The Ming Poodle: Chapter VI

Hugh Hamilton

Hugh paced up the street furiously. He knew that Ben was somewhere, getting results randomly while he was following reasonable leads and getting nowhere. After a few fleeting minutes of soul searching, he decided to inspect the file on Nelson. He searched the page and eventually found out his work details, which were as follows: "Currently the manager of the 'Society Times' newspaper. Former Employment: Accountant for 5 years at 'Centre Bank'." Hugh scratched his brow thoughtfully before deciding to pay a visit to the Centre Bank. He eventually hailed a cab and pointed the driver in the right direction. Soon enough they reached the Centre Bank and Hugh suddenly realised he had no money.
"Uh," he said nervously. "I'll just get the fair out of the bank."
The cabbie gave him an unsavoury look as he walked backwards towards the bank and quickly slipped inside. He ran up to a teller and asked for a bathroom.
"To your left, sir," replied the teller.
He thanked him and ran off towards the pointed out door. After looking around suspiciously for a good 10 minutes, he leapt inside and searched frantically for a window. By this time the cabbie was getting restless and he left his cab and walked into the bank. Hugh landed with a dull thump in an alley next to a heavily browned banana. He climbed to his feet and quickly zipped off down the street. After he was a considerable distance away, he retrieved the Nelson file again and reminded himself of the Society Times address. Luckily, the building was only a few blocks from his current location, so he set off on foot. He got there in no time and found little trouble in opening the door and entering the building. Once inside, he requested to see a manager of sorts and was instructed to wait. He sat on the leather plush chairs and flipped through a children’s book until a heavy-set, cigar-equipped man strolled out pompously.
"Yes?" he asked.
"Uh I was wondering if I could see a Mr. Nelson Craper?" Hugh said.
"He hasn't been here for a couple of weeks."
"Oh, well do you know where I could find him?"
"At his house I assume."
"Right. Thank you."
"Quite all right."
"Could you tell me anything about him?"
"No."
"OK."
Hugh shook his hand then left abruptly. He searched the file for Nelson's address.