Follow a Stranger

“Good, I am glad you like her. I want you and Sam to visit

her during the Easter holiday.”

She was shocked into an exclamation. “What?” Then,

flushing, “I’m sorry, I was rather surprised ...”

He smiled, a little teasingly, which surprised her again.

She had not thought he could look so human, the dark face

relaxed and friendly. “You do respond impulsively, don’t you?

But will you come? Our home is on Kianthos, a small Greek

island. I have a private plane which will fly you there and

back. Our villa is very secluded, but we have an excellent

private beach, tennis courts, swimming pool—all the things

young people like for a holiday.”

She stared at him, feeling as unreal as a dream. “It’s very

kind of you ...” she began, but again he cut her off.

“It will be a kindness in you to accept.”

She shook her head. “I’m sorry, but it’s impossible. I’ve

already planned my Easter holiday.”

He stubbed out his cigarette. “I would, of course, be happy

to compensate you for any expense you might incur ...”

“Please!” she broke in angrily. “You don’t understand. I’m

going on a dig in Sussex, with my fiancé. I couldn’t break off

the arrangements now.”

He leaned back, his hands lying very still on the table,

palms down. “Your fiancé?” he repeated, his eyes narrowed.

Kate held up her ring finger so that he could see the

Victorian opals gleaming. She and Peter had chosen the ring

together. He had liked the massive gold hoop, set with milky

stones, and, although Kate had preferred a small sapphire

ring, she had been happy to wear the one Peter liked.

Marc Lillitos stared at the ring, face impassive. “Did you say