Hidden by Derick Parsons, John Amy Read Free Book Online Page B

gone.’
    Michael trotted up the steps to join her.  Ignoring the stinging rain that had started to fall he stood disturbingly close to her, allowing her to scent the sharp fragrance of his cologne, and said simply, ‘I’ve been waiting for you.’
    He paused as if expecting a reply but none occurred t o her and, feeling more foolish than ever, she simply stood and looked at him in silence.  And in spite of the awkwardness of the position she was once again aware of his sheer presence, as well as his good looks.
    ‘Will you have dinner with me tonight?’ he asked abrup tly, his pale, penetrating eyes fixed intently on hers.
    Caught totally off-guard, K ate gaped at him, her mind a complete blank.  Then she took a grip of herself and smiled politely, ‘I’d like to but I’m afraid I’m far too busy.’
    He grinned suddenly, his face becoming almost boyish in its animation, ‘If you’d like to, then do it.  That’s always been my motto, and it’s brought me considerable success in life.’
    A murdere d wife and a mentally ill daughter wouldn’t be most people’s idea of even minor success, thought Kate tartly.  But she was too polite to make these remarks aloud.
    As if h e had read her thoughts he twisted his grin into a wry smile and added, ‘In my business life, that is.  My personal life isn’t quite so successful.  All right then, it’s a mess.  Though I suppose I’m not alone in that.’
    ‘Tell me about it!’ Kate agreed involuntarily, and his grin returned as he said, ‘Over dinner you can tell me your horror story and I’ll tell you mine.  Though I imagine you already know most of it.  Please say yes.  I intend to pul l out all the stops to persuade you to take my daughter’s case.’
    ‘There’s no need, I’ve already agreed to help with Grainne’s treatment.’   If I can.
    ‘I’m so glad,’ he said quietly, ‘But come to dinner with me anyway.  I want to get to know you better.  Besides, I can help you with her background.  No one knows Grainne like I do.’
    That made sense and in spite of herself Kate nodded, ‘Okay.  I intended to interview you anyway, to get some background details on Grainne’s early life, and I suppose the sooner the better.’
    ‘Great!’ he said briskly, ‘Shall we say eight o’clock in Guibaud’s?’
    ‘ Guibaud’s?’ she repeated, impressed in spite of herself, ‘That really is pulling out all the stops.  But I guess you can afford it.’
    Was it her imagination or was his smile tinged with sadness?  He said quietly, ‘Money, unfortunately, can’t buy everything.  A lesson I learned a little too late , though I’m trying to make up for it now.  Shall I pick you up or meet you there?’
    ‘Meet me there,’ she said instantly, ‘I like to drive myself everywhere.’  Driving herself home, she did not add, also cut down on front-door wrestling matches , though she doubted he had anything like that in mind.
    ‘You’ll get no argument from me on that,’ he said humorously, ‘I hate driving.’  He gestured toward the Mercedes, ‘One of the few benefits of being in politics as far as I’m concerned is the car and chauffeur Ministers are provided with.  Though the bodyguard is a bit of an embarrassment.  Mind you, he’s easy to give the slip to, should the occasion arise.’  He held out his hand, ‘Until tonight then.’
    She shook his hand and, once again aware of a tingling shock spreading from his touch, said brusquely, ‘Very well!’ before turning sharply away, afraid he might see the effect he was having on her.  She walked quickly to her car and slid behind the wheel, all too conscious that he was standing in the rain looking after her.
    What are you doing, woman? she moaned, You turned down one of your oldest friends yet accepted his invitation almost immediately!  What are you DOING?
    ‘Shut up!’ she told herself aloud, refusing to think about it as she slid the car into gear and retraced her route