1975 - The Joker in the Pack Read Online Free

she would go along to say good night to Herman, telling him she intended to take a walk, needing to stretch her legs after the journey. He wouldn’t be interested, but she would tell him.
    As she poured the drink, the telephone bell buzzed. Frowning, she lifted the receiver.
    “Do I disturb you, madame?”
    She recognized Hinkle’s fruity voice.
    Surprised, she said, “Why no Hinkle. What is it?”
    “If you could spare me a few minutes, madame?”
    “Of course.”
    “Thank you, madame,” and he hung up.
    Puzzled, Helga sat down, sipped her drink and waited. She couldn’t imagine what Hinkle wanted to see her about unless it was about Herman. She had known Hinkle now for some three years. He had never approached her in this way before and she had seldom asked him to do anything for her. She had her own personal maid and she regarded Hinkle strictly as Herman’s property.
    A light tap came on the door and Hinkle entered. He was wearing a white jacket, a black bow tie and black trousers. In spite of the servant’s uniform, he still looked like a benign bishop. He shut the door, moved further into the room, then paused.
    She looked inquiringly at him.
    “Yes, Hinkle?”
    “I would like, madame, if you would permit, to speak frankly with you.”
    “Is it about Mr. Rolfe?”
    “Yes, madame.”
    “Won’t you sit down?”
    “Thank you, madame. I would rather not.” A pause, then he went on, “I have worked for Mr. Rolfe for some fifteen years. He is not an easy gentleman to work for but I believe I have given him acceptable service.”
    “I know you have, Hinkle,” Helga said quickly. Was he breaking the news that he had had enough of Herman and was leaving? She shrank from the thought. “No one could have done more for him.”
    “I believe that is so, madame. I now find myself in a distressing position. Naturally, after all these years, I have a feeling of loyalty to Mr. Rolfe. As you know, I look after Mr. Rolfe’s papers when he is traveling. Mr. Rolfe has come to regard me as a background figure: someone who is always at hand, someone who is neuter if you follow my meaning. While filing some papers I came across a draft letter to Mr. Winborn. In order to place it where Mr. Rolfe could find it again, I read it. I now find myself in a dilemma. However, there was a subsequent happening and I decided I must speak to you.”
    Helga stiffened.
    “I don’t know what you mean,” she said sharply.
    “If you will bear with me, madame, I will explain as you have given me permission to speak frankly.”
    “Well?”
    “I have to admit, to my regret, that I did not approve of you when you married Mr. Rolfe. Since I have gotten to know you, madame, I have come to realize your worth, what you have done for Mr. Rolfe, the burden you have accepted to make his home life easy, your constant journeys on his behalf. If I may say so, madame, I am impressed by our industry, your unfailing willingness, your financial abilities and the sacrifices you have made.”
    Helga sat back, staring.
    “Well, Hinkle, that is quite a testimonial. Thank you.”
    “I don’t speak lightly on such matters, madame,” Hinkle said, looking directly at her. “Mr. Rolfe is far from well. I realize this more than Dr. Levi does since I am in such close contact with Mr. Rolfe. I have discerned a distressing mental weakness in Mr. Rolfe which Dr. Levi, so far, has failed to observe.”
    “You mean my husband’s mind is deteriorating?” This was the last thing Helga expected to hear.
    “Not quite that, madame. Mr. Rolfe suffers a great deal. Probably due to the drugs that Dr. Levi prescribes he appears now to be developing an odd persecution mania.”
    Helga experienced a little jolt.
    “What makes you say that?”
    “I find this difficult to tell you, madame.” Hinkle looked distressed. “For some time, Mr. Rolfe has spoken to me of you with kindness, respect and even admiration. His attitude, recently, appears to have