Follow a Stranger

told the truth? In his way, he was as warped as Pallas had

been, twisted out of shape by the pressures his money

created around him.

She was so embarrassed that she barely tasted the

meal, but it was beautifully prepared and presented. She

shook her head when her host asked her to choose, and

left it all to him. He ran a quick eye over the menu and

chose shrimp cocktail; duck, green peas, orange sauce

and game chips followed for her by a creme caramel and

for himself with cheese.

She ate in almost total silence, answering only when

he asked her a question, painfully aware of the stares of

the other diners, and wishing herself anywhere but

there.

The dining-room emptied as they reached the coffee

stage and he leaned over to offer a cigarette, which she

refused. He asked if she would mind if he smoked. She

said that she did not, and watched him light his cigarette

and push the lighter back into his pocket.

He had long, slender, shapely hands, beautifully cared

for, and she stared at them with almost hypnotised

awareness.

“Now,” he said quietly, “shall we discuss my sister?”

Kate stared and glanced up from her contemplation of

his hands, her eyes wide. “Oh, yes ... of course.”

His look held hers for a second, one dark brow raised

quizzically. Then he smiled slightly. “Part of the problem

is that I have no experience of young girls. Had she been

a boy I might have understood her better. My mother, as

I said, is bed-ridden for much of the time. My sister-in-