Follow a Stranger

enough in Greece. And families always liked to keep

their money in safe hands.

“Marc darling,” drawled Marie-Louise, “give me a

cigarette. I’ve run out.”

He brought out his cigarette case and held it out to

her. She took one and put it into her bright red mouth.

Marc flicked open his cigarette lighter and held it to her

cigarette, bending down. She took his hand in hers and

held it steady, gazing up at him with provocative eyes.

“Thanks, angel,” she murmured, leaning back. Marc

straightened. “Now you must excuse me. I am expecting

a phone call from New York.”

“Angel, you’ll kill yourself,” complained Marie-Louise.

“Work and no play, you know. You don’t want to be a dull

boy, do you?” Her lashes flickered teasingly. “Why don’t

you relax and enjoy life?”

“I cannot afford to,” he said, lifting his shoulders in a

shrug. “Money, like children, needs constant attention.”

“But so do I, my darling,” she said, opening her eyes

wide. “I am going to compete like mad, Marc. Business

must be prepared for a battle.”

“With me as the prize?” he asked lightly, grinning.

“Of course!” she said softly, “and a very valuable one. I

will not share your attention with anything, especially

not a telephone!”

Marc laughed. As he walked towards the door he

passed Kate. Their eyes met. Hers were deliberately

blank. He gave her a mocking, derisive flicker of a smile.

She understood what he meant without needing it put

into words. That is how a feminine woman behaves, he