Alexander Agis - Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine, Vol. 63, No. 2. Whole No. 363, February 1974

Nick Velvets 19th caper and in at least two respects you will find this exploit different from the 18 previous adventures. But as before Nick is still accepting assignments to steal only the valueless that is, things valueless to most people and certainly not worth Nicks fee (in this case) of $30,000; and Nick is still forced to detect before he can collect...

Its for you, Nicky, Gloria yelled from the telephone, and Nick Velvet put down the beer hed been savoring. It was a lazy Sunday afternoon in late winter, when the snow had retreated to little lumps beneath the shady bushes and a certain freshness was already apparent in the air. It was a time of year that Nick especially liked, and he was sorry to have his reverie broken.

Yes? he spoke into the phone, after taking it from Glorias hand.

Nick Velvet? The voice was deep and a bit harsh, but that didnt surprise him. Hed been hearing that sort of voice on telephones for years.

Speaking.

You do jobs. You steal things. A statement, not a question.

I never discuss my business on the telephone. I could meet you somewhere tomorrow.

It has to be tonight.

Very well, tonight.

Ill be in the parking lot at the Cross-County Mall. Eight oclock.

How will I know your car?

The place is empty on a Sunday night. Well find each other.

Could I have your name?

The voice hesitated, then replied. Solar. Max Solar. Didnt you receive my letter?

No, Nick answered. Your letter about what?

Ill see you at eight.

The line went dead and Nick hung up the phone. Hed heard the name Max Solar before, or seen it in the newspapers, but he couldnt remember in what context.

Who was that, Nicky? Gloria appeared in the doorway, holding a beer.

A land developer. He wants to see me tonight.

On Sunday?

Nick nodded. He needs my opinion on some land hes buying near here. I shouldnt be gone more than an hour. The excuses and evasions came easily to Nicks lips, and sometimes he half suspected that Gloria knew them for what they were. Certainly she rarely questioned his sudden absences, even for days at a time.

He left the house a little after 7:30 and drove the five miles to the Cross-County Mall in less than fifteen minutes. There was little traffic and when he reached the Mall ahead of schedule he was surprised to see a single car already parked there, near the drive-in bank. He drove up beside it and parked. A man in the front seat nodded and motioned to him.

Nick left his car and opened the door of the other vehicle. Youre early, the man said.

Better than late. Are you Max Solar?

Yes. Get in.

Nick slid into the front seat and closed the door. The man next to him was bulky in a tweed topcoat, and he seemed nervous.

What do you want stolen? Nick asked. I dont touch money or jewelry or anything of value, and my fee is

He never finished. There was a movement behind him, in the back seat, and something hit him across the side of the head. That was the last Nick knew for some time.

When he opened his eyes he realized he was lying on a bed somewhere. The ceiling was crisscrossed with cracks and there was a cobweb visible in one corner. He thought about that, knowing Glorias trim housekeeping would never allow such a thing, and realized he was not at home. His head ached and his body was uncomfortably stretched. He tried to turn over and discovered that his left wrist was handcuffed to a brass bedstead.

Not the police.

But who, then? And why?

He tried to focus his mind. It seemed to be morning, with light seeping through the blind over the window. But morning of which day? Monday?

A door opened somewhere and he heard footsteps crossing the floor. A face appeared over him, a familiar face. The man in the car.

Where am I? Nick mumbled through a furry mouth. What am I doing here?

The man leaned closer to the bed. You are here because I have stolen you. The idea seemed to amuse him and he chuckled.

Why? The room was beginning to swim before Nicks eyes.

Dont try to talk. We have no intention of harming you. Just lie still and relax.

Whats the matter with me?

A mild sedative. Just something to keep you under control.

Nick tried to speak again, but the words would not come. He closed his eyes and slept...

When he awakened it was night again, or nearly so. A shaded lamp glowed dimly in one corner of the room. Are you awake? a girls voice asked, in response to his movement.

Nick lifted his head and saw a young brunette dressed in a dark turtleneck sweater and jeans. He ran his tongue over dry lips and finally found his voice. I guess so. Who are you?

You can call me Terry. Im supposed to be watching you, but its more fun if youre awake. I didnt give you the last injection of sedative because I want someone to talk to.

Thanks a lot, Nick said, trying to work the cobwebs from his throat. What day is it?

Only Monday. You havent even been here twenty-four hours yet. She came over and sat by the bed. Hungry?

He realized suddenly that he was. Starving. I guess you havent fed me.

Ill get you some juice and a doughnut.

Wheres the other one the man?

Away somewhere, she answered vaguely. She left the room and reappeared soon carrying a glass of orange juice and a bag of doughnuts. Afraid thats the best I can do.

How about unlocking me?

No. I dont have the key. You can eat with your other hand.

The juice tasted good going down, and even the soggy doughnuts were welcome. Why did you kidnap me? he asked Terry. What are you going to do with me?

Dont know. She retreated from the room, perhaps deciding shed talked too much already.

Nick finished three doughnuts and then lay back on the bed. Hed been lured to that parking lot and kidnaped for some reason, and he couldnt believe the motive was anything as simple as ransom. The man on the telephone had identified himself as Max Solar, and asked if Nick had received his letter. Since kidnapers rarely gave their right names to victims, it was likely the man was not Max Solar.

Terry, he shouted. Terry, come here!

She appeared in the doorway, hands on hips. What is it?

Come talk. I feel like talking.

What about?

Max Solar. The man who brought me here.

She giggled a bit, and her face glowed with youth. Hes riot Max Solar. He was just kidding you. Do you really think someone as wealthy as Max Solar would go around kidnaping people?

Then what is his name?

I cant tell you. He wouldnt like it.

Howd you get involved with him?

I cant talk any more about it.

Nick sighed. I thought you wanted someone to talk to.

Sure, but I wanted to talk about you.

He eyed her suspiciously. What about me?

Youre Nick Velvet. Youre famous.

Only in certain circles.

Their conversation was interrupted by the opening of a door. Terry scurried from the room and Nick lay back and closed his eyes. After a moment he heard Terry return with the man.

What in hell is this bag of doughnuts doing on the bed? a male voice demanded. Hes conscious, isnt he? And youve been feeding him!

He was hungry, Sam.

There was the splat of palm hitting cheek, and Terry let out a cry. Nick opened his eyes. Suppose you try that on me, Sam.

The man from the car, still looking bulky even without his tweed topcoat, turned toward the bed. Youre in no position to make like a knight in shining armor, Velvet.