JAMES HADLEY CHASE

What's Better Than Money?

     Jefferson Halliday leads a life of penury, playing a piano at a nondescript bar. Jeff's troubles start when he  rescues  a junkie, Rima Marshall,  from being cut open in the bar, by a drug-crazed maniac. After hearing Rima's voice, he is convinced that she can be groomed into a singer with himself as manager. But Jeff needs money to launch Rima, and what can be an  easier way than a quick robbery to get the money? But a guard gets in the way and is shot dead by Rima. Since then, both are on the run. Jeff manages to return home, complete his engineering education and land a coveted contract with the city administration. He is also happily married, when out of the blue, Rima appears with a blackmail proposition.....