Red Shadow Read Online Free Page A

Basil Stevens.
    She spoke then in a voice that trembled with hope.
    â€œWhat do they want?”
    â€œWell, they want their quid pro quo —trade facilities, credits, and all that sort of thing.”
    Laura stretched out her hands.
    â€œAnd they’ll let him go? You’re sure?”
    â€œYes—quite sure.”
    â€œThen of course—” she stood up, pushing back her veil—“whatever I can do—only it ought to be done quickly—he’s in prison!”
    â€œPlease sit down, Miss Cameron. It is not quite as simple as that. There are conditions. I am afraid you will not like them. Will you please remember that they are not of my making?”
    She sat down again.
    â€œWhat conditions?”
    â€œYou will remember that I asked you whether you would be prepared to make a sacrifice.”
    â€œYou needn’t have asked me that.”
    Why did he waste time? If what he had told her was true, did he suppose that these business details mattered? Did he think that she was going to haggle over Jim’s life? The whole Hallingdon combine might go up in smoke so long as Jim was safe.
    â€œYou may think it a big sacrifice,” said Basil Stevens.
    â€œTell me what it is.”
    â€œThere is a condition attached that you should agree to nominate a person approved by the Russian Government to the boards of the various firms in the Hallingdon combine.”
    Laura’s eyes widened.
    â€œCould I do that?”
    â€œCertainly.” He hesitated for a moment, and then said, “I have seen Mr Hallingdon’s will.”
    â€œI am to nominate Russians ?”
    â€œYou are to nominate a person approved by the Russian Government. This person is to have a seat on the board of every company in the combine.”
    â€œBut that would take time,” said Laura in a puzzled voice. “It would take a long time, wouldn’t it? The will would have to be proved—I know that takes months—and Jim—Jim can’t be in prison for months.”
    â€œYou would be required to nominate your husband,” said Basil Stevens.

CHAPTER IV
    Laura started slightly. Her bewilderment increased.
    â€œMy husband?” she said. “They want me to nominate Jim?”
    â€œMackenzie is not your husband, Miss Cameron.”
    Laura looked down at the silver of her wedding dress. She even smiled a little. He must be rather dense——
    â€œWell, we’re to be married next week,” she said.
    â€œMackenzie would not be a suitable nominee—I think you must see that yourself.”
    Laura looked up again, puzzled, but not yet afraid.
    â€œBut you said——”
    â€œI said your husband—I didn’t say Jim Mackenzie.”
    â€œWhat do you mean?” said Laura in a voice between fear and anger.
    â€œHaven’t I told you? You must nominate your husband. Mackenzie is not eligible for the position.”
    Laura stood up.
    â€œMr Stevens—you don’t realize what you’re saying!”
    â€œI am afraid it is you who do not realize, Miss Cameron. I am going to speak plainly. Your husband and your nominee must be a person approved by the Russian Government. Mackenzie scarcely fulfils that condition.”
    As he rose and took a step towards her, she backed away from him, her hand on the chair rail, the long train about her feet. He took no more than the one step, and she stayed, leaning on the chair and looking at him.
    She was beginning to understand. The blank puzzled look in her eyes was changing. He saw it flash into anger, whilst the brilliant colour flamed in her cheeks.
    â€œHow dare you?”
    Again that fleeting smile.
    â€œEasily, Miss Cameron! You see, I am trying to do you a service. The whole thing is, naturally, a shock to you. I am afraid that is unavoidable. You see, there is no time to beat about the bush and come gradually and tactfully to the point. It is a question of Mackenzie’s life