The Wives Of Edward Denbre - Robert F. Clifton (ready player one ebook .TXT) 📗

weather striping on the front door.”

“What was wrong with it?”

“The bell or the door?”

“The bell. I know about the draft that comes through the door.”

“Evidently it didn't work.”

“Now, you're being sarcastic.”

“Hey, I'm sorry I even mentioned it.”

“Now you're being ridiculous.”

“That's it, I have to unpack. What's for lunch?”

“Whatever you find. I've already had mine.”

 

The next morning, Edward and Gloria stepped off of the elevator. Gloria walked to the front door, unlocked it then turned to see Edward standing in the hallway. “What are you doing?”

she asked.

“Open the doorway and ring the doorbell, I want to see if I can hear it.”

“Idiot, alright.” Gloria pushed the door open and then with her left hand pushed the doorbell button. He heard it ring, but nothing else happened. Because it was dark in the foyer Gloria flipped the switch on the wall. When she did there was a spark. The invisible gathered cloud of natural gas in the condominium was ignited by the spark made by the lightswitch in the foyer and there was a tremendous explosion. After the sound of collapsing wood, glass, and metal subsided those on the same floor could only hear Edward Denbre shouting, “Gloria! Gloria! Oh my god, Gloria.”

In the months that passed Edward Denbre testified at the inquest of Gloria's death. In the explosion the gas stove had been destroyed making it useless for examination. The force of the detonation had also destroyed that doorbell cover when it shattered into pieces .At the end of the inquest it was determined that there had been a gas leak and a spark generated when she turned on the ceiling light in the foyer caused the explosion. Gloria's death was ruled accidental.

Denbre sat in his office receiving checks from various insurance companies. He collected on the Philadelphia condo. Then he had it refurbished and intended to sell it. It would be all profit. He then waited patiently for the check to arrive from Multinational Insurance. With the double indemnity clause he was expecting five hundred thousand dollars. He had his lawyer send the death certificate and results of the inquest to the company. Now it was just a matter of time before they paid.

With the money received from the sale of the condominium he would pay off the Vegas casino's. The next hurtle he had to get over was the reading of Gloria's will. He wasn't worried about a probate. He was more concerned with the authenticity of her forged signature. As a result he depended on his lawyer. What he would pay the attorney would be worth it if and when he collected.

While he waited Denbre enjoyed what money he had. He golfed occasionally but most times at the country club he had lunch and while doing so listened carefully to those talking about the stock market or about particular businesses, those about to fail, merge or guaranteed to be profitable. Still, he was finding his disguised existence a bit boring. He needed excitement in his life. As a result he decided to travel. Vegas casino's like Atlantic City casino's no longer appealed to him. The Monte-Carlo at Monaco appeared as an adventure as well as a challenge. He made arrangement to go there.

On the flight to Europe Edward flew first class. In the seat next to him sat Henrietta Thornton a short, slightly overweight matronly type with graying hair. The first thing he noticed was the large, diamond ring on her right hand. To him this meant money perhaps big money. He decided to engage the woman in conversation. Besides, there was no way he could ignore her during the many hours of the flight. “Is this your first trip to Paris?,” he asked.

“No. I've been there several times,” the woman answered.

“That means you know your way about the city.”

“Somewhat.”

“This is my first trip to Europe.”

“Are you going for business or a vacation?”

“One might say a vacation. I want to visit the casino's in Monaco.”

“Let me assure you, you will enjoy it immensely.”

“Then you've been there, I take it.”

“Not for sometime. I went with my husband.”

“I see. Are you meeting him in Paris?”

“No, I'm a widow.”

“Oh, I'm so sorry. Well, since we will be seated next to one another for some hours allow me to introduce myself. I'm Edward Denbre.”

“Nice to meet you Mr. Denbre. I'm Henrietta Thornton. Is there a Mrs. Denbre?”

“No, unfortunately I lost my wife in a terrible accident.”

“Oh no. I know how you must feel. It took me a long time to get over the death of my husband.”

“Yes, I must admit I loved Gloria with all my heart.”

“I felt the same way about Norman.”

“May I asked what he did for a living?”

“He was a banker. He owned the Merchants and Industrialist Bank in Baltimore.”

“How nice.”

“Not really, the business is what killed him. Worry and concern gave him ulcers. That's what killed him.”

“He must have been very dedicated not only to his business but to his clients as well. Still, I'm sure that he left you well off.”

“He did and I also sold the bank, lock, stock and barrel as they say. I could have retained it, but all that would have done is remind me of what took him away from me.”

“I understand.”

“I'm sure you do. Losing a spouse is very difficult.”

“Yes it is. Now, to change the subject, where are you staying while in Paris?”

“I always stay at the Hotel Raphael. Where will you be staying?”

“Actually, I hadn't made any arrangements, that's why I asked you. Then I take it you recommend your hotel.”

“I do and should we get separated it's located on the Avenue Kleber.”

“Thank you Mrs. Thornton.”

“Henrietta, call me Henrietta.”

“Just as long as you call me Edward. Now that we have introduced ourselves to each other may I be so bold as to ask why you are going to Paris?”

“You may. I go every other year. I enjoy the city, art galleries, museums, the shopping and I blush when I say, the night life.”

“Why blush? You are certainly entitled to be able to enjoy yourself. After all, you are single, free and don't have to answer to anyone.”

“That's all well and true, but Paris at night although no more dangerous than any other city has ,shall we say, a certain element of men looking for unattached women and in particular unattached American women. Although there are times when I find their actions amusing I also find them annoying.”

“I see. Perhaps and I only mention this as a possible solution to your problem. Perhaps I could escort you to the places you would like to visit in the evenings.”

“You would be willing to do that?”

“Certainly, after all you know the city, the hotels and I'm sure the restaurants. As I mentioned, this is my first time in Paris. Look at it this way. I can be your escort and you can be my guide.”

“I thought that you wanted to gamble in Monaco.”

“I do, but there is no hurry. I understand there are casino's in Paris.”

“There are, but relatively small compared to those in the United States. What do you play Edward?”

“I prefer baccarat.”

“I see. In that case I suggest you play at the Cercle Montmarte.”

“Why that one?”

“Because I'm a member, otherwise you must produce identification, pay a fee or seek membership. With me you can walk right in and sit at the table.”

“I'm beginning to think that you are my new lucky star.”

“Good, then you will be staying at the Raphael.”

“Yes indeed.”

“Excellent, now that that's settled what do you do Edward?”

“I'm an investor. My organization is Denbre Enterprises. Here's my card”, he said taking a business card from the inside pocket of his suit coat.

“I see you're located in Atlantic City. Isn't that rather far from the flow of the money towns?”

On the contrary, it sits south of New York, Philadelphia and is close to Baltimore, all within driving range and of course there's the telephone and stock ticker machine on my desk.”

Of course. I wasn't thinking. Oh good, here comes the stewardess, I want a drink. How about you?”

“A cup of coffee will do just fine.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Four

Paris

 

Edward and Henrietta shared a cab from the airport to the Hotel Raphael. After paying the cab driver Denbre followed her through the polished, revolving doors and into the lobby. At the registration desk he allowed her to register first. When it was his turn he requested a small suite with a king size bed. Their rooms were on the fifth floor but not close. Together they followed the bellmen to the elevator. As they ascended Henrietta said, “You will find that the staff here all speak English. There is even an English bar and lounge. From there you can see the Arc De Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. Now, I suggest that after you unpack and get settled you just relax and think about what you would like to do tomorrow. We're only two minutes away from the Champs-Elyse'es. I suggest that you play the casino's in the evening. They open at four P.M. As for me I intend to take a hot bath and a short nap. I also have to make a few telephone calls to friends of mine living here just to let them know that I'm in town.”

“ I might take a look at the lounge later. Thanks Henrietta.”

“You're quite welcome.”

Edward was more than satisfied with his room. At three hundred and seventy three dollars a night it was worth it. There was more than enough room. When he unpacked he found that the hotel provided a dressing gown and slippers. The king size bed he requested appeared to be comfortable, but since he wasn't tired he decided to go to the English Bar and Lounge.

When he got there he took a small table near a window and from it he looked down on the Arc De Triomphe. In front of it were the roof tops of apartment buildings and commercial structures. Automobiles circled the Arc then made their way down tree lined streets. Behind and beyond the monument were the congested, concrete and brick structures of that part of the city, churches, schools, hospitals all with their roof tops exposed. He enjoyed the view. He turned from the window when a waiter appeared ready to take his order. When he ordered he charged the cost to his room.

The next morning Denbre had breakfast in the hotel restaurant. As he sipped his second cup of coffee he read the Connection, France's English written Newspaper. Finding nothing of interest he folded it and was placing it on the table when he heard, “I thought that I would find you here.”

Edward stood and said, “Henrietta, good morning. Please join me for breakfast.”

“Oh no. I had my breakfast in my suite about an hour ago.”

“Then sit and have a cup of coffee or something.”

“No thank you. I must be on my way. I'm meeting friends for lunch.”

“Really, I was counting on you showing me Paris today.”

“That can wait besides, the real Paris comes to life at night. You do still want to try the casino don't you?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Then I suggest that we get there by seven or eight. We can stop at a small restaurant I know on the way. It will be my treat.”

“That's not necessary Henrietta.”

“I know, but this time I insist. Now, should you win at the tables tonight you can pay for the next dinner”

“ Agreed, but let me warn you, I'm a lousy gambler. Actually, I'm hoping that being with you will change my luck.”

“We'll see. Now, I must be going. I hope you find something to entertain you for the day.”

“Any suggestions?”

“Yes, take a cab and visit the Louvre.”

Two hours later Denbre stood looking at the glass pyramid located outside of the museum entrance. As he did he wondered how many glass panes were used in it's construction. After awhile he made his way to the underground lobby then made his way to the main Louvre buildings. He followed directions to the Egyptian exhibit, knowing