Raisins and almonds - Poisoned Pen Press (UK)

Raisins and Almonds 8
uneasy. Phryne did not like tunnels overmuch, or any close
confined spaces.
‘I’ve heard him called all of those things, and a miracle worker
as well. Every now and again Judaism is swept by a Messiah fever,
and quite sensible people are caught up in it.’
‘Tell me about it later. Right now I have to change for lunch—
can you stay, Simon?—and brief my two comrades about the
Eastern Market. I’m sure that there is something there, and I want
someone on the spot. I’ll need to get them a job, though.’
‘Uncle Chaim will arrange it,’ said Simon. ‘I’ll mention it
this afternoon.’
‘Your uncle seems pleasant,’ Phryne said idly. ‘It’s hard to
get an impression of what he is like, you know, amongst all you
vivid people.’
‘Oh, he’s a good chap. No talent for business on his own—no
vision, or rather too many visions, my father says. He was on
the verge of bankruptcy when Father came to Australia with
the Michelangelo money. He had tried all manner of things,
all rather good ideas, but under-capitalized, and anyway he lost
interest after the first couple of months. He had a gem cutter’s
that failed because of an unwise investment in some smuggled
diamonds, only they were white sapphires when he got them.
His staff went on to join the best jeweller’s in town, then he
took up making knives, a good idea, no one can have enough
good knives, but the market was flooded with Sheffield ware
and he could not compete. Then he started the shoemaking
business, that’s the one my father rescued. Uncle Chaim was
just about failing when Papa arrived on a white horse. Not that
Chaim is not clever, but he doesn’t know how to run a business.
For instance, he had his premises scattered all over the suburbs
and he was paying for cartage, also his leather was not the best
and he was asking the best prices. My father went out to the
abattoirs where they strip the skins, and chose them before they
were cured. His shoes are the best ready made ones which can
be found in Melbourne.’
‘So I see, if you are wearing specimens. Is your uncle married?’