford to just gamble it away. I am sorry. I'm afraid in this matter I am unable to help you."
Her face changed. She wasn't used to people saying "no" to her. The sultry pout became a cold, disappointed stare. With her jaw pushed forward challengingly her face was still beautiful when she was angry. She got up, looking down at me from under her heavy, curved eyelids.
"I have misjudged you, Mister E. I thought you were made of sturdier material. You disappoint me."
From her that was like a knife between the ribs. Still, I kept my professional calm, settling down in my chair I squinted up at her.
"Sorry to hear that, ma'am. Always do my best to keep my clients satisfied. If you have another matter that needs looking into, I'd be glad to be of service again - at my usual rate."
She nodded absently. She was thinking hard and fast.
"Always on the job, huh? Always so professional."
She slowly, puposefully circled my desk, her motions smooth, looking like a cat on the prowl. She sat on the edge of the desk in front of me, her legs crossed underneath her tight skirt. Her dark stockings were shiny. I imagined I caught a whiff of her sweet, heady perfume.
"I wonder what it takes to get into that shell of yours."
One hand played idly with my tie as if that was the most natural thing to do.
"I wonder what could make you understand how serious this matter is to me..." All the sensual smokeyness was back in her voice. She had even cranked it up a notch. My mind was racing. Keep it professional, screamed Larry's voice, don't get involved with a client. It means nothing but trouble. She was loosening my tie. All the while looking me straight in the eyes. Damn, this dame knew what she was doing.
"You know, if you would only understand that I would do what it takes to see this through. Whatever it takes."
It was getting way too hot in here. It had to put a stop to it before things got out of hand. I brushed her hand away, my tie opened, caught in her hand trailed after me as I got up and took a couple of steps away from the desk - and her. Going backwards I almost stumbled - so rash was my movement.
"Ma'am, this going too far. I have a reputation to support."
This brought a wicked smile to her face. With soft steps she followed me. Her hips swayed elegantly. Before I knew it she was undoing to topmost button of my shirt.
"Who would think of such a silly thing to say? I'm not asking that much and what I can offer is worth so much more. See it as me saying 'please' very nicely."
What was she doing to me? I was helpless under her spell. Still, all alarm bells were going off like mad. Finally - she had got to the third or fourth button - I broke out of the trance. I brushed her hands away again, more forcefully this time. With two steps I was clear of her reach again. I had to breathe deeply to regain my composure before I spoke.
"Ma'am, this is enough. I run a reputable business here. I have told you that I will gladly help you with any matters that require my expertise. In this matter I cannot help you. Now, I must ask you to leave. Please."
I opened the door to my office and held it open for her. I tried not to look at her. I could feel her scrutinising me for a moment. Then she nodded almost imperceptibly. She tugged her skirt back down to her knees - I couldn't imagine how it had ridden up that far - and straightened her blouse. Then she picked up her coat. At the door she paused. She peered at me, her head held high, half turned towards me.
"You're a man of strong principles, Mister E. I respect that. I guess, I will have to find somebody else then who will be willing to help me. Just don't expect to hear anymore of me."
She waited. She knew what was going on in my head. She had done this sort of thing before. She knew how much I desired her. But she was right: I had strong principles, too. In my profession you don't survive long without.
"Have a good day, ma'am. I hope you find what you're looking for."
She breezed past me. The scent of her perfume lingered for awhile. Then it was gone, too. I stood there for long time holding the door open for nobody in particular. I laid back my head, closed my eyes and forced myself to breathe deeply. I counted to ten in my head. Then I gave the door a push. It clicked shut. Back at the desk I sat down in my chair and swiveled it round to face the window. I lit another cigarette. That much I deserved after this. I went through all these familiar motions trying not to think too much. After a few drafts I started feeling calmer. If I didn't see any more of her maybe that was for the best. That dame was enough to give a healthy man a heart attack! What a day and it had only just begun!
Larry sure had been good at talking and giving advice. I wonder what he would have done in my place.