Jigsaw Lovers (33 page)

‘The car’s outside, Ian. Shall we go?’ The two of them walked out arm in arm.

The attendant wheeled the man in and handed him over.

‘Got a right one here. Thinks he’s a bank manager.’

‘Makes a change from Napoleon.’

The door of the asylum slammed shut on John Smith’s miserable life.

Ackermann took Hamilton up on his invitation to stay should he ever be in Cape Town. He had spent almost a week enjoying the pleasures of relaxing in the magnificent apartment.

They had spent a number of afternoons playing chess. The nearest he had come to winning was a drawn game. Hamilton had a very devious mind, coupled with an aggressive strategy from very early on in the game.

Their business venture was concluded. It had gone very smoothly and very successfully. The client was happy, as was manifested by the confirmation Ackermann had received from his Swiss bank that a large deposit had been made into his account.

‘I must say this project was a most interesting and multi-faceted one. We’ve never done anything like it before.

‘You read the man’s character, found his weak spots and exploited them with a ruthlessness that I’ve seldom seen.’

‘He deserved to suffer,’ Hamilton smiled.

‘Oh, I’m sure he did. As you know we often have call for this type of work. Not many of the people who approach us have managed to think beyond what they would like the end result to achieve.’

‘I did put quite a lot of thought into how best to get even with him,’ said Hamilton.

‘Of course. It wouldn’t have worked otherwise. We were impressed with your plan. So original. An exquisite variation on an age-old theme, but so devastatingly effective, and so perfectly executed.’

‘You handled that side of things very well. Thank you.’

‘The least we could do.’ Ackermann shook his head in self
-deprecation. ‘We were wondering if you would consider working for us as a consultant, from time to time, when the occasion warranted it.’ He spoke almost hesitantly. It was the first time Hamilton had seen him slightly unsure of himself.

‘I’m sure we could come to an arrangement.’

‘I think you would bring a fresh eye to some of our projects which would be of benefit to all concerned.’

‘With one noticeable exception,’ commented Hamilton wryly.

‘We’ll pay you whatever you like.’

‘I have more than enough money for my needs. I’ll do it for the fun of it. Just pay my expenses.’

‘Splendid. I’ve enjoyed our association so far, and I see no reason why it shouldn’t continue to be interesting and stimulating in the future.’

‘I agree. I’ve been wondering, recently, what I’d do with my time once I’d finished with Smith, and this sounds perfect.’ Hamilton looked out across the sea.

‘There’s just one thing that I’ve been meaning to ask you.’

‘Yes, what is it?’

‘How large was the overdraft facility you were seeking from Smith?’

‘Ten thousand rand,’ answered Hamilton blandly.

‘But that’s negligible.’ Ackermann was shocked. ‘You totally destroyed him for such a small amount?’

‘The amount is inconsequential. It was a matter of principle.’

‘Ah yes, of course.’ Ackermann nodded, his understanding now complete. ‘Chess?’

The sun reflected off the sea as the two men settled down to play another game.