The Emerald Eagle

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THE EMERALD EAGLE

Jane Corrie Sonia was very fond of her half-brother George, and was only too delighted to be visiting him at his island home in the Caribbean. But she did draw the line at George using her, and her spectacular good looks, as bait in his business dealing with the impressive local Lord of the Isles, the haughty Rory Maragal. She was just not interested in the man! But whether she liked it or not, she just kept being pitchforked into his company—and meanwhile, George's behaviour had given him the lowest possible opinion of her. And then Sonia managed to play right into Rory Maragal's hands . . .

Mills Et Boon

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ISBN 0 263 72837 4

Books you will enjoy by JANE CORRIE PEACOCK'S WALK Jenny Grange had quite got over Mark Chanter when he came back into her life again—why, she didn't even feel jealous of Dilys, who was trying so hard to capture him. But Mark seemed to think that all was not over between them. Just what did he want ? And what did Jenny want herself? THE IMPOSSIBLE BOSS Tammy Dainton hadn't come all the way out to the Australian outback just to be bullied and pushed around by that detestable, impossible man Rick Hatton—but Rick Hatton held all the cards, and it looked as if Tammy would just have to put up with him .. . THE TEXAN RANCHER Josie owed a debt to her grandfather—a debt of love, and went to Texas to repay it. It wasn't long, however, before she found she was in debt to Kade Boston, too—and love had nothing to do with that debt! PATTERSON'S ISLAND After the break-up of her romance, Beth sought refuge on a Caribbean island. But as things turned out, it proved to be anything but a haven, for Gavin Patterson, the autocratic owner of the island, seemed intent on making her stay as brief as possible!

All the characters in this book have no existence outside the imagination of the Author, and have no relation whatsoever to anyone bearing the same name or names. They are not even distantly inspired by any individual known or unknown to the Author, and all the incidents are pure invention. The text of this publication of any part thereof may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, storage in an information retrieval system, or otherwise, without the written permission of the publisher. First published 1975 Australian copyright 1978 Philippine copyright 1978 This edition 1978 © Jane Corrie 1975

For copyright reasons, this book may not be issued on loan or otherwise except in its original soft cover.

ISBN o 263 72 8 37 4 Set in Monotype Baskerville 12 on 13 pt. Made and printed in Great Britain by Richard Clay (The Chaucer Press), Ltd., Bungay, Suffolk

CHAPTER ONE SONIA ought to have known there was a catch in it. And what a catch, she thought, looking at the six-footer weighing her up with narrowed grey eyes—eyes that did not miss a trick. He was dark and looked as if he might have a touch of Spanish in his blood. There was a haughty look about him. She noted the dark winged brows now slightly uplifted as he made his calculations about her. In that brief somewhat earlier glance he had afforded her, she was uncomfortably aware that he knew her exact measurements. As her hand was lost in his she felt an electric current shoot through her and alarm bells started ringing in her brain. She stole a peep at him under her golden lashes, wondering whether he was aware of her dis-. comfiture. She had a strong premonition that he was, by the sudden glint in his hawklike eyes. When he casually informed her that he would pick her up at eight, she felt like a sparrow on whom a sparrowhawk had just descended. She shivered and attempted to pull herself together. This simply would not do. The thought of an evening alone in his company

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terrified her; she would feel safer with a couple of gorillas. She heard herself murmuring, 'I'm sorry, I have a previous engagement.' His eyes narrowed and the finely moulded lips were tight as he answered, 'Break it,' in no uncertain terms. A flush stained her cheeks. He might own the island, but he didn't own her. 'Some other time, perhaps?' she said coldly. He looked at her as if she had committed an unpardonable sin. 'I wouldn't advise you to follow that line,' he said softly. 'It's been used before and somewhat bores me. Either it's tonight or you can forget it, honey.' His glance flicked over her. 'I thought under the circumstances you might have been a little more accommodating. I must admit when I first saw you I thought it was a very smart move on George's part. I don't deny I'm interested.' His eyes swept over her diminutive figure. 'Very interested,' he drawled. Sonia couldn't blush any deeper. She had not liked being called 'honey' in that familiar way, she had most certainly not liked being looked at as if she were the choice item on the menu. Just wait till she saw George! There was a lot more behind his entreaty to come and stay with them during her vacation and keep Chloe company as she had been a little off colour lately. Chloe was George's wife 6

and had been in the best of health when she arrived, so there just had to be another reason. Sonia was fond of her half-brother, but fully aware that he never did a thing without a reason. She had no sooner arrived on the small island in the Bermudas than he had held this luncheon party, and lost no time in presenting her to the man now standing beside her. When he was introduced as Rory Maragal, Sonia knew why George had shown such deference towards him. Not only was he the owner of - the island, but the man George hoped to persuade to give him the contract to build a luxury hotel on the island's south coast. Rory Maragal was in favour of such an undertaking, the trouble was that George was not the only one in the field. There were at least two others intent on the same project. Remembering the way he had conveniently slipped away after the introduction, Sonia knew she had met the fly in the ointment. It was not the first time George had used her as bait—her lips clamped together—very successfully too. Arnold Cairn of the Tryfold organisation had been well and truly hooked. It had taken Sonia a little while to fall in with what George was up to, and by then poor Arnold had fallen in love with her. She had been a slightly giddy nineteen-yearold then, full of the joy of living and ready for

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any adventure. Arnold had wined and dined her and taken her to the best shows in town, showered her with gifts. Sonia was not unused to this treatment, for she was a beauty. Her white-gold hair, green eyes and pocket venus figure attracted men like flies. She had learned to live with it, never stopping to think of the hurt she caused through her indifferent treatment of her admirers. She never took anyone seriously. To her, men were born flatterers. At each proposal she would grin and murmur that they would feel better in the morning. It had been Arnold that had awakened her conscience. His absolute despair at her refusal when he proposed at first perplexed her, then caused her much heart-searching. She had not meant to hurt him. She was very fond of him. At the time she had felt so bad about it, she had almost married him to ease her conscience. It had been Chloe who had put her foot down. `You don't love him, Sonia, it would be cruel in the long run.' Sonia knew she was right. She had become more selective and wary in her dealings with men after that. Dates were not fun any more for her. In other words, Sonia grew up. She sighed inwardly and looked at the man still obviously waiting for her reply. Why couldn't she play the old games with him? He would not be hurt. He was too sure of himself. What she could not understand was why she was

so frightened of him. Was it because he was so unlike the men she had learnt to handle, even the cynical, experienced ones ? This man was in a class of his own. If anyone got hurt it would be her, and she was not inclined to put her theories to the test. I am sorry,' she murmured, managing to give him a bright smile, synthetic, but a smile. 'I really am booked up.' She did not miss the quick intake of breath. The next minute he had moved on and was soon deep in conversation with another guest, never, giving her another look. Sonia took a deep breath at having successfully warded him off and went in search of Chloe. She knew a moment's awkwardness when she found she was placed next to Rory Maragal at the lunch table later. Her attempts at light conversation with him were met with an indifference that almost amounted to a snub. She was made to feel like an intruder who had gatecrashed a party. She gave up after the second attempt and devoted her attention to a middleaged man the other side of her, not missing the smug look on the face of the girl opposite and with whom Rory Maragal entered into a light flirtatious conversation. The middle-aged man, who had been introduced as John Hanser, asked Sonia if she were just on holiday or thinking of settling down 9

there. Before she could answer, Rory Maragal drawled out that he rather thought they had the full quota of residents at that time. John Hanser blinked and stared owlishly at him. `I thought you were hoping for a few more permanents, Rory?' he coughed discreetly. 'The right types, of course.' Rory Maragal nodded and agreed, `the right types, of course'. Sonia felt the flush creep in her cheeks. There was no mistaking his meaning. She didn't know just what she had done to deserve this kind of treatment, but she didn't see why she should be subjected to it a moment longer. She debated whether to fling her glass of wine in his face, or whether to just get up and walk out. Common sense won the day. It was George's luncheon party, and even if Rory Maragal had no manners, she had. Clenching her teeth, she made herself reply to Mr Hanser, who sat looking very embarrassed beside her. She answered as if Rory Maragal had not spoken. `I'm on holiday,' she explained. 'Coral islands are fine for a few weeks, after that they begin to pall. I'm an awful square. I actually love dear old England. Fog and rain maybe, but where you can speak your mind without fear of being clapped in irons or threatened with deportation.' She gave a sweet smile on the last words. There was a sudden shocked silence and Sonia I0

saw with no little amusement the man beside her cast a quick startled look at Rory Maragal. The girl looked extremely anxious too. Sonia calmly picked up her wine and sipped. She felt much better now. ` We no longer clap them in irons, Miss Wells,' murmured Rory Maragal in a deadly voice. 'We have a more sophisticated way of dealing with misdemeanours. Of course, it differs according to the sex and—er—their attractions. Old hags, for example, are thrown off Spanish Head cliffs. Men of workable age go to the silver mines, and,' he looked up from the peach he was peeling, to her, 'saucy young maidens tend to disappear, kept, it's rumoured, in an underground palace for the master's amusement.' Sonia gasped. She had not liked the look in his eye as he had said this. He was, of course, only frightening her, nevertheless she felt the prickles creep along her spine. She gave him a sweet smile and said, 'You terrify me.' The girl opposite gave a squeal. 'Rory ! ' she exclaimed, then giggled. 'I've a good mind to take you up on that,' she laughed. 'Now what can I do to get in your bad books?' He glanced across at her. 'Refuse a dinner date,' he said abruptly. Sonia hastily helped herself to a peach. `I wouldn't dare,' rejoined the girl, laughing. `Not one of yours. That would be an insult, II

considering how rarely you hand them out.' Sonia felt Rory Maragal look at her; she quickly turned to Mr Hanser and asked him how long he had lived on the island. She was vastly relieved when luncheon was over and she unobtrusively made her exit from a gathering debating what to do that evening. She heard Rory Maragal's deep voice suggesting a moonlight bathing party on Soya Sands, wherever that was; judging by the response she knew his suggestion had been unanimously accepted. She had just got to the door when he asked for a show of hands in order to provide enough food, and she slipped through the door quickly. If he had suggested they walk the Sahara in bare feet, she had a feeling they would comply. She clenched her teeth. She was beginning to understand why he had been so upset over her

refusal to dine with him. He just wasn't used to such treatment. Thankfully reaching her room, she kicked her shoes off and lay down on the bed. She felt exhausted; she had yet to acclimatise to the time change. She drowsily watched the sunlight penetrating through the slatted windows. Before she fell asleep she wondered whether George would be sent to the silver mines. There was a smile on her face as she slept. She was woken by Chloe at four o'clock with a cup of tea. 'George isn't pleased with you,' she 12

said as she handed her the tea. Sonia blinked and dragged her sleep-clogged senses back to the present. She had dreamt of a piratical character who had dragged her back to his lair by the roots of her hair. She gingerly felt the crown of her head. Odd, really, in her dream it had hurt very much. She shrugged and gave her attention to Chloe. `Are you awake?' demanded Chloe. Sonia nodded still a little sleepily. 'Sorry, dear, time change and all that,' she murmured. `I could sleep for a- week !' `The way George feels at this moment it might be a good idea s ' said Chloe. 'However, you're being given another chance to redeem yourself.' Sonia sipped her tea. 'I've a bone to pick with him,' she stared at Chloe. 'I suppose that was why I was invited?' she asked._ Without waiting for a reply she carried on, 'I ought to have known, of course,' adding wearily, 'he never gives up, does he?' Chloe sat down beside the bed. 'Not when it involves this amount of money,' she remarked dryly. 'You know George.' Sonia looked quickly at Chloe. 'You're not broke, are you?' she asked. Chloe laughed delightedly. 'Can you see George going broke?' Shaking her head, Sonia replied, 'No. He's 13

much too cautious.' She looked at Chloe. 'Why, then?' `He wants to justify his seat on the board,' she answered. `If he can swing that contract he's in line for the chairmanship that's coming vacant at the end of this year. It will give him a head start on the others.' Sonia laid her cup and saucer down. 'Well, he's picked a loser in me,' she said firmly. 'Why didn't he hire some luscious-looking secretary for his bait?' Chloe sighed. `He even thought of that. Trouble was, Rory saw a photo of you and expressed a wish to meet you. You can't blame George for trying to capitalise on it.' `Oh, can't I?' growled Sonia. `And how did he happen to show my picture to him? Answer me that if you can. Oh, don't bother. He did it on purpose, and I can guess which one it was. The one on Silver Sands, wasn't it? With a bikini I only dared sunbathe in. He took that photo without me knowing. Well, I'm sorry. Its no go. For one thing, I can't stand the man, for a second, he scares me to death.' Chloe burst out laughing. `It's not funny,' Sonia snorted indignantly. `How would you like to be dished up on the menu as the evening's speciality?' Chloe made an effort to restrain her hilarity. `When the man in question is Rory Maragal, I'd 1

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love it,' she said wickedly. 'I don't know what he's got, they fall in droves for him. It's not just the money.' `I'll tell you what he's got,' said Sonia positively. 'An oversized ego, that's what ! There are plenty of wealthy men around, but they don't chuck their weight around, do they? Or act like the Lord of the Isles.' Still smiling, Chloe shook her head. 'There's only one Rory Maragal,' she said. `And for that, we may be thankful. Many more like him and the world would no longer be a safe place,' said Sonia, and lay back on the bed, folding her arms behind her head. 'I think I'll move on to the Bahamas,' she mused. Chloe looked alarmed. 'Sonia, you can't ! You've only just got here ! ' she protested. Sonia's eyes narrowed. 'I'll stay on one condition,' she said. 'That George accepts me purely as his sister and guest and not a decoy.' Chloe's face fell. 'Please, Sonia, don't talk of going yet. I've been so looking forward to your visit. The island folk are friendly, but they're not family.' Sonia studied Chloe's homely features. She had wondered on many an occasion why she had married George; she loved him, of course, but they were so different. Chloe, slightly dizzy, with an impish sense of humour, took life as it came. George, now, took life very seriously, was 15

to Sonia's way of thinking just a little pompous. Fifteen years her senior, he had taken on his shoulders her upbringing when their sole surviving parent had died seven years previously. She had no complaints in that direction. Her education had been the best that was possible. A strict eye had been kept on her and her acquaintances, and although he had been guilty of attempting to swing an important deal in his favour by introducing her to a few young wealthy clients, they would all be bachelors of good character. Sonia knew that he eventually hoped she would accept a proposal from one such client, and had been rather disappointed when she had refused Arnold. She glanced at Chloe's large brown eyes soulfully watching her, and patted her hand. `I'm not blaming you, Chloe,' she said. 'Honestly, I'd love to stay, but I will not be thrown at that man. It's entirely up to George.' Her green eyes sparked. 'As a matter of fact,' she added, 'after this afternoon I've a feeling even Rory Maragal got the message.' She sat up and swung her feet off the bed and looked at Chloe. 'Chloe, I'm engaged ! ' she announced triumphantly. `You are?' said Chloe, her eyes opening wide. Sonia shook her head impatiently. 'Of course I'm not. But don't you see what a wonderful cover it will be? George will be able to placate Rory Maragal's ruffled feelings by telling him he i6

didn't know about it, which he doesn't, if you see what I mean.' Chloe looked askance, then grinned. 'You know, Sonia, it might work at that ! Who's the lucky man?' Sonia stared back at her solemnly, at a loss for words. Tor goodness' sake,' sighed Chloe, 'George will want to know his name, won't he ?' Sonia's brow creased in thought. After a few seconds her brow cleared. 'Henry Inskip,' she said. `Who's Henry Inskip?' queried Chloe. `My professor at Cambridge,' Sonia said with twinkling eyes. 'He's an absolute pet, and I'm crazy about him. He has fluffy white hair that flies out in all directions.' Chloe giggled, then sobered. 'Sonia—supposing George makes some enquiries, if you tell him he's a professor he'll soon catch on what you're up to, they're all ancient, aren't they?' `Not these days,' said Sonia. 'We had one over from the States on an exchange basis and he was quite a dish. Besides, George was at Oxford, so he's not likely to know much about my tutors.' `And what,' went on Chloe, 'about a ring? Or didn't you have time to get one?' She looked depressed. 'It's no good, Sonia. You weren't wearing a ring this afternoon and you can't suddenly appear with one. It will look just what 17

it is—a ploy.' Sonia wasn't giving up that easily. 'No one had chance to see it,' she said indignantly. 'I shook hands with my right hand. Rory Maragal sat.on my right at lunch, and it doesn't matter about anyone else, does it?' She got up and searched in her small jewellery box. `Ah, just the thing. Aunt Jean's solitaire. Perfect ! ' She slipped it on her engagement finger and squinted at it. `It's a bit awe-inspiring, isn't it?' she queried. Chloe looked. 'Will George recognise it?' she asked. Sonia looked smug. 'He's never seen it. Aunt Jean died after you left—you never met her, did you? She and George couldn't stand the sight of each other, she used to make him furious by interfering in what she used to call a wellmeaning way in my future.' Chloe sighed, then gave in. 'Between you and George,' she said. Sonia placed an arm around her shoulders. `Don't worry, dear. George taught me all I know about half truths. He's quite adept at them, as I'm sure you know. He might not believe me, but he's stuck with it, and I think he'll be only too relieved to be able to give Rory Maragal a plausible excuse for my not being a bit more co-operative, as you might say.' Sonia had been right about her brother's reaction. He stared at her and his blue eyes opened 18

incredulously. 'Why didn't you mention this before ?' he demanded. She had an answer to this too. She glanced down at her hands. 'Well, I wouldn't have done except that it was a bit obvious you were going to push me into a certain man's company,' her green eyes glinted up at him, 'for devious reasons of your own, so I had to tell you.' `What's wrong with this fiancé of yours, then? Good heavens, he's not a drop-out, is he?' Sonia almost chuckled. George had a horror of drop-outs. She was tempted to say yes, but regretfully dropped the idea: 'Of course not,' she said, hoping she sounded indignant. 'He's a professor.' `A professor ?' shouted George. 'For heaven's sake, how old is he?' Sonia looked demure. She daren't look at Chloe. 'Not too old,' she murmured. 'Fortyish.' `Fort . . .' George was lost for words for a few seconds. `No wonder you forgot to mention it. It's ridiculous . . . it's cradle-snatching ! ' he shouted. `As I'm twenty-two,' Sonia answered on her dignity, 'it can hardly be called that.' He stared at her; it was obvious he had forgotten her age. 'Even so,' he muttered, 'he's twice your age. No, dammit ! I won't hear of it.' Sonia suspected he had another reason for his vehement rejection. She glared at him. 'I'm not 19

giving him up, George. I prefer older men and I'm over the age when you can put your foot down. Henry is the one for me.' George tried to stare her down, but failed. He gave in surprisingly easily, which instantly alerted Sonia. He sighed. 'All right, let's have it— his name, where you met him. I'm not completely convinced you're doing the right thing, though.' Sonia launched into a narrative of her fabricated fiancé. She thought she was doing extremely well considering she had to battle against overwhelming odds. George's sceptical eyes and the way he pounced every now and again on certain irrelevances in the tale and Chloe, supposed to be writing a letter at the bureau behind him, was busy sketching a portrait of a bald professor with a fringe of hair haloing away from his pate which she held up for Sonia's inspection. Actually it wasn't a bad likeness of Professor Inskip, she thought, swallowing the urge to giggle. She would throttle Chloe if she made her ruin everything by laughing. When apparently satisfied, George wanted to know when 'the happy day' was. Sonia, not sure whether he was being sarcastic or not, answered that as yet no date had been fixed. She was quite grateful for the intrusion at that particular moment of Danny, George's houseboy, who wanted to know if a lift was 20

required from a Mrs Turley to Boss Maragal's that evening. `No. Thank her, Danny, tell her there'll be three of us and a bit of a crush, so I'll take my car,' replied George. Remembering the earlier plans for a bathing party, Sonia asked hastily, 'You're not including me, are you, George? I'm dead beat. It will take me at least two days to get acclimatised. I'm having an early night.' George feigned a hurt expression. 'Now, Sonia,' he said placatingly, 'I forgive you for causing me no end of embarrassment at lunch when you all but entered into a slanging match with the owner of the island, and incidentally a man I can't afford to displease. I thought under the circumstances it was particularly kind of him to put some form of entertainment on as part of your welcome to the island.' He sighed. `I hate to think of the outcome should you simply not turn up.' He looked sadly at Chloe. 'We might as well start to pack, my dear, chances are we shall be ordered to leave the island by midday tomorrow.' Sonia's lips set. 'I don't believe it ! ' she said. `Rory Maragal would no more put a show on for my benefit than apologise for his boorish behaviour at lunch.' She appealed to Chloe, Would he?' Chloe was sympathetic, but she had to dis21

appoint her. 'Sorry, dear, it's true. He actually said so in front of our guests. Sonia had a feeling of slightly weighted odds being levied against her. 'Very well,' she said stiffly. 'Just this once.' They did not leave until eleven-thirty, and Sonia hoped she could find a secluded place where she could catch up on her sleep until it was time to go. She wore a swimsuit, simply because Chloe told her everyone else would be in swimming gear. She had no intention of taking part in the actual swimming activities. Chloe provided her with a towelling beach coat. While they waited for George to bring the car round to the front of the house, Sonia glanced up at the sky and gasped. It really was a beautiful night. There was indeed a moon, in fact it was almost as clear as day, except that the light was a gentle one. Sonia had thought the whole idea a slightly mad one, but now she was able to understand that with nights like this it could be a very pleasant way of spending an evening. Under different circumstances, of course, she thought grimly, as she got into the car. The journey was not a long one. Soon they were driving down an expansive drive bordered by shrubs in full flower and drew up in front of a large house ablaze with light. The gardens beyond were lit by lanterns of soft coloured lighting, there were blues, greens, violets, giving 22

a fairytale effect to the surrounding shrubs. Did his house border on the sea? Sonia wondered as she got out. Several cars had followed them down the drive and their passengers were also alighting, calling laughing greetings to each other. All wore beach wear, the younger feminine section in bikinis, making Sonia feel a prudish spinster in her one-piece. The men wore trunks with towels slung over their shoulders, all of them extremely tanned, like Rory Maragal. With her white skin, Sonia thought ruefully that unless a very shady spot could be found for her she would stand out like a beacon. She thought she saw Rory Maragal's tall figure in the distance in the middle of a laughing group of people. She fingered the ring on her finger, hoping the solitaire would wink out its message in case she was unfortunate enough to get stuck in his company. Everyone seemed to be heading for the back of the house. Chloe and George linked their arms in hers; it occurred to her that they might be afraid she would do the disappearing act. It was not a sea shore, but a beautifully shaped natural pool. The silver sand was real enough; all Sonia could liken it to was an oasis, and indeed the effect was heightened by the palms beside the pool. Already people were in the water, splashing and calling for others to join them. The palms screened a lot of light off of the pool itself and Sonia thought it would be 23

difficult to recognise anyone in it at a distance. Her lips pursed. It was an ideal setting for the type of philanderer she was sure Rory Maragal was. She wished she knew why he had decided to entertain her, as George had put it. Had George pleaded with him on her behalf ? It would be a pity if he had. She liked things as they were. She thought of Chloe's remark about giving her another chance of redeeming herself. This was what she had meant. Well, she was sorry, she would be quite polite about it, but it was no go. George found a spot well away from the pool for them to settle down in; it was reasonably shady too, and this suited Sonia, as chances of anyone spotting them from the pool area were pretty remote. Perhaps he really had been convinced of her engagement? They had not long settled down before hampers of food were distributed. It was still warm on the sand, and Sonia soon started to relax. She ate the delicious corn on the cob, tried the sweet potatoes, and found she liked them. There was an assortment of fruit, figs, peaches, plums, some she had never seen before. George warned her not to eat too much if she contemplated swimming, but she lay back on the warm sand, murmuring that she had no such intention and was content to just laze. She drowsily heard George ask Chloe to go for a swim with him. After they had left, she gazed 24

up at the enormous moon she could see peeping

through the spiked leaves of the palms. She ought to have known it was too good to last, and vaguely wondered how long he had stood there before he spoke; she had a feeling he had not just arrived. 'Not swimming, Miss Wells?' he asked. Sonia blinked up at him towering above -her. `I'm not awfully good at it,' she said, and felt a stab of apprehension as he lowered himself to sit beside her. He wore bathing trunks only and she could see the dark patches of hair on his chest where the gleam of water still clung. She felt his eyes on her figure and dived for her wrap. He caught her hand, the one with the ring on. 'I hoped you would wear your bikini,' he said softly. 'I appreciate a good figure.' Sonia moved her hand, deliberately making the ring scratch his. His hold tightened and he turned her hand towards him catching the gleam of the ring. `There are plenty of unattached females down at the pool,' she said, 'with what I would call stunning figures.' He was still looking at her ring. 'Why didn't you wear this ring at lunch?' he asked conversationally. 'I suppose it's an engagement ring. It doesn't matter, you know. Makes no difference.' Sonia caught her breath. 'To you, perhaps not,' she retorted, 'but to me it means quite a 25

lot.' She tried to disengage her hand, but he would not release it. 'Tell me, Sonia, would you say I was the kind of man easily swayed by conventions?' Her heartbeats increased and she felt herself start to tremble as he moved closer to her, his bare arm resting against hers. She drew back so there was no contact between them. When she did not answer he asked, 'Why are you afraid of me?' She clenched her teeth. 'I'm not afraid of you. It's just that I'm a bit old-fashioned.' She shakily held the hand with the ring on out to him. 'I'm booked, this ring says so.' He laughed and slipped the ring off. 'Now you are free,' he said, and chuckled at her efforts to retrieve the ring, then caught her to him. She felt his hard muscles against her skin. When he drew her closer she put up a fight of pure terror, but the harder she fought the tighter he held her. She caught the gleam of white teeth and knew he was grinning at her futile struggles to free his hold on her. ` Will you let me go ! ' she panted breathlessly. `Oh no,' he laughed. 'You were the one who chose to cross swords with me—now you must take the consequences. George brought you here to soften me up, didn't he? Why have you backed out? I'm more than willing to be enter26

tained, so let's get on with it. I've no doubt George has used your services before. Were the others pushovers? You're in the big league now, honey. You must work for your money.' He held her away from him. 'Who are you really? An actress, or just one of his secretaries? Not that I mind one iota what you are. I like what I see, so what the hell.' She shivered, and he laughed again. 'Is that a sign of pleasurable anticipation or of distaste? Shall we see ?' He quite deliberately pinned her down flat like a butterfly on a card. She opened her mouth to scream, but it was stifled as his mouth covered hers, first very gently, then with a savage dominance. Sonia had never been kissed in that way before, and she had been kissed many times. She recognised the kiss for what it was, an insult of a kind. She was made to feel like a wanton picked up at a moment's notice. She felt sick. When Rory Maragal lifted his head, she saw the flash of teeth and knew he had enjoyed punishing her. He got up and looked down at her. 'You can tell George I don't think he's going to get that contract,' he drawled, and moved away. Sonia sat up shakily. She wiped her mouth with a gesture of pure distaste and found him beside her again. He could not have failed to see her action, and she was glad. He threw something at her. 'Your ring, honey,' he said coldly, 27

and left. George and Chloe shortly returned. Sonia was now certain George had manipulated the meeting. Between clenched teeth she gave him Rory Maragal's message and saw him start. 'Can we,' she demanded icily, 'go home now? It didn't work, George. I'm leaving tomorrow.' With fingers that shook she gathered her things together. He tried to bluster it out, but even Chloe wasn't talking to him. As they moved through the guests on their way out, one girl was heard to remark, 'Pay up, Moira, I won the bet, I saw him kiss her under the palm.' Sonia felt her stomach retch, and rushed on ahead of George and Chloe. When they got to the car they found her white but otherwise composed. `All right, Sonia?' queried Chloe, darting a furious glance at George as she did so. Sonia nodded. She wanted to leave this place and get back and soak and soak in cool clean water. If only the memory of that kiss could also be erased!

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CHAPTER TWO SONIA found Chloe waiting for her in her bedroom when she had had her shower, and inwardly she groaned. She was very fond of Chloe, but right now would have preferred to have been left alone. Chloe wanted to know what had happened, and it was something Sonia would rather have forgotten. `Was it very awful, dear?' she enquired gently. `Apart from the fact that I'm not speaking to George, I didn't want to ask you in front of him. What happened, for goodness' sake?' Sonia glanced at her anxious expression and gave a rueful smile. 'My pride took a bit of a beating,' she admitted. 'I'm not used to being called an accomplice, also of backing out of the proposition. He was quite furious when I refused to play the game.' She shivered. 'I hadn't much defence, had I? He was right about George's motives in bringing me out here.' Her lips set. Chloe's sighed. 'I guessed that was what had happened,' she said. 'In a way I'm partly to blame, dear.' She hesitated. 'Don't get mad now, but I'm guilty of a bit of matchmaking. I thought once Rory Maragal had seen you it was 29

all over bar the shouting. If anyone could land him you could.' Sonia was amazed and looked it. 'You thought—' words failed her. She swallowed. `You actually thought I would fall for a man like that ?' she squeaked. 'Why, he doesn't even believe in the ordinary conventions of life. He took my ring off, you know, and threw it at me afterwards.' She drew a deep breath. 'I've never been so humiliated ! ' She stared indignantly at Chloe. 'If you think I want a husband who thinks he's God's gift to women, you're way off beam, dear.' Chloe smiled ruefully. 'He did upset you, didn't he?' Then she frowned. 'I can't understand it. He's not really like that at all. Oh, he's spoilt by the attention he gets from the females and a little cynical, I guess, from their obvious moves to snare him, but it doesn't go to his head, he's fully aware that his financial position makes him target number one in the matrimonial stakes.' She sighed. 'I might have known George would ruin it ! ' Only Chloe was present at breakfast the next morning. Sonia guessed George had taken himself off early to the town office. Chloe had extracted a promise from her to stay the week, and she was already regretting it. It was too late now. Chloe had informed her that there were only two ferries a week, Mondays and Saturdays. She 30

would now have to wait for the Saturday one. One thing she did know, wild horses would not drag her to another social occasion that included Rory Maragal. In a way she was relieved the confrontation was over. She now knew where she stood, and incidentally so did George. She felt no compassion for him. He ought to have known men of Rory Maragal's calibre did not believe in playing any games unless they could make the rules. Even if she had set out to be pleasant and `accommodating' as Rory had put it, she grimaced distastefully, her pride wouldn't have been the only thing she would have lost. Chloe took her out that morning on a short tour of the island. It was an unvoiced arrangement that they would not go too far afield so as not to risk running into a certain individual. She was shown fields of lilies—as Chloe remarked, she had come at the right time of year to see the island's luxuriant vegetation at its best It was late July and riots of colour could be seen as far as the eye could discern. Oleander bushes in bright reds, pinks, and whites first caught the eye, flowering shrubs with large blossoms, ornamental flowering trees that Chloe couldn't put a name to, fruits of every description. Sonia was fascinated to actually see lemons growing. A further delight was identifying flowers that grew at home, such as stocks, wallflowers, violets and narcissus. 'Why,' she remarked to Chloe, 'we 31

might be home on a glorious summer day, only the flowers are somehow brighter and larger than ours, aren't they?' Chloe nodded. 'It's the climate, of course,' she sighed. 'I'm going to miss the flowers, you know. There's never a season without some ornamental display somewhere in the garden. It's hard to remember that back at home there's probably ice and snow when you look out of the windows in December and see blossoms everywhere.' Sonia said nothing. She felt sad and wished she had never seen the island. But for her George might have got that contract. Then she remembered Chloe's words about the opposition and felt a little better about it. As much as she disliked Rory Maragal she knew he was not a man to be swayed by a pretty face, not that he would pass up the opportunity for dalliance, as she had good cause to know, but he was nobody's fool. The firm that got the contract would be the firm with the most suitable design for the island's needs, with or without gift packs thrown in. Chloe started up the car again and as they moved forward, Sonia asked, 'What will you do, Chloe, when you get back home ?' Concentrating on the road, Chloe answered, `Settle down. I'm sick and tired of George rushing from place to place. He's no longer young. There are plenty of younger men eager to take over these assignments. It's not as if he has to do 32

it. If it hadn't been for that seat on the board coming vacant I would have been able to persuade him to take a back seat at last,' she grinned at Sonia. 'Perhaps now he will. Bringing you in was supposed to clinch the deal. It most certainly did !' She gave Sonia a quick sideways look. 'Tell me, just what did you talk about at lunch yesterday? George said you had a slanging match with Rory.' `It was not a slanging match ! ' retorted Sonia indignantly. And he asked for all he got. I am not used,' she continued haughtily, 'to being classed as an undesirable in front of a few very interested spectators.' Chloe gasped and slowed the car down, pulling into a cedar grove. 'Sonia! He didn't actually say that, did he ?' Sonia looked back at her steadily. 'I don't know how else you could interpret it,' she said. Chloe was speechless, then she turned to Sonia, and taking her hands off the wheel said, Tut why? There has to be an explanation. I want to hear what happened from the moment you met him and just what was said, and don't leave anything out, do you hear ?' Sonia sighed and smoothed her pale blue linen dress down over her knees. Her brow creased in thought as she recalled the meeting. 'It's a pity George didn't clue me up,' she said accusingly. 'I might at least have been prepared for his 33

advances. He didn't even ask me if I wanted to dine with him, just assumed I would and grandly stated that he'd pick me up at eight. Apart from the fact that the man half terrified me, I believe in picking my own escorts, so I said I had a previous engagement.' Chloe drew a deep breath. 'Faux pas number one,' she sighed. Sonia's lips set and she threw Chloe an indignant look. 'Well, what would you have done if a complete stranger ordered you to have dinner with him?' `I get your point, dear,' replied Chloe. 'George should have clued you up.' She sighed. 'He was so keen on introducing you he hardly gave you time to unpack before throwing you into the breach.' `Throwing me to the wolves, you mean,' said Sonia darkly. Chloe grinned. 'It's a bit late now, but Rory is not in the habit of handing out dinner dates. They're few and far between and are considered a great honour.' Sonia looked pleased with herself. 'That's what I gathered at the lunch table,' she murmured. 'And to think I deliverd a coup de grace and didn't even know it ! ' She looked hopefully at Chloe. 'So in a way I insulted him—right?' Chloe nodded solemnly. Sonia perked up. 'Well, at least we're even. I 34

don't feel so bad now,' she said. `Go on,' murmured Chloe, 'I've a feeling there's worse to come.' Sonia grinned. She repeated the incident at lunch. The right types, he said,' she snapped, indignantly warming up to her theme. 'He made it pretty obvious that he didn't think I was ! ' Chloe frowned. 'It's not like him, Sonia. I suppose his pride had taken a blow. He's a proud man. You see, he had afforded you an honour very few are given and you had more or less thrown it in his face.' Sonia was not at all penitent. 'How was I to know? To me he was just someone getting fresh.' `Go on,' sighed Chloe. 'I suppose there's more.' `Not much more. I was good and mad by then. I said I didn't want to spend my life in a place where deportation was on the cards if I stepped out of line. Oh, I said something about the island's gaol too.' A groan came from Chloe. 'You couldn't have chosen a better subject to infuriate him,' she wailed. 'He prides himself on his leniency to wrongdoers. I'm almost sorry I stopped you going this morning, it's a wonder he didn't throttle you! We'll do George a favour and not tell him, he'd have a blue fit if he heard the subject of your conversation.' She turned the ignition key. 'No wonder George didn't get that contract,' she sighed. 35

Sonia gasped. 'It's his own fault,' she said. `Even if I had known the man's likes and dislikes I still wouldn't have bowed and scraped to him. I can't stand him. He's too sure of himself: Chloe's brow creased. 'Guess it's in the family. His father was the same, so we're told. Rory had to take over the reins when he was eighteen, and giving orders comes naturally to him. Still,' she patted Sonia on the shoulder before she slipped the car into gear, 'it's all over now. We can think about going home. To be honest I don't think George would have got the contract anyway. There's a high-powered American firm that's almost sure to get it, but I couldn't convince George.' `That's how it should be,' muttered Sonia. `Firms should get contracts on merit, not on sidelines. Of course,' she said bitingly, 'considering he was dealing with a Casanova I suppose he thought he was on to a good thing when he brought me in.' Chloe pulled out on to the road. 'You can't blame him for trying anyway, when he's got a sister with your looks—besides, the tactic was used by the American firm as well. The daughter of the contractor is a very lovely redhead. She needed no persuading to try and tip the scales their way.' `He's well away, then,' said Sonia. 'One more 36

scalp to his collection.' Shooting her a quick look, Chloe murmured, `She didn't get a dinner date.' Sonia's brows raised. 'Don't tell me he ignored her, because I simply don't believe it!' Chloe smiled. 'Not exactly,' she replied. 'I think she was a bit too obvious. He's escorted her to several parties, but there's been no what you might call solo dates.' `There's plenty of time for that now,' retorted Sonia blithely. 'He was probably waiting to see whether I turned out a better bet. Needless to say he was disappointed,' she added smugly. It was Chloe's idea to go to the Sea King, one of the island's night clubs, that evening, but neither George nor Sonia were keen. Eventually Chloe had her way. 'You'll love it, Sonia. The music's gorgeous—Latin-American.' She looked at her husband. 'It will do you good too. Time you relaxed, you'll only mope over that wretched contract all evening, so I insist.' Sighing heavily, George gave in. 'As you say, dear.' It was two against one. Sonia couldn't hold out on her own, and had to give in to the arrangement. Dressing later, she pulled her hair back from her face and twisted it high on the top of her head. It gave her more height and made her look older, at least she hoped it did, as she stared 37

at her reflection. Her yellow gown was a particular favourite of hers. Its scalloped neck was heart-shaped, and the tiny sleeves just overlapped the top of her shoulders. The bodice fitted snugly to her slim figure, the skirt billowing out in a cloud of the gossamer material. The dress needed no ornamentation, the clear primrose colour asked for simplicity. Chloe's dress, of salmon pink, was long-sleeved and dipped at the neck. She wore a single rope of pearls. Sonia admired the dress when Chloe had got through admiring Sonia's. 'Oh, this,' she had said airily, 'it's just something I had knocked up a week ago.' She smiled at Sonia's astonishment. 'The material here has to be seen to be believed,' she explained, 'and you choose your pattern and have the thing done in twentyfour hours.' She gave a rueful smile. 'I could have told you all this earlier, but what with one thing and another, we haven't had much time to get down to small talk, have we ?' Sonia's look was eloquent, and Chloe sighed. `I know, dear. It's not your fault. Come on, let's forget about Rory and high finance tonight, we're going to enjoy ourselves!' The Sea King was aptly named, Sonia thought, as she got out of the car and stood in the club's parking area at the rear. She could hear the gentle lap of the waves and walked towards the sound. Chloe and George followed 38

her, and together they stood gazing down at the harbour below. Sonia had not realised they were so high up. A small wall denoted the end of the car park and she stood beside it staring out at the twinkling lights at sea. It was almost as if they were reflections of the brilliant stars above them. She sighed. It was beautiful. For her part she could have stood there all evening. Chloe caught her arm. 'It's lovely, I know, dear, but you'll soon get chilled by the sea breeze —come on.' The club itself was not over-large but very select. Sonia gazed around her as her feet sank into the plush carpeting of the foyer. It was as if she were in a small aquarium. Instead of walls they were surrounded by a panorama of tropical fish. Sonia was entranced. Fish of every colour, size and description glided past within touching distance, it seemed. All too soon Chloe touched her arm. 'There's more in the dining-room,' she said. Reluctantly tearing her gaze away, Sonia allowed herself to be led away. Chloe had not misled her. The dining-room was yet another aquarium of much larger proportions. Tables nestled in groups of tropical fauna that was itself worthy of attention. Sonia felt a rush of gratitude to Chloe for her choice; it was the kind of place one took one's business associates to without fear of interruption. If you could keep your eyes away 39

from the tropical fish, that was. Chloe led the way as they followed the waiter to their table. Sonia, following her with George bringing up the rear, heard someone hail George, who stopped to have a word with them. Chloe, a little way in front of her, gave an, `Oh no ! ' but kept walking. Sonia, busy watching an angel fish glide past regally, then heard her mutter, 'He's with the opposition too. That will please George ! ' Sonia looked past Chloe, then wished she hadn't, as she met the grey cynical eyes of Rory Maragal. Seated on his right was a lovely redhead in a powder blue velvet gown with dipping V neck and off-the-shoulder sleeves. One look at the curvaceous redhead and Sonia thought with great relief that she should have no trouble with Rory Maragal that evening. The redhead was much more his style. Her glance moved to the young man sitting opposite her, with the same coloured hair as the girl who just had to be her brother; an elderly greying man made up the foursome. As they were seated George joined them, his expression showing he had seen the foursome. Their table was a reasonable distance away, and Sonia, sitting with her back to them, was thankful for this at least, and for the group of tropical plants half screening them a little way back from the table. 40

Chloe handed George the menu. 'You choose for us, dear,' she said hastily as the waiter appeared. The music began and the LatinAmerican melodies enlivened the atmosphere. The food, when it came, was delicious. Sonia's prawn cocktail was almost a meal in itself ; this was followed by Creole chicken in a heavenly sauce. They were on the last course, a raspberry pavlova, when Sonia, watching the couples on the dance floor, saw Rory Maragal and the redhead take the floor. With smouldering eyes she watched his competent movements. He was a good dancer. She would have been surprised if he hadn't been. His movements were smooth and perfectly co-ordinated. His tuxedo was immaculate, and the frilled front of his lilac-tinted shirt would, on anyone else, have appeared slightly effeminate, but not on this man. Sonia noticed how leeway was automatically made for him on the floor, in a kind of deference to his status, but, thought Sonia, he expected it as his due. There was autocracy in every line of his figure. She particularly watched the way he held his partner and was a little surprised to see no tight holds, but in the manner of friends dancing. She wondered whether he would dare to ask her to dance. Her eyes sparked. Just let him ! Her fingers closed round her wine glass. A voice called hello to George and Sonia looked up to meet the blue eyes of the young 41

man at Rory Maragal's table. He looked enquiringly at her and George performed the introductions. 'Sonia, this is Kirk Dilson. Er .. . father in the same line of business. Kirk, this is Sonia, my sister, visiting us for a spell.' By the lack of enthusiasm in his voice it was apparent that George did not wish to encourage a friendship between Sonia and Kirk. Shaking hands, Sonia liked what she saw of Kirk Dilson. He was not outstandingly goodlooking, and this to her was a point in his favour, particularly when compared to Rory Maragal. His features were pleasant and she liked his smile; it was boyish. Sonia was more at ease with this type of man. There was frank admiration in his eyes, and when he asked George if he had any objection to his stealing her for a dance, she had no hesitation in showing her acquiescence. `Staying long ?' he asked in a soft southern drawl, as they walked to the dance floor. `Not long,' replied Sonia. 'I'm off to the Bahamas on Saturday.' His face fell. `Just my luck! However, I've been thinking of visiting the Bahamas myself,' he said as he whirled her into the dance. 'I've been there before, in the line of business, as you might say. I'd make a good guide, you know,' he said hopefully. Sonia couldn't help smiling. He was certainly 42

not wasting any time, but she was used to this too. The music tempo changed to a rumba and Sonia altered her steps accordingly. She had had plenty of practice on the dance floor and was an exceptionally good dancer. Kirk grinned. 'Say, have I got an expert ?' he asked, as he suited his steps to hers. She chuckled. 'Well, I'm very fond of rumbas,' she explained. He was no learner himself and soon other couples were making way for them, preferring to watch how it should be done. Sonia, thoroughly enjoying herself, heard an icy voice near her drawling, 'Shall we leave it to the experts?' She stiffened; she didn't have to turn round to know who had spoken. From then on she threw herself into the dance. The very fact that she had annoyed Rory Maragal spurred her on. By this time they had practically all the floor to themselves. When the dance ended there was a burst of applause and shouts for - an encore. Sonia, still catching her breath, smiled, and Kirk half raised an eyebrow at her. 'I'm game if you are—how about it?' he grinned. She laughingly shook her head. 'Later,' she gasped. 'Right now I want a long cool drink ! ' When they got back to Chloe and George, Chloe stared at her. 'I didn't know you could dance like that,' she said in wonderment. George looked proud. 'She's always been good 43

at it,' he said. 'Frightened me to death when she was sixteen, wanted to be a chorus girl:' Sonia grinned at Kirk. 'So big brother put his big foot down,' she laughed. Kirk answered her grin. He indicated the fourth chair. 'May I ?' he asked. George nodded gloomily. It was plain he was not keen on Kirk joining them; he was, after all, the opposition. Sonia's cold drink arrived and looked delicious. It had slices of fruit swirling on top and decorating the sides of the glass. When she heard Rory Maragal's voice she was glad to have something to hold her hands round to keep them still. `Barbara would like to dance, Kirk, if you've any energy left after the exhibition.' Kirk's brows raised at this autocratic summons and he stared back at Rory Maragal. For a second or so it looked as if he would not comply with the order, for that was what it was, Sonia thought furiously. She felt immensely sorry for Kirk. His father was probably going to be awarded the contract, the very fact that Rory Maragal was dining with them clinched it in her mind. She felt suddenly lightheaded. She didn't have to worry any more about letting George down. It was all over with. She could happily sling the drink she held straight at Rory Maragal if he as much as attempted any further insults. Kirk rose despondently, and turned to Sonia. 44

` Will you excuse me ? When duty calls and all that .. .' he murmured. Giving him a warm smile, her sympathy clearly showing in her green eyes, Sonia answered, 'Of course.' He visibly brightened. 'I shall be back,' he said, and cast Rory Maragal a look of challenge. `So don't go away, will you?' `I shall be right here,' smiled Sonia. She could feel Rory Maragal's fury at this cosy exchange of small talk. She steadfastly refused to look at him and airily concentrated on watching a group of sea horses bobbing past in the tank opposite her. She felt him look at her. `I suppose you are exhausted after your display?' he asked curtly, addressing her as if she were the only one present. George took the hint and asked Chloe to dance. Sonia looked appealingly at Chloe, and this put Chloe in a quandary. George settled it by half dragging her out of her chair and towards the dance floor. Sonia's lips compressed as Rory Maragal sat down beside her. `I shouldn't think George is very pleased with you,' he said silkily. 'You do know you've been entertaining the opposition, don't you?' Sonia debated whether to fling the drink then and there or leave it till later; she could keep it as a treat in store for her. Still she absolutely refused to look at him, and she knew this further 45

annoyed him. Her eyes were on her glass. Idly she thought how appetising it looked. They really did take pains to make things look good. She heard the quick indrawn breath. `Lost your tongue?' he goaded. 'You really are exhausted, aren't you? Is there something wrong with your drink?' he persisted. Sonia sighed. It was no use ignoring him. He was determined one way or another to get an answer. 'Not really,' she replied casually. 'I was just wondering whether to remove the decorations before throwing it over you.' Another quick intake of breath followed this remark. His hand closed over hers holding the glass. 'I wouldn't if I were you,' he said softly. `I might retaliate in a most unconventional way. If you don't believe me, try it.' Sonia stared at the hand covering hers. The fingers were long and the strength of their hold conveyed much of their owner's character—a strong man who brooked no interference. The dark hairs on his wrist stood out in startling contrast against the white sleeve of his tuxedo jacket. `Well?' he murmured. Sonia shrugged. He still kept his hand on hers. `Shall we dance?' he asked conversationally. She. did look at him then, her eyes clearly giving her thoughts away. 'No, thank you,' she 46

said. His fingers tightened over hers. 'Why, you little—' then he removed his hand. Sonia hoped he would go. He had no right to desert his guests for as long as he had. 'Oughtn't you to go back to your guests?' she enquired sweetly. 'I thought the redhead was quite lovely.' His eyes glinted down at her. `Jealous?' he asked, grinning. Her fingers curled round the drink again. He looked at the glass, then back at her. 'I'm ready when you are,' he said airily. Sonia's hand fell slowly away from the glass. He gave a low chuckle. 'I believe you're beginning to know me,' he said. 'Given a little more time I think we shall reach a mutual understanding.' Carefully studying her ring, Sonia murmured, `It's a pity I'm moving on, then, isn't it ?' He glanced at her sharply. 'Is George sending you back ?' he demanded. She opened her eyes innocently at him. 'Oh, no, not yet. I'm visiting the Bahamas,' she answered, then paused and added airily, `I expect he has a few business acquaintances there too.' His eyes narrowed. He gestured towards her ring. `And he has no objection?' he sneered. Again she gave that wide-eyed look. 'Oh, I've promised to give it up when we're married,' she 47

said confidingly. Judging by the look in Rory's eye it was as well for her that Chloe returned just then. He stood up, his jaw set. 'If you will excuse me,' he said coldly, and strode back to his table, passing George and Kirk on their way back. Kirk sat down. 'Phew ! He looked ready to chew nails,' he said, grinning. 'Has someone upset him?' he enquired innocently. Sonia grinned back at him. She was beginning to enjoy herself. Neither George nor Chloe liked the way things were developing. George looked meaningly at his wife. 'Time we made tracks, dear,' he murmured. `Sonia's not yet accustomed to the time change,' he said to Kirk. Looking indignantly at him, Sonia recalled that it had not occurred to him before, had it? Now she was enjoying herself he would adopt the heavy brother act. 'Must we ?' she protested. `It's only eleven, George.' Chloe gave a tiny shake of the head, conveying to Sonia that she thought it was time they went too. `Perhaps another time,' George answered in a determined way, and summoned the waiter. Kirk stepped into the breach hastily. `Might I make a suggestion?' he asked. 'Would you entrust Sonia to my care for the rest of the evening? I promise to deliver her safe and sound on 48

the stroke of two.' George was furious. Sonia knew the signs and saw there was no hope for it. She would have to go back with them. She was about to refuse Kirk's offer when the smooth tones of Rory Maragal cut across the silence. `Are you off, George? I was about to suggest that we joined forces.' He looked directly at Kirk. 'It's so much easier than dodging from table to table.' George hesitated. On the one hand he had no wish to antagonise Rory, but after his determined attitude a moment ago could not now retract. Kirk, smarting under Rory's earlier censure, said quickly, 'Sonia wishes to stay. I've offered to stay with her.' `Have you?' drawled Rory coldly. He looked at George. 'I'll see she's looked after, George. I'll drop her off on my way home.' George looked well pleased with this arrangement. Chloe looked anxious, and Sonia looked murderous. 'There's no need for you to put yourself out, Mr Maragal,' she said haughtily. 'Kirk has already offered to see me home.' Then she added as an afterthought, But thank you all the same.' He did not even bother to acknowledge this statement. 'As I said,' he repeated quietly, 'I'll see her back, George.' George nodded and helped Chloe on with her 49

wrap. Sonia was beaten and regretted not abiding by George's earlier decision. Chloe's eyes when they met hers plainly told her it served her right, but she came to her aid nevertheless. 'Sure you want to stay, dear ?' she asked. 'You were whacked last night, weren't you?' Feeling all eyes on her, Sonia would dearly have loved to change her mind, but there was such' a look of challenge in Rory's eyes that as much as she wanted to she couldn't back out. `I'll stay,' she said firmly. Kirk grinned. `Atta-girl,' he murmured. "Shall we give another exhibition?' `I think not,' said Rory icily. 'Other folk want to dance as well. I should rest on your laurels if I were you.' George took Chloe's arm. 'Well, enjoy yourself,' he said. Sonia felt as though she were at sea without a lifejacket as she watched them leave. Rory took her arm. 'Come and join my table,' he ordered. Kirk caught her other arm. 'We can stay here if you prefer it,' he said, glaring at Rory. Sonia felt like a bone being fought over. She knew what she wanted to do, but also knew it wouldn't work out that way. `It may have slipped your mind,' Rory said coldly to Kirk, 'but you do happen to be my guest.' 50

Kirk's eyes fell under the other man's gaze. `Okay,' he muttered. 'I was only thinking of Sonia.' Sonia found herself being guided firmly towards Rory's table. The look on the redhead's face was hardly welcoming as they neared the table. The elderly man stood up as they approached. The introductions were made, and Sonia found herself seated in between Rory and Jim Dilson. Barbara Dilson's cold blue eyes flicked over Sonia's dress, and Sonia felt she was mentally pricing it. She had no quarrel with her, in fact she welcomed her presence. If Rory thought she was jealous of the redhead he would play on the fact by giving her his undivided attention, hoping to annoy Sonia. Sonia devoutly hoped he would adopt this tactic leaving her free to enjoy the rest of the evening with Kirk. Jim Dilson grinned at Sonia. 'I enjoyed the floor show,' he said, 'but it kinda, made me feel old.' Kirk grinned, 'It had the opposite effect on me ! ' His father drank the last of his drink and looked at Rory. 'Mind if I make tracks, Rory? I'm past the age of playing gooseberry too,' he smiled. Rory nodded. 'I'll see you tomorrow, Jim,' he said. This further clinched Sonia's assumption that 51

the Dilsons had won the contract. She felt a downright traitor sitting with them. `Your dancing was almost professional,' remarked Barbara. 'Is that your line ?' she asked as her father left. She could have framed it better, Sonia felt. Before she could think up a suitable rejoinder, Rory spoke. 'Oh, Sonia has a much more exciting line than that, haven't you ?' he drawled. Barbara's slim pencilled eyebrows rose. 'Well ?' she demanded when there was a small pause after this provocative remark. 'Aren't you going to tell us, or is it a secret?' Sonia's eyes sparked green shoots. She really was in the enemy camp. They might as well get their money's worth ! 'I'm what's known as a professional hostess,' she answered calmly, noting Barbara's eyebrows rise even higher. She smiled sweetly at Rory. 'I'm afraid it's not quite so exciting as Mr Maragal seems to think it is. There are times when we don't enjoy the work. Having to entertain continually can be exhausting.' She sighed elaborately. 'And of course every now and again we are unfortunate and come up against someone who puts their own interpretation on the type of entertainment offered.' She would have elaborated on this theme had her arm not been caught in an iron hold and a tight-lipped request from Rory of 'Would you care to dance?' Apart from the fact that he half 52

dragged her from the chair she had no chance of refusal. The grip on her arm was not released until he got her to the dance floor, and then only for a short space of time while they joined the dancers. No friendly hold here either—it was more in the nature of restraint. The dance was a quickstep and Sonia did not think it warranted the close hold he had on her. When she complained she would like to breathe occasionally he pulled her even closer and her head was jerked against the lapel of his jacket. His eyes glinted down at her. `If,' he said between clenched teeth, 'you ever get to the Bahamas in one piece, you may consider yourself extremely lucky, my girl.' `I'm not your girl ! ' she said indignantly. `It was purely an expression,' he said haughtily. 'Not an invitation, or indeed a wish, so don't get any ideas on that score. As a hostess,' he added coldly, 'you ought to have learnt not to take things so personally. Barbara could teach you a thing or two on the correct procedure.' Sonia gasped. Of all the people to talk . . . ! `I suppose,' she grated, 'making remarks about any ring was not personal?' He smiled grimly. 'If hostesses are engaged, honey, they have more sense than to wear the ring.' She felt like screaming. Forcing herself to remain calm, she murmured, 'It depends on 53

what type of hostess you have in mind, doesn't it ?' `Precisely,' he said softly. Sonia had never welcomed the end of a dance with such fervour before. She almost tore herself out of his grasp and without waiting to see if he was following made her way back to Kirk. She would get him to take her back, no matter what ! She had taken positively the last insult from Rory Maragal. If Kirk hadn't transport she would take a taxi. Rory was right behind her as she reached the table. Another melody struck up and Kirk looked at her hopefully. She nodded grimly, and in a matter of seconds he was beside her. Leaving once more for the dance floor, she heard Barbara laugh somewhat harshly. 'What energy ! ' she said. No sooner had they begun dancing than Sonia made her request. 'Kirk, I want to go back, right after this dance. Will you take me ?' He looked surprised. 'Sure, if that's what you want.' It is,' she replied firmly. 'I have a raging headache.' Looking at her flushed face, he asked kind `Would you like to go now ?' Sonia looked back to their table and saw Rory and Barbara walking to the dance floor. She sighed with relief. 'Yes, please,' she answered. 54

`We can leave a message for Mr Maragal and your sister, can't we? I should hate to spoil their evening,' she added grimly. Kirk smiled. 'Sure can,' he said. Sonia did not look back once at the dancers as she collected her bag and wrap, trying not to look as if she were in too much of a hurry. Kirk was not slow off the mark himself and within minutes she was thankfully breathing the cool night air. This time she did not linger to take in the scenery. Kirk led her to a sports model drawn up just beyond the entrance to the club. As she climbed in, it suddenly occurred to her that he might not know where George and Chloe lived and she was hardly qualified to direct him. When he started up without a word, however, it was apparent he did know and she tried to relax. However, this was not easy. Not until she was actually inside the house would she feel safe, and not even then, she thought despondently. She could no longer depend on George to shield her from Rory Maragal should he take it into his head to rush after them and demand an apology for their abrupt departure. Once again she wished she had not allowed Chloe to talk her out of going that morning. Kirk saw her to the door, but she did not ask him in. The feeling of pursuit still lingered and she wanted to get to her room and compara55

tive safety. He asked if he could see her again, and mentioned that he meant what he had said about escorting her around the Bahamas, and Sonia told him she would think about it. 'I'll give you a ring tomorrow,' he said hastily as she made a move to go in. 'Perhaps we can fix something up.' Chloe and George were surprised to see her back so early. Sonia carefully explained that Chloe had been right. She was tired, she said, but she also refrained from mentioning who had brought her back. 'I've a bit of a headache,' she said before George could pose any awkward questions, 'so I'm off to bed.' To Chloe's offer of an aspirin she explained that it was only tiredness and sleep was really all she needed. She had showered and had just got into bed when she heard the crunch of wheels on the drive. She didn't require three guesses as to who was calling at that time. Hastily putting out her light, she dived under the bedclothes. About fifteen minutes later the sound of a car starting up reached her. She grinned. 'Goodnight, Mr Maragal, and goodbye,' she murmured.

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CHAPTER THREE THE following morning, Sonia purposely took her time on her ablutions and going down to breakfast. She couldn't hope to avoid George all day, and knew he would be in no sunny mood. When she heard his car depart shortly before nine, she knew he had gone to his office in the small township. A creature of habit, she had guessed he would not deviate from this custom, even though the contract had been lost. He would now have to wind things up anyway. She was not exactly brimming with high spirits herself, and in no mood for a lecture on etiquette, the result in all probability being a bang-up row with George which would upset Chloe and put an intolerable strain on the remaining three days until she could depart. She found Chloe in the dining-room and received a reproachful look from her as she joined her. `How's your head ?' enquired Chloe with a sceptical look in her eye. `Fine, thank you,' replied Sonia, accepting a cup of coffee from her. Chloe sighed and put the coffee pot down. 57

`Okay, let's have it. I suppose you fell out with Rory again?' `Of course not,' retorted Sonia. 'How can you fall out with someone like that? You just take orders as if you were some kind of zombie. He owns the place, doesn't he?' She buttered a slice of toast. 'I've come to the conclusion that I've been spoilt,' she declared airily. 'I've got into the habit of expecting men to be polite and I've had a bit of a rude awakening.' She looked at Chloe. `He did come last night, didn't he ?' She bit viciously into the toast and chewed, then swallowed. 'On the excuse, I suppose, that I got back safely, yes?' Chloe made a small moue. 'That's one way of putting it,' she said. 'He was absolutely furious. At one stage I really thought he would seek you out and shake an apology out of you.' This did not surprise Sonia, the only thing that did was that someone was able to stop him from doing just that. 'I hope,' she said icily, `George has now got the message. Surely even he can see the kind of wolf he's lined up for me.' Tracing a pattern with her finger on the white cloth, Chloe answered, 'But that's just it, Sonia. He's not a wolf. Autocratic yes, proud yes, dictatorial, anything else you - want to level at him, but no wolf. You ought to know George by now. Contract or no contract, he wouldn't let him within a yard of you if he were. We've been 58

here over a year, you know. George had that contract on the mainland and that's how he heard about the hotel Rory wants built. We've both had ample time to get to know him. Where women are concerned he's extremely cautious— courteous, even flirtatious with the pretty ones, but not one of them gets past that stage. The general opinion is that he's too proud and if he ever did take a wife she would have to come from some Spanish nobility. He's half Spanish, of course. His father was the first one to break from tradition and marry an English girl.' She frowned. 'That's why I can't understand what's got into him.' She looked at Sonia. 'I think he's fallen for you. There's no other explanation for his outrageous behaviour.' `Oh, you do admit it's outrageous, then?' said Sonia. 'Well, that's something anyway. As for being in love with me—definitely no, dear. I ought to know the signs by now. He's not a man who contemplates failure. I simply refused to play the admiration game, somewhat deflating his ego. The thing is,' she muttered, wiping her hands on her napkin, 'it's not just admiration he's after.' She nodded sagely at Chloe's astonishment. In spite of your testimonial on his blameless character. As far as he's concerned I'm a pretty toy offered for favours, and he's ready and willing to play, only the toy isn't. He can't understand it at all. He actually told me I could 59

take a few lessons from Barbara Dilson on the art of hostessing !' Her eyes glinted at the memory. `Hostessing?' squeaked Chloe. 'What's that got to do with it?' Sonia shot her a quick look, then grinned. `That's what I said I was,' she announced airily. `I was in the enemy camp, remember, and the natives were not exactly friendly. Barbara asked what my line was, in the nicest possible way, of course. Rory Maragal was highly amused and hinted at subversive activities, so I let them have both barrels.' She handed Chloe her cup back for a refill. 'I enjoyed that part of the evening,' she said. `No wonder you had to take off,' commented Chloe. 'I'm only thankful George and I were spared.' `Oh, don't worry,' said Sonia soothingly. 'He doesn't think I'm George's sister either, so he need have no qualms in disowning me.' She thoughtfully stirred her coffee. 'Not that that's surprising, we have different names, of course. and we're not a bit alike, but no one has ever queried the relationship before, have they?' Chloe was highly indignant. 'Well ! ' she declared. 'We can soon put that right. If that's the impression he's labouring under, some of his behaviour starts to make sense.' She patted Sonia's hand. 'It's George's fault, dear, he should 6o

have explained the relationship. I'll see that he does !' `I'd rather you didn't,' Sonia said hastily. 'I like things as they are—this way I can retaliate with no backlash on George. As Rory Maragal kindly put it, I've backed out of the assignment. I shall just keep- out of his way until Saturday. Kirk wants to see me again, and I quite took to him, so I think I shall take him up on it.' As she spoke, a car drew up in front of the house. Sonia glanced outside. 'It's a blue Mercedes,' she said. `Rory,' said Chloe. Sonia dived for the stairs. 'I'm out, Chloe. You've no idea where—or when I'm going to be back either. Tell him I'm with Kirk. That should get rid of him,' she whispered as she disappeared. It seemed a very long time to Sonia before she heard the car depart and was able to venture down to the lounge again. 'All clear ?' she asked as she entered. Looking up from the magazine she was idly turning over, Chloe complained, 'I'm not cut out for this sort of thing. I'm sure he didn't believe me. I'm a rotten liar.' Did you tell him I was out with Kirk ?' asked Sonia. `I didn't dare, not after last night. I didn't like the look in his eyes when he mentioned him 6

then,' answered Chloe. `Never mind,' grinned Sonia. 'He's gone now.' Tut he left an invitation for the garden party, for all of us. It's this afternoon,' wailed Chloe. `Sudden, wasn't it ?' said Sonia. The garden party, I mean? Does he always do things on the spur of the moment?' Chloe shook her head. 'Not this time,' she said. 'We've known about this for some little while. It's just that recent events have taken precedence. Rory's entertaining some V.I.P.s from the mainland. It's an annual event, they stay for a couple of days.' The news pleased Sonia. 'That should keep him occupied,' she said. 'He's not likely to know whether I'm there or not.' `Want a bet on it?' Chloe asked miserably. Sonia sat down, and gazed out of the window. `I'm not going, Chloe,' she said. 'I promised myself last night I'd taken all the insults I was going to take from that man.' The phone rang before Chloe could reply. As Chloe got up to answer it, Sonia murmured, 'It might be Kirk. He said he'd ring.' It was. Sonia took the receiver from Chloe. `How's your head?' he asked. `Fine, thank you,' Sonia replied. 'It was mostly tiredness.' `You'll be at Soya Sands this afternoon, then?' he asked. 62

`Er—no,' Sonia replied. 'I'm catching up on my rest, and I've some mail I must get off,' she added hastily, unable to think up a better excuse. `Gee, that's too bad,' Kirk murmured disappointedly. 'I'd skip it myself, but you know how things are.' Sonia did know. Again she felt that spurt of sympathy for him. `I was kinda hoping to see you before I went to Hamilton,' he went on. `Dad's got a couple of jobs he wants seeing to. You did say you were going Saturday, didn't you?' he asked. `I'm afraid so,' replied Sonia, thinking that Kirk's father was not slow on the uptake. She somehow didn't think it coincidental Kirk was being removed from the scene. `With any luck, I should be back on Friday evening,' said Kirk. 'Would you try and keep it free for me?' he pleaded. `I'll do my best,' answered Sonia. She looked thoughtful as she replaced the receiver. A germ of an idea was beginning to float about in her brain. If Kirk didn't have to wait for the ferry to get to Hamilton, why should she ? He must have his own transport. Her thoughts raced ahead. Supposing she did go this afternoon? She could tell him she had changed her mind. All she had to do then was ask him for a lift to the mainland. She frowned. It would, of course, place Kirk in a very awkward position. He had already 63

incurred Rory's displeasure, his father's sudden move to get him out of the way bore out this theory. It wouldn't really be fair to ask him. Chloe, watching her with narrowed eyes, asked, 'What are you cooking up?' Sonia started, then stared at Chloe. 'Is there any other way of getting to the mainland apart from the ferry?' she asked. `Why?' asked Chloe unhelpfully. Sonia sighed. 'Well, I thought it would be a good idea if I decamped,' she said. 'Once I've left everyone can get back to normal. George knows he's not going to get that contract, so there's no point in prolonging the agony, is there?' Chloe thought about this for a moment or so, then surprised Sonia with, 'I think I could get Sammy to take you over. He does the trip several times a week.' Sonia brightened. 'You could? You're a dear ! When? Tomorrow?' she asked eagerly. `Maybe,' replied Chloe. 'He'll be up at Rory's place this afternoon helping out. I'll sound hm on it.' She looked at Sonia. 'What did Rory say they did with old hags?' she queried dismally. `I only hope I'm doing the right thing—the silver mines would never suit George.' Sonia chuckled and hugged her. 'You're not in the old hag class, darling, so I'm sure you won't get thrown off Spanish Head cliffs. As for 64

George,' she frowned, 'I guess a few weeks in the silver mines wouldn't come amiss at that !' It was Chloe's turn to grin. 'He could do with losing a bit of weight,' she laughed. At lunch, George did not say much. He seemed preoccupied, and Sonia did not go out of her way to gain his attention. Chloe said nothing about Sonia's proposed flight the next day. Soon enough for that if it could be arranged. Not, thought Sonia darkly, that he would object. Until her arrival he had stood a reasonable chance of success. He would probably wave her off with much relief. She darted a glance at him across the table. Chloe had informed him that Sonia would not be attending the do that afternoon, and he had slightly lifted his brows, but apart from this had accepted the fact. As he looked up, Sonia hastily concentrated on her food. He had been remarkably reticent since returning from his office, and the few scathing comments she had been expecting on her behaviour the previous evening were not forthcoming, and this puzzled her. If she didn't know him better, she'd think he was up to something, then she choked, and hastily reached for the water carafe. Of course ! Chloe and George thought alike Chloe had been of the opinion that Rory Maragal had fallen for her ! And poor George was probably labouring under the same delusion! He must still have

65

visions of success. She was no longer cross with him. He was going to be once again disappointed, and she was sorry about it. It wasn't only the loss of the contract, but the chance of a chairmanship he would be losing. She sighed. Of all the projects to hinge such an ambition on, he couldn't have chosen a worse one from Sonia's point of view. After waving Chloe and George off, Chloe wearing a coffee lace tea gown and picture hat, which Sonia duly admired, George in a light beige linen suit was also commended on his appearance and gave Sonia a light nod of acknowledgement for her compliments. As she watched the car disappear round the bend of the drive, Sonia gave a sigh of relief. The rest of the day was hers. She could just please herself —sunbathe, or go for a walk. Her hair wanted washing, and she made this her first chore. Chloe had informed her that they would not be back until the early hours. The garden party was followed by a dance held on Soya Sands' lanternlit terraces. It did not take long for her hair to dry, and after a brush, she changed into a lime green linen suit, ready for the next item on her agenda. She would go for a walk. Placing the cooliestyle straw hat Chloe had left out for her use on her head, she left the house and made her way 66

down the drive. She knew a wonderful sense of freedom; her particular bogeyman with entertaining visitors, thus was out of her hair for a whole day, and tomorrow, if all went well, she would never ever be plagued by him again. Reaching the end of the drive, she stood and tried to get her bearings. By all means she had to keep away from Soya Sands. It was not that far away from George's house. Screwing up her eyes, she went back to the night of the bathing party. The car had turned left, hadn't it? Yes, she was certain of it—so she would turn right. As she walked, she gazed around her. The road curved and dipped every now and again, and on either side of her were verdant slopes on which shrubs with brilliant flowers grew in profusion. Leaving the road, she made her way up one of the slopes towards a brilliantly coloured pink-clustered shrub. When she examined the blossoms she noted with some little surprise they had yellow throats. Her gaze wandered to yet another bush with similar leaves, but this time with larger flowers of an orange red colour. She remembered seeing something similar before, then recalled the short tour Chloe had taken her on, and with the recollection came the name of the shrubs. They were sage bushes. Chloe had said they grew everywhere on the island, particularly thriving on uncultivated land. 67

Her gaze travelled on past the shrubs and rested on a formidable-looking plant with large wide spear-shaped leaves. If they were as sharp as they looked, she thought, they would make a formidable weapon. Spots of white rock protruded here and there over the hillside, and in the distance other plants caught her eye, peculiar shaped ones that could only belong to the cacti family, but the sage bushes reigned supreme as far as the eye could see. She stood for a while drinking in the scenery and the perfumed breezes playing around her. Looking up at the sky, she saw it was a clear blue, not a cloud in sight. Every now and again she caught sight of flashes of pink, red, and once a peacock blue, and knew they were birds, flitting in and out of the shrubs. They were too quick for her to see them properly. Their calls and whistles could be heard, though, and there was evidently quite a number of them. She sighed. No wonder Chloe would be sad to leave the island. It was a place of enchantment. Already Sonia could feel herself going under its spell. Making her way back down the slope again, she thought it was as well she was leaving. Several weeks in this environment would ruin her for England's uncertain climate, in spite of her brave words at George's luncheon. Continuing her walk, she did not venture too 68

o far afield, but was content to wander up and down the green slopes, always keeping reasonably close to the road so as not to lose her bearings. An hour later she was back at the house, and had just fixed herself a long cool drink, when she heard the door bell chime. The hand holding the glass jerked, spilling a little of the liquid on to the table. She knew she would have to answer it; Danny too had been pressed into service at Soya Sands. However, if it happened to be a certain person, Sonia told herself grimly, it would remain unanswered ! She took the precaution of peeping out of the lounge window first. To her immense relief she saw Kirk's sports car drawn up in front of the house, and went to open the door. `Hi ! ' said the irrepressible Kirk. 'You wouldn't by any chance be avoiding someone, would you ?' he asked with twinkling eyes. Sonia stole a quick look at him, then grinned. There was no need for further confirmation. `Well,' went on Kirk, 'I stuck around long enough to prove I'd attended, then hightailed it back to you.' He grinned again. 'I kinda thought you might be lonely. The crystal caves aren't far from here, how would you like a run ut to them?' Sonia's eyes lit up. Wouldn't she just ! Within a few minutes she was sitting beside 69

him in the car. With the breezes caressing her hair, she felt a spurt of gratitude towards Kirk. She had read about the caves on the islands in a brochure on the plane coming out, and had been longing to visit them. It had looked as if she would be denied that pleasure, but thanks to Kirk she would now see one of them. She asked him how long he had been on the island. By mutual consent there was no mention of the contract, although from what Sonia could gather it appeared it was by no means certain that his father had got the go-ahead, judging by the amount of 'ifs' in Kirk's remarks about the future. To her question of didn't he think it was a delightful place, and wouldn't he like to live there permanently, he gave another of his quick grins. `Is that an invitation?' he teased. 'Now, honey, if you were staying indefinitely I'd really consider it.' He shot her a quick look. 'Are you really a hostess?' he asked suddenly. Sonia's eyes twinkled. She hedged a bit. 'What if I am?' she asked. He gave her a brief glance, then concentrated on the road again. 'What's George paying you?' he asked suddenly. Sonia's eyes widened, then she chuckled. Not enough,' she murmured wickedly. He shot her another quick glance, then 70

grinned, 'Well, we might be able to do something about that.' He did not enlarge on the subject, and Sonia, beginning to have a stab of conscience, was grateful it had been dropped. She looked down at her hands in her lap and saw that she had forgotten to put the ring on. She sighed inwardly. It didn't matter.. No one had believed she was engaged anyway and it had certainly not been much of a defence against Rory Maragal's attentions. She wondered why she had bothered in the first place. Within twenty minutes Kirk was pulling up alongside several more cars on a bare space of land, and Sonia could see the entrance to the caves ahead of them. As they stepped into the semi-dark interior, Kirk's arm guided Sonia down the rock passages. The ground was uneven and she was grateful for the steadying arm until she became accustomed to the half-light in the caves. By the time they reached the first chamber her sight had adjusted and she stood entranced at the wonder before her. The walls first caught her attention. They glowed with soft pulsating lights of crystal gemstudded beauty—Blues, greens, purples, intermingling, giving a fairytale effect, enhanced by the weird shapes of stalactites hanging from the roof. Her eyes followed the shapes down and ,

saw the stalagmites rising as it were from the 71

floor of the cave to meet their -counterparts. They too had a beauty of their own and glowed translucent white, like a magician's wand, she thought. 'It's beautiful, Kirk. Thank you for bringing me,' she whispered. `My pleasure, ma'am,' he murmured softly. `When you're ready, we'll move on. This is only one of many.' He took her arm again as they moved away. The farther they walked into the heart of the caves, the colder it became. In her light linen suit, Sonia shivered, and immediately Kirk was contrite. 'I'm sorry, honey, I should have told you to wear something warmer. Here—' He slipped his blazer off and placed it round her shoulders. The warmth was heavenly; however, Sonia was worried about Kirk. His cream silk shirt would not give him much protection against the icy air circulating around them. 'Now you'll be frozen,' she exclaimed. He laughed, and placed an arm around her waist. 'We'll have to stay close, then, won't we?' he murmured. Sonia wasn't too sure about this and hoped she hadn't miscalculated Kirk's easy-going nature. The sound of voices reached them as they entered a smaller chamber and she felt a stab of relief ; she had forgotten the other visitors. While they stood gazing at the scene before 72

them, Sonia noted the colours were different here. Soft translucent pinks shot through with a brilliant orange that no paintbrush could ever reproduce, outshone the muted but still lovely mauves and blues. Glancing up, she saw how this effect had been produced. The sun had penetrated through a tiny chink in the roof of the chamber, giving just enough light to tint the crystal studded walls. The formations of limestone, as in the previous cave, formed fantastic shapes. It would be easy, Sonia thought, to imagine one was looking down on some medieval city, frozen into immobility. Her eye caught one particular formation; that of course would be the castle, she mused. And those delicate fernlike structures where the surrounding gardens. Completely lost in her reverie, she jumped when one of the visitors on their way out spoke to them. `It's Mr Dilson, isn't it?' queried a middleaged lady, peering intently at Kirk. Kirk started, and looked at the woman. 'Mrs Cape?' he queried, as if not quite sure. The woman giggled in a rather affected manner. 'Right first time,' she said. Sonia then came under a hard scrutiny. The fact that Kirk still held his arm round her waist did not go unseen. 'Enjoying your visit, Miss Wells?' Sonia started much as Kirk had done. She had no idea who the woman was, however she 73

answered politely, 'Very much, thank you.' `I should have thought,' went on the woman rather persistently, 'you would have been at the garden party.' Kirk answered in a mild voice, but Sonia sensed he was quite furious. 'We just felt like a change of scenery, you know,' he drawled. The high-pitched giggle came forth again and the woman moved on after replying, 'Quite so,' in an amused voice. When they were alone again, Kirk looked down at Sonia and pulled a wry face. 'That's torn it,' he said. 'We've just met the island gossip. It'll be all over the place by this evening.' Sonia was not a bit perturbed. In fact, she rather welcomed the news, particularly if a certain person heard it, but how would it affect Kirk? she wondered. As if answering her unspoken thoughts, he said, 'I'm already in the black my end. How about you?' he grinned. Sonia grimaced and gave a slight shrug. He chuckled and gave her a quick hug. 'Guess you're in the same boat, honey. We're just a couple of misunderstood folk, huh?' When all the chambers of the cave had been seen, they walked out into the brilliant sunshine. Sonia blinked for a moment or so, blinded by the light. The warm rays soon reached her and she took off Kirk's blazer and handed it to him with 74

a, 'Thank you.' Starting the car up, Kirk remarked, 'We might as well go the whole hog, so we'll make a day of it. I'm going to take you out to dinner.' Sonia did not think this was a good idea. Not that she didn't want Kirk to take her out to dinner, but she felt he was in enough trouble as it was. 'Don't you think you ought to go back to Soya Sands?' she asked him, giving him a sombre look. 'What I mean is, your father does

want that contract, doesn't he ?' she added

meaningly. `Oh, sure,' shrugged Kirk, then gave her a grin. 'I've got my story worked out, it's okay. I'll tell Dad I thought it was a good idea to keep the opposition's heavy artillery occupied.' He gave her a sideways look. 'Give Babs a bit more leeway,' he grinned. Sonia tried to look indignant, but failed. 'So that's why you asked me out, was it?' she said. He accelerated the egine and Sonia could only just get his reply. 'Hell, no, I sorta get a kick out of annoying Maragal. You should have seen his expression when George and Chloe turned up without you! You know what, honey? I kinda feel sorry for that guy—George, I mean, he's sure blotted his copybook.' He shot Sonia a quick look. 'Guess you've resigned, huh? Why not join our set-up? We could use a hostess with your looks. What do you say?' 75

She was lost for words. If only George could have heard that invitation! 'It's very nice of you, Kirk,' she said quickly, 'but I'm perfectly happy where I am. I do happen to be George's sister, you know. It's a bit complicated, but my mother married George's father when I was seven, and I really do happen to be here purely ou Kirk's eyebrows raised. 'Straight up?' he asked. Sonia nodded. `Then all that spiel about being a hostess was

eyewash?' he queried. She grinned. 'Well, I was provoked, you know.' `Well, well,' he drawled, grinning. 'Guess he gets you as much as he gets me, huh?' Sonia's expression confirmed this statement. He chuckled. 'You've just made my day, sweetheart,' he said. 'Now I can really go to town.' Sonia was not too sure how to interpret this, but she was not really worried. Kirk she could handle, Rory Maragal she couldn't. It was as simple as that.

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CHAPTER FOUR KIRK took Sonia back just after midnight. They had dined and danced the evening away, and Sonia had enjoyed every moment. Kirk was an amusing companion. He had only stepped out of line once, and Sonia without meaning to had given the incentive. It happened after they had arrived back at George's house. As Kirk escorted her to the door, Sonia noted that only the porch light was on, and knew Chloe and George were not yet back from Soya Sands. Considering George's attitude to her friendship with Kirk, she thought it might be a good idea if they did not meet; the explanations as to why she was hobnobbing with the enemy camp could come later. She held her hand out to Kirk when they reached the door. 'Thank you for a lovely day,' she smiled. 'I've really enjoyed it.' Kirk looked at her offered hand and grinned. `Is that all I get, honey?' he queried. 'Well,' she said, answering his grin, 'I suppose a handshake is a bit formal.' She held her face up to him. 'You may kiss my cheek,' she said primly. 77

He caught her to him. `Cheek be damned,' he said, and gave the surprised Sonia a quick hard kiss full on the mouth. It was not unpleasant, but she had no intention of letting things get out of hand. She gently tried to extricate herself from his arms. 'I must go now, Kirk,' she said. He did not release her, but bending his head once more, he murmured, 'Just one for the road, then,' and kissed her again. This time the kiss was longer and more possessive. When he finally lifted his head, he gazed at her with slightly lifted brows, then said softly, 'You know, baby, I could really go for you. I'm not sure I haven't already gone overboard.' He made as if to pull her to him again, but Sonia, taking advantage of his relaxed hold pulled herself free. 'Now, Kirk,' she said in a determined voice, 'don't spoil the evening. Behave yourself !' This produced another grin, much to Sonia's relief. He lifted one arm up in mock surrender. `Okay, whatever you say, sweetheart. See you Friday, huh?' Sonia nodded. She felt rather mean, and for a brief instant pondered on telling him her plan to leave the island. But she decided against this He would no doubt offer to take her and after what had just happened she would be stepping 78

from one complication to another. The holiday she had so looked forward to, she thought with exasperation as she finally closed the door behind her, was proving more like an assault course for the marines ! After a quick shower she went to bed. About to put out her light, she heard the car come up the drive. Hastily she switched off and snuggled down; Chloe could tell her about the garden party tomorrow. Chloe, however, thought differently. Within a few minutes of their arrival Sonia's light was switched on and Chloe was demanding to know if she was awake. Sonia sat up wearily. 'I was almost asleep,' she complained. Giving her a sardonic look, Chloe retorted, `You must be tired, then,' adding dryly. 'We passed Kirk down the road. I suppose he'd just dropped you off ?' Sonia sighed, then nodded. She then gave Chloe a hopeful look. Did you fix things for tomorrow?' she asked. Somewhat grimly Chloe replied, 'I did—after today I'd even consider rowing you across, all seven miles of it! Neither George nor I are very popular at the moment.' She stared at Sonia. `Did you have to go careering round the place with Kirk, today of all days? I thought you were going to take it easy and rest,' she said 79

accusingly. Sonia's brows rose. It was not like Chloe to get mad. It didn't sound as if she had enjoyed her day out one bit. 'I didn't know Kirk would call,' she said mildly, 'honestly, Chloe. He asked me if I'd like to see the crystal caves, and I said yes.' She added bitterly, 'Thanks to Rory Maragal my sightseeing tours have been non-existent.' Chloe sighed heavily and sat down on the bed, giving Sonia a half apologetic smile. 'Forgive me, dear, it's not your fault.' She sighed again. 'It's just that we've had a perfectly ghastly afternoon—and come to that, evening as well. I wanted to come away, but George would stick it out.' She frowned. 'It's a bit odd really. He

knows he's not going to get the contract, yet he won't give in. I can't make it out.' Sonia could. She did not enlighten Chloe; instead she asked a question that had been puzzling her. 'How did you know I went out with Kirk anyway ?' Kicking off her shoes, Chloe sighed with relief, and wriggling her toes, freed now of their restriction, answered, 'It's a very small island, dear. No doubt Rory would have known tomorrow anyway. I only wish he hadn't known today. Not after George's earlier apology for your absence on the plea of tiredness,' she said dryly. 'Dear old Mrs Cape proved our undoing. It was sheer

8o

bad luck that she chose that day to show some visitors over the caves before attending the garden party.' She waved her hands in the air in exasperation. 'She's just a silly woman—didn't mean to make trouble, but she's got such a strident voice. Rory was only a few yards away when she told me she'd just bumped into you and Kirk in the caves, and made things worse by hinting that you were more or less canoodling in there.' She stared at Sonia. 'Were you ?' she asked. Sonia looked indignant. 'Of course not ! I was frozen and Kirk loaned me his blazer, and then we shared it.' She grinned suddenly. 'You know, I suppose it would have looked a bit like canoodling, but it wasn't.' `Well,' went on Chloe, 'any hope that Rory hadn't heard was soon dispelled. George and I were given the cold shoulder treatment with a vengeance ! We weren't the only ones out in the cold. Kirk's father came in for a fair share of it too.' She got up and smoothed her dress down. `You know what?' she said. 'After today's showing, George has as much chance of success as the Dilsons have. I thought he'd shout and rave about your behaviour after we'd left, but he didn't say a word. In fact he seemed mighty pleased with himself.' Sonia slid down between the sheets. 'Good8

night, Chloe,' she said in a determined way. As Chloe reached the door, she emerged in time to ask, 'What time tomorrow? For the off, I mean,' she added. `Ten-thirty,' said Chloe. 'And I haven't told George yet: Sonia had a sudden premonition. 'Don't tell him, Chloe. Not until after I've left. I've got a nasty feeling he might make things difficult.' Chole sighed. 'I've a feeling I might have to come with you,' she said dolefully, and left. By ten o'clock the following morning Sonia was packed. At fifteen minutes past the hour Chloe, having taken George to the office, was waiting for her in the car. As Sonia got in, Chloe remarked, 'George wanted to know why I wanted the car.' She pulled a face at Sonia. 'Honestly, a few more weeks of this, and I believe I'd become an accomplished liar ! I told him I was taking you sightseeing.' She switched on the ignition. 'I only want to forget to go and fetch him back and I'll really be in trouble,' she sighed. `Never mind,' said Sonia consolingly. 'After today, you can get back to normal.' `Thank you for those kind words,' said Chloe dryly, as she swept the car down the drive. `Sammy said he'd pick you up at Sawyers Beach,' she informed Sonia. 'He does the trip several 82

times a week—acts as a sort of courier. Does well at it by all accounts.' `Do I pay him before we leave,' asked Sonia, `or when we get to Hamilton?' `That's all taken care of,' said Chloe. 'George will settle with him later.' `When he's calmed down?' grinned Sonia, then seeing Chloe frown, she felt contrite. 'I do wish you were coming with me, Chloe,' she said. Chloe sighed. 'So do I. But with all this uncertainty about that wretched project, I simply can't just take off. If—and my goodness, what an if ! —George by some miracle does pull it off, he'll have to go back to London for a week or so to start the ball rolling their end, so I have to stay put for the time being.' Watching the passing scenery, Sonia felt sorry she was leaving. The island had captured her after all. In the distance she saw fields of lilies, and figures moving up and down the lines, their bright-patterned shirts giving a splash of colour in that expanse of white. Soon Chloe was pulling off the road and taking a well-beaten track that eventually led down to a small beach. Ahead of them lay the sea, sparkling in the bright sunlight, looking like blue trefoil. Sonia smothered a sigh. The Bahamas, she told herself stoutly, would be just as wonderful. The car stopped beside a shanty-looking erec83

tion. Chloe looked up and down the beach and frowned. 'He should be here,' she said. 'I can't see his boat either. That's odd.' A stout native woman emerged from the but and strode towards them, a beaming smile on her face. `Howdy, Missus Denby. Sammy left about ten minutes ago. Did you want something?' she asked jovially. Chloe stared at her. But I asked him to take Miss Wells to the mainland. Are you sure he's gone, Tess, and not just out for a spell while he waited for us?' The woman shook her black hair decisively. `He's gone. I know 'cos I helped him load.' She stared unblinking at them. 'Didn't say anything about taking anyone over.' Chloe thought for a moment, then asked abruptly, 'Did he go to the big house this morning?' Tess nodded. Chloe's brows were raised. She turned to Sonia. 'Come on, dear. It's no use waiting.' As the car moved forward, Sonia asked, 'Do you think he forgot?' Looking thoughtful, Chloe replied non-committally, 'Maybe, but I don't think so. We'll try Jimmy Hanks. That is,' she looked at Sonia, 'if you're still determined to go today.' It was phrased as a hopeful question. Sonia 84

pursed her lips together; she hadn't forgotten her last meeting with Rory Maragal. 'I'm determined,' she said quietly. Chloe sighed and turned her attention to the road again. This time they went in the opposite direction from where they had come. Within ten minutes they were once more swishing along a sandy track towards another inlet. As they neared the beach a boat could be seen drawn up on the sand, and what was better, a man busy piling boxes stacked up beside the boat into the craft. When the car stopped he straightened up and gave the usual grin of welcome. He was tanned almost black, and his bright red shirt made Sonia blink. His tattered shorts were beyond repair, his ensemble was completed by an equally dilapidated panama hat. He greeted Chloe, and stared with interest at Sonia. `Jimmy, can you take this lady over to the mainland ?' asked Chloe. A grin showing stained teeth was given. 'Sure can,' he smiled. 'Now, missus ?' Chloe nodded briefly, then turned to Sonia. `So you're going to make it after all,' she said. Sonia collected her case from the car and was about to place it in the boat when the sound of a motor boat cut across the bay. `Hold on a bit, miss,' muttered Jimmy, and 85

quickly took the case out of her hand and hid it behind the boat's hull. Sonia looked in amazement at Chloe. Chloe chuckled. 'Coastguard,' she explained. 'Jimmy's had a bit of trouble in that direction. Don't worry, they'll pass on, you'll still make the trip.' A large white craft swept into view from the curve of the harbour. As it passed them the guard hailed Jimmy, 'You keeping doggo, fellow?' Jimmy grinned and nodded vigorously. The coastguard nodded back solemnly, and the boat moved on, but it did not go far. In fact it only appeared to be moving off, but stayed stationary in full view of the inlet. Jimmy's face fell. He looked at Chloe. 'No trip,' he muttered. 'Got to stay put, like that fellow says.' Chloe's brows were raised once again. 'It's all right, Jimmy, it's not your fault. Some other time, perhaps,' she said. Turning to Sonia, she shrugged, and opened the car door. Jimmy made a crablike movement and retrieved the case under cover; with his back to the coastguard's boat, he handed it back to Sonia. A slightly bewildered Sonia took the case and got back into the car. Chloe started up, and they moved off. After a few minutes she looked at Sonia. 'I have a definite feeling we're being got at,' she observed.

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Sonia stared at her. Tut why ?' she asked. Chloe's eyes narrowed. 'I may be wrong, but I think someone doesn't intend you to leave. I give you three guesses.' Feeling a stab of apprehension, Sonia exclaimed, 'He wouldn't ! ' `He jolly well would—and, it appears, has ! ' answered Chloe. 'You heard me ask Tess if Sammy had been up to the big house, didn't you?' `Yes,' said Sonia slowly. `Well,' continued Chloe, 'Sammy wouldn't go there unless he was summoned. The big house is Soya Sands.' `But,' stuttered Sonia, 'no one knew I was leaving. No, Chloe, it's just coincidence. I don't know about the coastguard business, but you said yourself that Jimmy had been in trouble. I suppose that's why they're keeping an eye on him.' `They watch him, yes,' replied Chloe, 'but not that close. Trouble with Jimmy is he's not fussy what he trades in. If they suspect he's up to something a warning is usually enough to make him toe the line, he's not really a villain. Preventing him taking the boat out is certainly not normal procedure, I can assure you.' She screwed her eyes up in concentration. 'As for no one knowing, well, Sammy might have mentioned it to someone, and as I've said, it's a very 87

small island.' And getting smaller every minute,' muttered Sonia gloomily. Patting her on the shoulder, Chloe said, 'Never mind, pet, the ferry still leaves on Saturday, and even Rory can't prevent that leaving.'

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CHAPTER FIVE THE rest of the Wednesday and the Thursday slipped by without any intrusion on their privacy. Chloe really did take Sonia sightseeing this time. George tried to dissuade her from leaving on Saturday. 'Give it another week,' he said placatingly. 'You've just got off on the wrong foot with Rory.' `And who,' demanded Sonia, 'is to blame for that? I arrive in all innocence hoping to enjoy a few weeks' sunshine and find I'm cast for the leading role in your financial stakes. I feel like the sacrificial lamb waiting for the wolf to pounce ! ' George looked hurt. 'I don't know how you gained that impression of Rory. I can assure you he's a perfect gentleman. Of course,' he said huffily, 'if you will provoke him he's bound to react.' He sighed. 'If only I'd placed you next to Chloe or myself at lunch that day a lot of this trouble could have been avoided. I will admit to being a bit precipitate in introducing you to him. I should have let you settle in first and get the feel of things. However, it's too late now. Should he invite you to any other function I 89

would ask you to accept the invitation,' he said sternly. 'And this time try to make it a pleasant occasion for all concerned.' He was silent for a moment or so as if giving Sonia time to weigh carhis efuly words, then he went on. 'I have,' he said , 'been toying with the idea of settling here—permanently, I mean. Chloe likes the island as much as I do,' he smiled across at the surprised Chloe. 'Well?' he asked. 'You keep on telling me I ought to take a back seat. I can't think of a nicer place to settle, can you?' Chloe's eyes shone. 'George ! It's a wonderful idea,' she enthused. George's gaze centred on the carpet. 'Of course,' he murmured, 'getting that contract would have been a nice way to end my active days with the firm. Still, we must wait and see.' Sonia had a nasty feeling he was trying to tell her something, and she didn't want to know. It was all very well for George. Had he been a five foot two blonde with nicely shaped proportions he might have seen things her way. She wondered about the invitation he had hinted at. She just couldn't see Rory Maragal handing out any such invitation. His total absence from the scene was, to her way of thinking, a sure sign that he had lost interest. She did not believe in Chloe's theory that he had stopped her leaving the island. Now if he were to throw a farewell party for her, in celebration of her departure, that she 90

could believe. He might even go to the extent of having a brass band play her off on the ferry ! When Friday came and still no sign or indeed invitation from the owner of the island, Sonia began to really relax and even begin to consider staying on as George had suggested. She had accompanied Chloe on several social calls to a few of the island's residents, and the small talk would invariably include some mention of Rory Maragal. To her surprise she found he was not only popular but highly respected. She also learnt that he had spent the previous two days on the mainland for business reasons, and wondered whether Kirk's visit was in any way connected. She thanked her lucky stars she had not begged a lift from him; for all she knew they might have gone over on the same transport. She would often find Chloe's amused eyes on her, when an acclamation of Rory's virtues was sung. It appeared she was the odd man out, everyone else thought he was wonderful. No—correction. Kirk disliked his high-handed ways as much as she did; she could now understand Kirk's blithe remark about them being two misunderstood folk! Well, that's as may be, she thought, as she changed into her bikini ready for an afternoon's sunbathing session. Chloe had another social call to make that afternoon and had tried to inveigle Sonia into accompanying her, but Sonia was not keen on venturing far from 9'

the house. She knew Rory Maragal was back and meant to stay out of his way. The sun loggia at the back of the house was, to her, an ideal retreat, with Chloe out and George at the office. Whoever called would get no response, either by phone or door bell. Danny had gone into town with George to collect provisions, and Sonia was taking no chances. After making sure she had everything she needed, she stretched out luxuriously on the sun lounger. The warm rays penetrated the loggia canopy, and while she smoothed the sun oil over her arms and legs, she gazed out at the panoramic view before her. George's house, like most of the dwellings on the island, was built on a hillside, thus affording magnificent views from all angles. As her eyes took in the curve of a distant beach, palm trees, and bright splashes of colour from the eternal parade of flowers, she well understood George wanting to settle there, and hoped he would be allowed to. She sighed; George and Chloe were all the family she had. If only things could have been different ! It looked as if she wouldn't be seeing much of them in the future. Having completed oiling her arms and legs, she turned over on her back and released the catch on her bra to get the full rays of the sun on her exposed back. She was just being lulled into a pleasant soporific state when a voice 92

spoke. `So you did bring the bikini ! ' Sonia stiffened, jerked into wakefulness with a vengeance. `Oh, don't get up,' drawled Rory Maragal, obviously amused at her predicament at being unable to move without completely exposing herself. She gritted her teeth. `My brother is at the office, and Chloe is visiting,' she said stiffly. `No matter,' he said maddeningly. It's you I've come to see.' Sonia glanced at her wrap. If only she could reach it! `Would you like some oil on your back ?' he asked smoothly. `I'm quite good at providing such services.' Sonia clutched her bra at each side of her. `No, thank you,' she replied icily. 'What did you want to see me about ?' She squinted up at him towering above her. He wore casual wear—shirt of tan, open at the neck, and brown slacks. He pulled another lounger up and sat beside her. Sonia fumed. He hadn't, she thought furiously, the grace to turn around while she made herself presentable, and she wouldn't ask him for all the tea in China! Something told her his answer would not be a conventional one. `Your back's getting very red,' he observed. `It's such a beautiful back too, so I insist.' He 93.

knelt down beside her and picked up the lotion. `Don't you dare!' snapped Sonia. `It is not wise, Miss Wells, to dare me, you know. I'm rather apt to take up the challenge.' Sonia closed her eyes. She couldn't win. She wondered why she bothered. She felt the smooth gentle strokes over her back. Under this expert treatment she wanted to relax, but dared not. She was horribly embarrassed and extremely tense. 'Thank you,' she said hastily. 'I'm sure that's enough.' `Don't you like it ?' he said softly. His stroking fingers now had the touch of a lover. Sonia's heartbeats beat a staccato. 'No,' she said breathlessly, 'I don't. Please tell me what you want to see me about, and let me get on with my sunbathing.' He sighed, but did as she requested. Sonia was ashamed to feel sorry he had obeyed her command. This time he did not sit back on the lounger, but settled right beside her. It was easier for her not to have to squint up at him, but more uncomfortable physically as his nearness disturbed her. Her eyes rested momentarily on the open neck of his shirt and she could see the dark hairs on his chest. She averted her eyes quickly. His next action disturbed her even more. He calmly reached over her and caught the ends of the bra, clipping them together. 'That is more comfortable for you, is it not? I would hate you 94

to get a crick in the neck,' he murmured. Sonia could now move, and she did. Sitting up, she swiftly reached for her wrap. He gave an elaborate sigh. 'You have a beautiful body too. Why cover it up?' She gave him a haughty look. 'I've had enough sun for one day,'-she said icily, wishing he would get to the point of his visit. Raising his eloquent brows, he then commented, 'So you really are leaving on Saturday ?' Sonia did not reply, but watched him warily. She could guess what was coming, the invitation George had warned her about. However, she was mistaken. `I gathered from George that he expected you to stay at least two more weeks,' he went on. Still Sonia remained silent. `I want you to stay,' he continued abruptly, making it sound more like an order than an invitation. Sonia's lips straightened. Had he attempted to apologise for his earlier behaviour she might have considered staying; as it was, there was every chance of similar happenings. 'If I stay, will you give your word that you won't molest me again?' she asked challengingly. He caught her hand and held it to his lips. The feel of them on her palm made her want to shiver, and she tried to snatch her hand away, but he refused to release it. His eyes mocked her 95

as he replied briefly, 'No.' `Then that is my answer too,' she said coldly, managing at last to free her hand. `You haven't gone yet. It was a pity about Wednesday, wasn't it?' he said smoothly. Sonia took a deep breath. So Chloe had been right! Rory had stopped her from leaving. He was telling her so. 'I hear the ferry is most reliable,' she said casually. His eyes narrowed, and she sensed his fury. `I am not,' he said haughtily, 'in the habit of begging for a woman's company.' That, thought Sonia, was pretty obvious. He wouldn't know how to begin! He was too proud. `I suppose,' she said slowly, 'I should be honoured ! You must forgive my reluctance to show it.' Now he was good and mad. His eyes blazed. `Yes, you should be honoured ! ' He caught her wrist, and Sonia thought he was going to jerk her to him, but instead he made a tremendous effort to control his reflexes, and his hold on her tightened. She gasped. 'Go on,' she grated out. 'Show me how strong you are ! I'm no match for you physically." `Not physically or mentally, Miss Wells,' he grated. He released her suddenly and she all but staggered back. With narrowed eyes he watched her, then said quietly, 'The time will come when g6

you will beg for my company.' Sonia stared at him. Once again she thought what an extraordinary man he was. She hadn't time to work out the implication of this remark as, to her relief, Chloe arrived. `Rory, how nice of you to call in. Would you like some tea ?' she asked solicitously. Sonia frowned. She was sure he had been about to depart. Perhaps he would refuse. But her hopes were dashed as she heard him accept the invitation courteously. Chloe left to order the tea. Sonia could feel his eyes on her as she watched Chloe walk back to the house. `I suppose George has informed you about the dinner party I'm giving tonight?' he said brusquely. Sonia stared at him. 'He hasn't, as a matter of fact,' she said stiffly. `He accepted,' he continued harshly, 'on your behalf. I trust this time you have no previous engagement ?' She had—with Kirk, and she knew Rory was also thinking of Kirk. She also recalled George's advice, if advice it could be called, she thought sardonically. She started when he spoke again. `Well?' he asked curtly. Mentally apologising to Kirk, she muttered that she would be present, consoling herself with the thought that George would be pleased, and it was her last night. 97

Chloe came back, followed by Danny carrying a loaded tray which he deposited on a small table Chloe pulled out for him. The atmosphere was somewhat strained, and Chloe, sensing it, said, 'George ought to be back soon. He finishes early these days, it's just a matter now of winding things up.' Accepting the cup Chloe handed him, Rory glanced quickly at her. 'Winding up ?' he queried. 'Is someone else taking over, then?' Handing round the sandwiches, Chloe smiled. `It's not necessary now, is it?' she replied brightly. He frowned. 'He doesn't want the contract, then?' he asked. Chloe stared at him, then looked at Sonia, the surprise evident in her eyes. Sonia watched Rory closely. `I—we—that is . . .' stammered Chloe, then gave up the struggle. 'We were given to understand you'd awarded the contract to another firm,' she said bravely. His glance travelled from her to Sonia. 'By whom?' he asked haughtily. Chloe cast Sonia a look of 'it's your turn now'. Sonia spoke up. 'I told them,' she said coldly. `If you remember, you told me to tell George he wouldn't get the contract. Or,' her eyes sparked green fire, 'words to that effect. I'd had rather a nasty experience before that, you see, so I can't 98

recall the exact wording, but I got the gist of the conversation.' His eyes narrowed, and Sonia was glad of Chloe's company. 'Might I refresh your memory?' he said softly. 'I believe the words were that I didn't think George would get the contract—there's a difference, you know. However,' he went on airily, 'certain events during the past twenty-four hours have changed the situation in his favour,' Sonia did not like the look he shot at her while he spoke. Was he hoping she would change her mind and stay if he gave George the contract? Her eyes took in the scenic view before them. She was catching that ferry no matter what ! Chloe threw a bewildered look at her, then with some relief saw George approaching. `Here's George,' she remarked loudly. George advanced slowly towards the party. It was clear from his approach that he was unsure of a welcome from Rory; relations had been somewhat strained during their last meeting. But the man himself settled his dilemma. `How soon can you get things rolling, George ?' he asked as if discussing the weather. George started, then pulled himself together. He answered quickly, 'Just give the word and we're off.' `Right,' answered Rory briskly, 'go ahead.'

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He got up and turned to Chloe and Sonia; `I'm sure you'll excuse us,' then he turned back to George. 'Shall we retire to the study?' he queried. A highly delighted George led the way back to the house, leaving Chloe and Sonia staring at each other. There was amazement in Chloe's eyes and cynicism in Sonia's. `What do you know? He's got that contract,' Chloe gasped in wonderment. Sonia took another sip of her tea. 'There'd better not be any strings attached,' she said darkly. Chloe stared at Sonia. 'Well, of course not !' she said indignantly. 'George knows that. I should hardly think anything like that's on the cards, judging by the way you two were glaring at each other when I arrived.' She was silent for a moment or so, then gave Sonia a sly look. `He's not exactly giving up, is he?' she grinned. Sonia gave her a look of pure exasperation. `Neither am I,' she said bitingly. 'You were right —he did stop me leaving on Wednesday.' Chloe's eyes shone. 'I knew it ! ' she said in high delight. 'Did he actually say so?' Sonia shrugged. 'Not in so many words.' She repeated the conversation. After a moment's thoughtful silence, Chloe's only comment was a slow, 'Huh-huh.' Sonia did not ask for an interpretation. 100

CHAPTER SIX BY the time Chloe and Sonia got back to the house Rory had gone, and George a little belatedly told them about the dinner party that' evening. Chloe, casting an anxious glance at Sonia, remarked, 'It's Sonia's last evening, George, do you think we ought to?' George's brows rose. 'My dear girl,' he said exasperatingly, 'you do realise we've got the contract, don't you? We can't possibly refuse— Sonia doesn't have to go, does she? Besides, what's to stop her spending a few days in the Bahamas and coming back to us for the remainder of her vacation?' He looked at Sonia. 'Well, how about it? Get the Bahamas out of your system and come back. You've no need to go home until September, have you? Remember I shall be extremely busy for the next few months dodging over to London now and again to get things started, so Chloe could do with some company.' Sonia heard him out impassively. Now where

had he got that idea from? He knew very well she usually booked some of her vacation with friends. This year a fortnight's cruising on the 101

Norfolk Broads had been arranged and she couldn't see herself forgoing that for the pleasure of being chased round this island by Rory Maragal. She knew Chloe would understand— besides, she thought crossly, George had known she wouldn't be staying longer than three weeks, he had even told Rory this, so he could hardly have forgotten. This, then, she thought darkly, was one of the strings that had been attached to the securing of the contract. Well, it just wasn't on, but she wouldn't argue it out now. George could be very obstinate, he could bring up the fact that Sonia hardly ever saw them, and lay it on thick that she preferred her college friends' company to theirs. It wouldn't occur to him that it wasn't Sonia's fault that she didn't see much of them, if he hadn't elected to chase about the globe on the firm's business, but put down roots somewhere as Chloe had suggested, Sonia would have seen much more of them. Carefully studying her nails, she took the line of least resistance and murmured that she would think about it. It didn't occur to her until afterwards that no mention had been made of her fabricated fiancé. She had missed a golden opportunity in not bringing him to life again. She sighed as she got ready for the dinner party. Chloe wasn't the only one who was a rotten liar. George hadn't believed a word of it. She ought to have been a IO2

bit more convincing and picked someone he knew, one of her old admirers, but she would have been in more trouble had he taken it into his head to ring him up and congratulate him, or worse still, invite him to spend a few weeks with them. As she slipped into a sea-green dress that shimmered as the light caught the gold threads interlaced in the diaphanous material, she thought of Rory Maragal. He hadn't believed it either—or had he? He never failed to remark on the ring, whether she wore it or not. No matter. She slipped it on again; it was fitting she should wear it for her last appearance. She had no intention of returning to the island once she had made her escape. She could deal with George at a distance, and not only George, she thought, as she plaited her hair coronet style on top of her head. She was taking one last critical look at herself when Chloe came in looking stunning in a white velvet dress. She studied Sonia's new hair-style with her head on one side. `Mmm, suits you,' she commented. 'Who are we out to impress?' she added with twinkling eyes. Sonia's eyes met hers in the mirror. 'As this will positively be my last appearance,' she announced, trying to effect a haughty expression that didn't quite come off, 'I feel I owe it to George to keep the flag flying.' 103

`Even though it's a red one,' giggled Chloe. Sonia gave up trying to look impressive and chuckled. She was just fastening a single rope of pearls round her neck when Chloe exclaimed, `Here, wait a bit,' and rushed out of the room. Minutes later she came back triumphantly displaying a choker of delicate gold filigree encrusted with green jade. She removed Sonia's pearl necklet and replaced it with the choker. Standing back to see the effect, she nodded slowly. ` Makes you look like Royalty,' she commented. Then quite suddenly her eyes filled with tears. `Sonia—couldn't you just try? I shall miss you terribly.' Sonia's lips straightened. She knew what was in Chloe's mind. But Chloe hadn't been on the receiving end of Rory Maragal's dubious advances. She was still of the opinion that Sonia could capture him. Her mouth twisted wryly, What could one do with a tiger on a bit of string? Run for it ! —and that was just what she intended doing ! She sighed and patted Chloe gently on her shoulder. 'I shall miss you too, Chloe. Perhaps . . .' She let the sentence hang in mid-air. However, it sufficed to brighten Chloe's expression and they went to find George. Walking up Soya Sands' impressive entrance; Sonia noted two large stone eagles one on either side of the wide stone steps leading to the house, as if on guard duty. Once inside, she stood gazing 1 04

round the immense hall. She had not realised the house was so old or so large. Stone torches fixed against wood panelling made her feel as if she had stepped into another century. A great deal of trouble had been taken, she noted, to preserve its antiquity. A huge stone fireplace stood filled with logs; even in semi-tropical islands the . nights could be cold, and she had no doubt that those logs would be used should the occasion demand it. Her eyes travelled up and over the fireplace to rest on two businesslike cutlasses hung either side of the stonework above the fire. In the centre was a coat of arms. She walked nearer to study it. It depicted a displayed eagle, its great talons resting on a shield of green and gold. Sonia shivered. It was all a bit much. Chloe touched her arm and led her up the wide staircase to a small ante-room used as a cloakroom. There was one occupant there. Barbara Dilson was putting the 'finishing touches to her immaculate make-up as they entered the room. Chloe called a friendly 'Hello,' which was returned by a cool nod and an even cooler one to Sonia, and giving her hair one final pat, she left Chloe and Sonia in sole possession. Slipping off her wrap, Chloe remarked, 'Do you think she's heard that George has got the contract?' Sonia shrugged. 'She wasn't exactly enthusing 105

the last time we met, so it's hard to tell.' Chloe grinned. 'I wouldn't mind betting she doesn't care a fig about the business side of it. She's gone overboard for Rory, and that's one very spoilt young woman. I shouldn't walk down a dark staircase in front of her if I were you,' she added idly. Sonia was about to comment that she would have a clear field from tomorrow, when she remembered their earlier conversation, and held her tongue. It was not a large dinner party, Sonia found when they joined the rest of the guests. Just the Dilsons, Barbara and her father, George and Chloe, herself and their host. In fact, as it had been in the Sea King a few nights ago, with one exception—Kirk. Sonia wished he could have been present and she could have paired up with him. Barbara had already made her preference clear, she noted as they walked towards the small assembly. She had stationed herself next to Rory as he welcomed them to his home, looking as if she considered that her rightful place. Mr Dilson asked Sonia if she had danced any good rumbas lately. He seemed in good spirits in spite of the loss of the contract. He had congratulated George on his success, and Sonia warmed to him. He was a good loser. Out of the corner of her eye she watched Barbara's attempts to monopolise Rory at the dinner table. o6

She did not look straight at him, once had been enough, when she had caught him studying her quite openly while almost absentmindedly replying to a question of Barbara's. Chloe had been placed on his left, and George on his right, an arrangement which had made Barbara's eyes snap in annoyance. Sonia sat next to Chloe and Mr Dilson next to George, so in actual fact Barbara, placed next to her father, was in what might be considered a relegated position. Not that she intended this in any way to inhibit her. Each question and remark was directed at Rory, there might have only been the two of them present, and could hardly be called good manners. Sonia saw Mr Dilson frown once or twice at his daughter's obvious attempts to capture their host's attention, and she was obvious, thought Sonia, and remembered Chloe making the same observation. Take the way she was looking at him now. All eyes, and hanging on his every word. Curiosity as to how Rory was taking all this adoration made her forget her earlier resolve not to look at him and found herself meeting his eyes. They held a mocking amusement and something else. Sonia hastily applied herself to her soup, but she was still very much aware of him such a short distance away from her. In a dark tuxedo with a sparkling white frilled front shirt, he looked wholly Spanish. Sonia couldn't 107

see where the English side came in, unless it was in those penetrating grey eyes of his. She found herself fervently wishing she had worn something simple, for she felt overdressed, more suitable for a night at the opera than a small dinner party. Whatever possessed her to wear the elegant but eye-catching choker Chloe had routed out for her, she would never know. But she did know. She had wanted to look her best. It had been a quite deliberate act on her part. The feminine side of her appreciated Rory's attentions; it was his intentions she couldn't stomach, apart from his earlier treatment of her. Remembering some of his remarks, she reversed her thoughts on the manner of dress. She was glad she had dressed up to the occasion. He would no doubt think she was trying to impress him, and by the look in his eyes when he had first looked at her that evening, she had done that and more besides. He had quite blatantly shown his appreciation. As she watched an appetising-looking paella placed in the middle of the table, she recalled his curious prophecy that she would one day beg for his company. As if such a thing were possible, she thought sardonically. If she stayed and he got under her guard—she almost shivered. Yes, such a thing would then be possible, but she was not staying. On this comforting thought she turned to answer a question directed at her by 10 8

Mr Dilson and was soon immersed in a subject dear to her heart—university life. Mr Dilson was arguing the points for and against open universides, and George idly listening heard her say, `But Professor Inskip says . . `I say,' he interrupted, 'that's your fiancé, isn't it ?' Sonia was uncomfortably aware of Rory stopping in mid-sentence to answer yet another question of Barbara's, and looking pointedly at her hand. She was thankful she had remembered to wear the ring. 'Er ... yes,' she murmured, and hastily returned to the original subject. It was Chloe who brought up the subject of the past history of Soya Sands, which was of interest to all present. Rory's answers, though directed at Chloe, gave Sonia a distinct impression that the information was being given for her benefit alone. Was he, she wondered, trying to impress her now? If he was, he was wasting his time. He was certainly impressing Barbara, who every now and again gave a squeal of delight. `After dinner I shall show you the family heirlooms,' he said casually. 'I'm quite proud of them. Some of them date back to the fifteenth century.' He broke off and grinned at Mr Dilson. `It's no use making an offer for any of them, I'm quite aware of your hobby, but they're definitely not for sale. In fact,' he mused, 'it would be 1 09

quite impossible to put a price on them.' After coffee Rory took his guests through the house to a section even older than the main building, past a gunroom filled with weapons of every description to a small annexe leading off it. The room was fitted out like an exhibition. Glass cabinets placed in strategic positions exhibited delicate porcelain and fabulous Venetian glassware, its rich colours gleaming in the muted lights set in the cases. Mr Dilson was utterly enthralled, and later when Rory led them on past the cabinets, he had to be persuaded to follow them. At the far end of the room was a small modern safe which Rory opened and drew out a medium sized black jewel-case. Placing this on a table beside the safe, and unlocking the box with a small key, he detached from his key ring, he opened it. It contained several trays of glittering jewellery, each affixed in position by a small catch. He released the catch spring and removed certain pieces for closer inspection. Sonia felt depressed, certain now that he was not only trying to impress her, but that he seemed to be of the opinion that she could be bought, hence this opening up of the family treasure chest. When Barbara pressed in front of her for a closer look at the displayed jewels, she did not change her position but hung back slightly, grateful for the girl's bad manners. 110

Sonia actually preferred the view of the back of her midnight blue dress to the glittering gems; however, Rory was taller than Barbara, so when he picked up a pendant with a thick golden chain, and drew their attention to it, Sonia was forced to give her attention too. The pendant was beautiful, it was carved in what she presumed was gold in the shape of an eagle and encrusted with emeralds. As Rory held it, the light caught the gems and it seemed to come alive in his hand. 'This,' he murmured, 'is the piece de resistance.'

`It's the same as on the coat of arms, isn't it ?' queried Barbara, then sighed. 'It's beautiful.' Rory nodded and took his eyes off the pendant and looked directly at Sonia. 'As my forebears before me, I am bewitched by the colour green,' he said quietly. Sonia flushed and looked away quickly. Did he have to be so obvious? she thought furiously. `It's not considered lucky for some, is it?' broke in Barbara in a slightly high-pitched voice. Tor the Maragals it has brought nothing but good fortune,' he replied, his eyes still on Sonia. Barbara held her hand out. 'May I hold it ?' she asked. With the pendant in her hand, she turned towards a small oval mirror near her and started to put the pendant on. Rory's voice halted her. `I'd rather you didn't,' he said firmly. 'Only III

Maragal brides are given that privilege.' With heightened colour she handed it back to him, murmuring, 'How quaint,' but her eyes gave her thoughts away. Although Sonia did not care for Barbara, she was spoilt and bad-mannered, she did feel sorry for her at that exact moment. Whatever hopes she had nursed of becoming the island's first lady had been effectively quashed by a few bald words. Her dislike of Rory Maragal increased. He needn't have been quite so blunt. Mr Dilson coughed nervously,. and George hastily pointed to another piece and asked its history. Chloe drew Sonia's attention to a large emerald ring set in an antique setting of heavy gold. `That,' said Rory, noting their interest, 'is the Maragal betrothal ring, and these,' he picked up a triple-roped necklace of pearls and emeralds and matching bracelet, 'also.' Sonia couldn't resist remarking, 'Poor girls, they must have been weighed down ! ' She saw the flash of anger in his eyes, and quickly concentrated on the exhibits under glass. Chloe moved closer to her. 'You've made him mad again,' she whispered. `I know,' answered Sonia softly, 'but he had it coming.' `Shall we join our other guests?' Rory sugges112

ted. 'I believe most of them would have arrived by now for the evening's dancing.' Following him out of the room, George exclaimed, 'I say, oughtn't you to lock that lot away?' pointing to the box, now shut, but still on the table beside the safe. Glancing back at the box, Rory answered, `I'll do so later,' then back at George. 'I can trust my guests, you know,' he commented with a smile. The murmuring of voices met them as they reached the lounge. There were about a dozen people standing around in groups chatting amongst themselves. Sonia saw several curious looks darted her way as they greeted Rory. Considering she had met each one of them, either at the lunch given by George on the day of her arrival, or during the social calls Chloe had made with her, Sonia thought it a bit odd that she should be such an object of interest. It was, she mused, a very small island. The fact that she had not put in an appearance at the garden party had probably caused a lot of speculation and would be seen as a direct snub to their revered leader who could apparently do no wrong—as long as things went his way, that charwas. te She was sure her original estimate of his had been correct. No one, but no one, opposed Rory Maragal, it just wasn't done. No wonder they regarded her with curiosity! 113

Drinks were handed round, and the company moved out on to the lighted terraces. Sonia found Rory beside her as she went through the french windows. He lightly held her arm, which infuriated her, leaving an even more infuriated Barbara to follow with her father. A slightly apprehensive Chloe was right behind them. `So he's a professor, is he?' Rory murmured softly. 'Now I shouldn't have thought that was entirely a wise choice, my mermaid.' Sonia clamped her lips together. She wasn't quite sure what he was getting at, but she had a nasty suspicion he meant it hadn't been wise to pick on a professor as her fabricated fiancé; one thing she was certain of was that he was amused. As for calling her a mermaid—! Well, she knew what he meant by that. Mermaids were elusive, weren't they? Well, this particular one was going to be more than elusive! She suddenly caught sight of Kirk detaching himself from a group on the terraces and coming towards them, a grin of welcome on his face. He nodded to Rory, then looked at Sonia. 'Last night, huh ?' he said in mock sorrow. `She hasn't gone yet,' commented Rory meaningly. 'I'm hoping to persuade her to stay a while longer.' Kirk looked at Sonia, then back at Rory. His eyes narrowed. 'Trip to the Bahamas off, then?' he queried. I

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Sonia's eyes blazed. So he had thought the jewels would change her mind ! 'The trip is still on,' she said icily, and managed to smile at Kirk. `I'm leaving in the morning.' Kirk grinned. 'Well now,' he drawled, 'here's one fit and willing guide at your service, ma'am.' Sonia heard Rory draw in a quick breath and sensed his fury; however, when he spoke there was no trace of anger in his voice. `I'm not sure Miss Wells' fiancé would approve, you know,' he said blandly. Kirk started and stared at Sonia. Sonia glared at Rory. He didn't follow the conventions himself, but he obviously expected Kirk to do so. Barbara, who had been standing behind them, said in a silky voice, 'Hard luck, Kirk.' Kirk recovered swiftly and grinned. Any man who lets his girl loose in the Caribbean deserves all he gets,' he said, then to Sonia, 'If you belonged to me I wouldn't let you out of my sight.' `Kirk !' gasped Barbara, feigning surprise. `Have you been drinking?' Not liking the look in Rory's eyes as they rested on Kirk, Chloe quickly interposed, 'I'm sure Kirk was only being gallant. Sonia's fiancé couldn't get away, he'll probably join her in the Bahamas.' She looked quite pleased with herself over her sudden inspiration. Sonia threw her a grateful look. The music started up and before Kirk could "5

claim the dance, Rory had placed his arm round Sonia's waist and whirled her into the dance. She knew by the way he held her that she had blotted her copybook again. `So you like Kirk Dilson, do you ?' he said between clenched teeth. Sonia didn't answer. She was busy fighting off the panic waves this man invariably aroused in her. He held her too close for comfort. His eyes glinted down at her. 'Relax, mermaid,' he said harshly. 'You're quite safe, your watchdogs are not far away.' She wished she could obey this instruction, but it was impossible. Her eyes were on a level with the lapel of his jacket and she concentrated on the fine stitching of his shirt and wondered if it was hand-made—anything to take her mind off his nearness. He quite deliberately laid his cheek on her hair. 'You are very lovely,' he murmured softly. This new approach quite unnerved her. She preferred him in a temper. `And your fiancé?' he asked in that caressing voice that Sonia distrusted. She frowned and looked up at him, displacing his cheek from her hair with a tiny jerk. 'What about my fiancé ?' she asked warily. He sighed elaborately. F or once I find myself in agreement with Kirk Dilson. It is a little hard to believe that he would not accompany you on i

16

your holiday.' He swung her round swiftly to the tempo of the dance, and she had to wait until she got her breath back before she could answer. `He just couldn't get away,' she said. It was lame, and she knew it, and she wished she had never started the wretched business. Watching her closely, he said softly, 'I suppose as a professor he's a very busy man. You are partial to scholarly men, are you?' Sonia thought it was about time the dance ended. They did not seem to be near the rest of the guests. Come to think of it, the music seemed farther away too. She could not see much apart from Rory's immaculate tuxedo front, and her sudden move to glance back was curtailed by two very strong arms. She stopped dead in her tracks, guessing what had happened. He had successfully danced her away from the rest of the party. Her sudden stop coincided with a forward movement of his and she was flung against him, unable to stop the impact. His arms tightened around her and he chuckled. 'I didn't know you cared,' he murmured, and attempted to kiss her, but she moved her head quickly. `You are despicable ! ' she got out. Her heartbeats increasing alarmingly. His lips roamed her forehead as she struggled to free herself. 'How,' she gasped, out, 'would you like someone to act this way with your fiancée ?' `I should kill him,' he announced calmly, and 117

this time found her lips as she stared up indignantly at him. As his lips crushed hers, Sonia told herself she would be gone tomorrow. It was only a kiss anyway, and therefore no new experience for her, but it was a new experience; all other kisses must have been in the kindergarten class. Her senses swam, and her traitor of a heart cried out, asking her to answer that kiss as it should be answered, to fling all caution to the winds and cling to this man's strength. He didn't need jewels as bait, she thought wildly, not when he could make a woman feel like this. She couldn't —she wouldn't give in. It was so easy for him. It took all her will power, but her lips remained cold under his, her body, though weak, stayed stiff and unyielding in his arms. When he finally released her, he stood looking at her Sonia could sense he was absolutely furious. She didn't suppose he had ever kissed a stone wall before. His fists clenched and she knew he was having trouble keeping his hands off her. 'I shall rename you,' he said with fury in his voice. 'Snow Queen would be a better title, would it not? But I shall melt those layers of ice, my Snow Queen. Forget your professor.' He held out an imperative hand to her. 'Come, I shall take you back to your protectors. As I have said, you are safe for the time being.' Sonia drew a deep breath of thankfulness. If

he had but known how his kiss had affected her ! She mentally patted herself on the back for withstanding the onslaught. She met Chloe's anxious look with a smile, and Chloe relaxed. Kirk moved forward as they approached. `My dance, I believe,' he said, glaring at Rory. Chloe stepped into her peacemaker role once more. 'We really think it's time we were going,' she said firmly. 'Sonia has a few last-minute chores to do before she leaves.' Sonia wondered whether her smile had been as bright as she had thought it was. The kiss had shaken her. Had Chloe guessed what had happened? Kirk appealed to Sonia. 'Not even a farewell dance?' he asked. Knowing it would annoy Rory, Sonia smiled, `Just this one, then,' and noted the stiffening of Rory beside her. . Kirk grinned and moved forward to take her in his arms. Barbara clutched at Rory's sleeve. `We haven't danced yet, Rory,' she said plaintively. Rory glanced at her swiftly. 'Later,' he said harshly. 'Right now I need a drink,' and he strode off towards the house. 119Kirk squeezed Sonia's hand. 'I take it he was unsuccessful,' he murmured, grinning.

Sonia gave him an innocent look. 'How do you mean?' she queried. `That's one man in a hell of a temper. Sure gave Babs the brush-off. Mind you, it's about time someone gave her a taste of her own medicine. She's had things her own way for too long with the male of the species.' He nodded thoughtfully. 'So has his lordship,' he added, and his grin grew wider. 'Guess it's as well you're going, honey. Guys like that are used to getting their own way, and you're the fairy on the Christmas tree as far as he's concerned—in case you didn't know it.' Sonia tried to look indignant. 'I'm engaged, remember.' This only produced another grin and an attempt to hold her closer, which she resisted. `That wouldn't stop him,' observed Kirk. 'He's hardly taken his eyes off you. I know that look in a man's eye. So run, baby.' He twirled her round, then asked, 'Thought any more about my offer to show you around the Bahamas ? I can't promise to behave like the perfect gentleman all the time. If I step out of line just slap me down, how about it? If your fiancé turns up I'll bow out like a good boy.' To be honest, Sonia quite liked the idea. He was an amusing companion, and Rory's words still echoed in her brain. 'Safe for the time being.' Now just what did he mean by that? The 120

Bahamas were not that far away. Did he plan to follow her there? She would put nothing past him. Once set on a course he would be a force to be reckoned with. If Kirk were there, she would at least have a champion. 'Can you just take off whenever you want to?' she asked him. He glanced over to where his father was standing talking to Rory, who Sonia noted apprehensively was watching them with hooded eyes. She wondered if he heard what Mr Dilson was saying; his mind appeared to be elsewhere ! `Ask my father that question,' replied Kirk. `According to him I'm a goddamned drag on society. He threatens to cut my allowance every now and again, but I guess he's too soft. I'm okay as long as I don't step out of line, and it's kinda important right now I mind my p.s and q.s,' he added a little bitterly. `Does he think it's your fault he didn't get the contract?' she asked worriedly. She was relieved to see that grin again. 'I'm not exactly top of the pops,' he said lazily. 'That contract was only a side issue, what he's really after is the chance to make an offer for one or two of the Maragal collection pieces. Seeing them tonight only whetted his appetite. He's talked of nothing else since I arrived,' he said disgustedly. Sonia now understood Mr Dilson's calm acceptance of the loss of the contract. Poor 121

Kirk,' she murmured sympathetically. 'You know, I don't think he's going to be successful there either.' Kirk grimaced. 'Try and tell that to a collector on the trail, honey. You'd be wasting your time. Trouble with Dad is, he thinks there's a price for everything. If Maragal says it's no dice, then it's no dice. He can afford to say no. Dad's just living in a pipe dream.' She did not miss the bitterness in his voice when he referred to Rory's money. That he envied him there was no doubt. She sighed. It was only natural, she supposed, particularly if his father's allowance was inadequate to his needs. But she had a shrewd idea that. Kirk's needs would be a little above average. `So—how about the trip?' he asked suddenly. Sonia blinked, then remembered the question. She felt sorry for Kirk. She could imagine his father's reaction when he finally came down to earth and realised he hadn't a hope of changing Rory's mind. Kirk needed to be out of the vicinity as much as she did. `Very well,' she said. 'Providing you behave yourself.' He twirled her round twice in succession. `Yippee ! ' he shouted. Sonia closed her eyes. It had a startling effect on the other couples, and they stared curiously at them. Kirk, however, just grinned at them. 'It's okay, folks,' he 122

chuckled. 'Just high spirits.' Sonia had an uncomfortable feeling Rory would guess the reason for Kirk's elation. Escorting her back to Chloe, he advised her which hotel to book into at Nassau. He hoped to join her, at the latest, Sunday morning. He had to get organised this end first, he told her. George, who had spent most of the evening chewing over past triumphs of the M.C.C. with John Hanser, was not too keen on being dragged away in the middle of the evening, but a stealthy kick from Chloe convinced him. The farewells were said, and Rory escorted them to the car. Sonia, about to get into the car, murmured a hasty, 'Nice to know you,' to Rory, and found her hand caught. She was pulled back towards him so that only she could hear his words. `Farewell for now, Snow Queen. We'll meet again,' he said softly. 'Until then, sweet dreams.' On the way back Sonia tried to shake off the depression that completely enveloped her. It didn't make sense feeling this way. She must be overtired, there was no other explanation for her low spirits. She made a determined effort to listen to what Chloe was asking George, and found she was suggesting they joined her for a week in the Bahamas. She cheered up a little. She would like that. She waited for George's answer. I23

`I don't see why not,' he said expansively. 'I'll need a couple of days getting things organised the London end, no need for me to fly out straight away, not for a couple of weeks anyway. Book us a room, Sonia, say from Tuesday.' Chloe said he was a darling, which crowned his day, and the rest of the journey was spent in idle speculation of what they would do during that week. It did occur to Sonia that George might have known of Kirk's proposed visit. In spite of his half-abstracted manner, there was not much he missed. Not that it mattered now anyway. He had the contract, there was no reason why he should still object to his presence, and a foursome was better than a threesome.

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CHAPTER SEVEN THE following morning, Chloe took Sonia down to the small harbour to catch the ferry. On the way, she gave Sonia strict instructions as to which hotel to book into in Nassau, as it happened it was the same one as recommended by Kirk, but she said nothing of this to Chloe. `I don't mind you going so much now, dear,' Chloe confided. 'I might be able to get George to stretch it to two weeks so we needn't rush the tour.' As they drew up in the small parking space outside the harbour offices where Sonia was to collect her ticket, Sonia saw Kirk's sports car parked farther along. Her eyes swept the rest of the cars. There were no Mercedes. Again that tinge of sadness touched her; he hadn't bothered then to see her off. She shrugged impatiently. It was this place, she told herself. Once away, she'd get things in perspective again. Kirk had appeared by the time they alighted from the car. Chloe frowned slightly when, she saw 'him, but quickly recovered and gave him a smile as he moved forward and relieved her of Sonia's case, also Sonia's light coat she carried 1 25

over her arm, so that Sonia could collect her ticket without any encumbrances. `Thank you, Kirk,' smiled Chloe 'What got you up so early?' Kirk grinned. 'Had to see my favourite girl off, hadn't I?' he said in his drawling way. Again that frown appeared on Chloe's face. Sonia spoke hastily. `It's much appreciated, thank you, Kirk.' She looked at the offices. Now, where do I collect that ticket?' Before Chloe could speak, Kirk took charge. `This way, ma'am,' he said, taking Sonia's arm and leading her towards one of the doors in front of them. When the farewells were said, Sonia went on board the large ferry drawn up at the quay. She was vastly relieved that neither Chloe nor Kirk had elected to stay until the boat left. It always went on time and there was barely five minutes to go by the time Sonia climbed the gangway. Giving Chloe a slight hug and a kiss on the cheek, she offered the waiting Kirk her hand, not failing to note the impudent look he gave her. She devoutly hoped he would behave himself in front of Chloe. The amusement was there in his eyes as if he could guess her thoughts; however, he contented himself with giving her hand an extra squeeze and murmuring, 'See you,' in a soft voice. 126

Now as she stood on deck, she suddenly felt lost and miserable. Her eyes went past the harbour to the velvety green hills behind it. White spots nestled in the greenery, and here and there pink ones, which she knew were houses. Yes, she mused, she would remember this island. The tears pricked at the back of her eyelids as once again the dark handsome face of Rory appeared before her mind's eye. Had he meant what he had said? Or was it fury that had prompted that threat of melting the. ice within her? Her lips twisted wryly. Was it a threat—or was it a promise? She sighed and pushed these thoughts away; they weren't exactly helping to brighten her outlook. She turned her gaze back to the quayside, and as she watched she saw a car draw up swiftly beside the ferry as the gangplank was about to be lifted. Another last-minute passenger, she thought as she saw the blue-uniformed man leave the car and join the boat. Perhaps it was as well he had caught it, she mused. With a uniform like that, he might even be the captain. Her amused thoughts ran on. Did they have such a thing as a captain on a ferry? She glanced at her watch and noted with a small start that it was eight twenty-five, five minutes after they should have left. So they were not leaving on time for this trip, apparently; the gangplank remained down with no sign of activity around it. 127

A voice came over the loudspeaker. `Will all passengers please assemble on C deck.' Sonia looked about her. Was this normal procedure? she wondered. Hearing the queries and grumbles of other passengers, she gathered it was not. She followed them to C deck and stood around with the others clutching their bits and pieces of luggage. It was not a long trip and as such did not necessitate the storing away of baggage. A middle-aged woman guarding a holdall looked at Sonia. 'Why are we being searched ?' she demanded. Sonia's brows raised. 'I've no idea,' she replied. 'Are they searching ?' `See for yourself,' grumbled the woman. 'I've done this trip for twenty years. Do dressmaking,' she confided briskly. 'Have a lot of customers on the island. Never known them search before.' They watched another passenger disappear into a cabin. 'Here,' nudged the woman, 'you don't think his lordship's crown jewels have been pinched, do you ?' she broke into a hearty chuckle. Sonia thought it was funny too, and grinned. Serve him right, she thought, remembering the way he displayed them the night before. She was the last to be searched. When she entered the small cabin, the man she had seen join the boat sat at a table, his cap beside him. - It was an impressive cap, she thought as she 12 8

walked towards him, and wondered idly what he was, police or Customs. He looked up at her and smiled pleasantly. Sonia noted his bright blue eyes; as were all the natives, he was extremely tanned. His grey close-cropped hair and his quiet air of authority told Sonia he was police and probably high ranking at that. He was studying a list of passengers. `Name, please, miss,' he requested in a deep voice. Giving her name, Sonia watched him tick it off on the list. He looked up at her suddenly. 'I presume you have gathered that all passengers are being searched,' he said. 'A quantity of jewellery was stolen last night and the owner not unnaturally wishes to retrieve it. All transport leaving the island will undergo the same scrutiny. Er... with your permission?' He held out his hand towards her case. Sonia handed it over to him. 'Help yourself,' she said airily, trying to keep the amusement out of her voice. So Rory had been burgled ! She was absolutely sure it was him. She watched the man's quick deft fingers search her case. He hardly disturbed the contents. When he -had finished, he almost apologetically held out his hand for her handbag, and she gave it with the same carefree attitude. When that had been searched, he glanced at the coat she held over I 29

her arm. She handed him that too. Suddenly her complete confidence was somewhat shaken when she saw him produce a brown and orange striped cravat from the pocket. She stared at it. She had never seen it before; she couldn't see George wearing it, it was much too modern for his taste. Her eyes widened to their full capacity as she watched the policeman glance at her swiftly before unfolding it and exposing its contents. The rays of the sun caught the eagle pendant and it flashed with a myriad lights. However, Sonia was in no mood to admire its beauty. Numbly, she watched the man put it down reverently, and pick up the rest of the contents. There was a ruby ring, and a brooch with a blood red ruby in the shape of a heart, encrusted with pearls. She found her voice. 'I don't—' She swallowed, and stared back at the jewels as if hoping they would disappear as mysteriously as they had arrived. 'Someone must have put them there,' she gasped. 'I've no idea who, or when.' The officer turned cynical eyes on her. 'I've heard it all before, miss,' he said sadly. 'They never do know how they got there. Would you mind accompanying me to the station.' It wasn't a question, but an order. Sonia, with a sinking heart, knew she would have to do just that. In a dazed state she found herself accompanying the man off the boat. Her bemused mind 130

tried to seek an explanation for the predicament she was in. Who, for godness' sake, would do this to her? She went over the guests at the dinner party, for they were the only ones who had had the opportunity of removing the gems. Barbara? Would she do it for sheer spite? There would be no problem in planting the jewels on her. Her coat had hung in George's hall, since her arrival, and as it was an unheard-of thing to lock up at night, entry would have been easy. How they had known it was her coat, she didn't know. It could have been Chloe's—but perhaps it didn't matter, as long as one of them was accused, was that the way of it? Had the loss of the contract, plus the loss of what she considered her property, Rory, goaded her into it? She mutely shook her head. She just couldn't see it. Barbara had known she was leaving, she must also have known that Rory had tried to persuade her to stay and she had refused. She had everything to play for. She wouldn't jeopardise her chances by stealing the jewels. Mr Dilson was more or less in the same category. He still hoped to change Rory's mind over selling part of his collection. In her mind's eye Sonia saw Kirk carrying her coat; then just as quickly dismissed him; he had not even been present at the showing of the treasures. Besides, he was the last one to do such a despicable thing.

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Suddenly her eyes widened. But someone was ! But of course, it was Rory! He had failed to prevent her from leaving the island, hadn't he? No wonder he was so confident they would meet again. She could even see how he would handle it. He would cover the whole thing up. This policeman worked for him, didn't he? All he need do was explain there had been a mistake and he would deal with it. Her lips tightened. She didn't feel so sick now. Not knowing was one thing, knowing quite another. She remembered Rory's words at the luncheon. Would she be considered as a saucy young maiden? Was she going to disappear for what had he said—the master's amusement? Her heart jerked, then she pulled herself together. What nonsense ! There were George and Chloe, weren't there? They wouldn't let anything happen to her. Sonia was taken to the island's small police station. As she followed the man inside, she thought of her remarks at that disastrous luncheon about the island's gaol and fervently wished she had held her tongue. Rory was certainly getting back at her with a vengeance ! Once inside, she was surprised at the airiness and modern fittings. She could see two cells only, and they looked very comfortable. The beds had gay striped coverlets on and were spotless. She wondered which she would be 132

assigned, and was slightly disappointed when she was led to a small room to the left. She was left there with a curt 'Excuse me' from the policeman. He locked the door from the outside, and this action brought Sonia back sharply to the seriousness of the situation. She sat down wearily on a chair opposite a desk. This, then, was the interview room. She stared around the room. The walls were a spotless white. Net curtains hung at the one and only window. Apart from a calendar advertising a hotel in Hamilton, the walls were completely bare. She looked at the floor. It was a wooden one, and glowed with countless polishings. A fan whirled monotonously above her. As she completed her inspection, she heard the deep voice of the policeman in the next room. She presumed he was on the telephone; she listened, and made out a definite, 'Yes, sir, right you are, sir.' The ping of the receiver being replaced confirmed her deductions. She clenched her teeth. She had no doubts as to whom the man had been speaking to. Rory Maragal would shortly be putting in an appearance. It was about ten minutes later that she caught the sound of voices, and automatically straightened her back. Her hands were clenched in her lap. A few seconds later the key turned in the door and Sonia found herself staring up at Rory. 133

`Good morning, Miss Wells,' he said conversationally. Sonia's eyes flashed. The policeman barked out, 'Stand up ! ' Sonia stared at him. `I don't think that's necessary, Harvey,' said Rory. 'Miss Wells and I are acquainted.' He looked at Sonia. 'You may sit,' he said magnanimously, as if Sonia had any intention of doing otherwise. The policeman produced the cravat and laid the contents out on the desk. He glanced worriedly at Rory. 'Are they all here, sir?' he asked. Sonia watched Rory's lips thin as he looked at the pieces, but his voice was mild when he spoke. He separated the pendant from the ring and brooch. 'Except these two,' he said. The officer started. 'You mean those are not your property?' he asked unbelievingly. Rory's smile was not pleasant. Sonia looked on as an interested bystander. `Let's say they were, shall we?' he said softly. `Given in appreciation, as you might say.' The officer coughed delicately. Sonia was jerked out of her bemused state. Her lovely eyes opened wide and she stared incredulously at Rory. When she found her voice, she only got a far as, 'Well, of all.. `I'm afraid it's turned out a rather delicate matter, Harvey,' Rory broke in smoothly. 'I .'

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think the young lady rather over-anticipated the limit of my generosity. You can drop the charges. I shall deal with this myself.' Seeing the officer hesitate, he added gently, `In a way I can only blame myself. I'm sure Miss Wells had no criminal intent.' The officer saluted. 'Very well, sir.' Rory pocketed the jewellery and picked up Sonia's case. 'Shall we go ?' he said blandly. Sonia glared at him. It was just as she had thought. Was he now going to drag her off to his lair? Well, he wouldn't get away with it. People didn't just disappear. The way news travelled on the island, Chloe and George would hear about it by this evening. In the car, she sat as far away from Rory as possible. She was a little puzzled by his behaviour. He had not said a word, and looked exceedingly grim. As they swept past the turning to George's house, she sat up. 'I want to see my brother,' she said haughtily. He glanced at her coldly. 'I don't think you're in a position to make any demands, do you, Miss Wells?' He was silent for a second or so, then said, 'I suppose you will eventually thank me for my intervention on your behalf,' harshly. Sonia gasped. Now they were coming to it ! `I suppose it would be naive of me to ask what kind of a thank-you you have in mind,' she answered cuttingly. 135

He braked suddenly, and she had to grasp her seat hard to prevent herself being thrown against the windscreen. Rory sat and looked at her, his eyes slits of ice. 'Let's get one thing clear, shall we ?' he said softly. 'I don't like thieves, Miss Wells, particularly those who trade on others' trust. If you are George's sister, then I feel infinitely sorry for him. And understand this, it's for his sake and Chloe's that I'm not charging you. As for the payment you seem to think I want, aren't you rather overrating your charms?' he said bitingly, adding softly, 'Yesterday was yesterday, Miss Wells. I may be odd, but I do like to wake up in the morning with the surety of my valuables still being intact.' Sonia sat shocked. She hadn't been mistaken about his intentions, then. Why hadn't he gone the whole way and baldly said, If you were my mistress? He wasn't sparing her in any other way. She was also confused. He wasn't acting. He really believed she had taken the jewellery. She swallowed. 'How,' she demanded, trying desperately to stop herself from screaming her innocence at him, 'did I steal them? I was in full view of everyone last night. You saw us to the car. Have you stopped to work that out ?' He shrugged casually as if it was of no importance, then started the engine up. D ilson,' he said harshly, then glanced quickly at her. 'He

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was meeting you in Nassau, wasn't he ?' Sonia gasped. 'But it's ridiculous ! Kirk wouldn't take them any more than I would. You have absolutely no proof. Someone put those things in my coat pocket. What's more,' she went on recklessly, 'I thought it was you ' His swift glance of surprise was not lost on her. When he spoke, his voice was silky. 'As I've already pointed out, you appear to be labouring under a delusion. I was interested, yes, I'm not denying it. But not that interested. You know,' he mused, 'apart from the pendant you could have done very well for yourself.' He negotiated a bend in the road. Sonia went white, but said nothing. `I've placed you now,' he went on smoothly. `You're one big fake, aren't you ? Terrified of getting involved. It would account for your pure panic when you came up against someone you couldn't handle. How many poor devils have you had on a string?' He accelerated. 'And this fiancé of yours. He doesn't exist either, does he? Just a useful invention to keep the wolves at bay. Well, here's one wolf you can cross off your list. After kissing you yesterday I realised you were nothing but a lovely china doll. No, Miss Wells, I did not plant that jewellery on you. I prefer real women.' Sonia stared straight ahead. Her cheeks were flushed and to her horror she felt the tears prick. 137

He had spoken the truth and it had hurt. She had hurt men—unknowingly, unthinkingly, but she had hurt them. She thought of Arnold. She had never fallen in love as other girls had. He had been right too about her being terrified of him, and the reason for her panic. She swallowed, and blinked the tears back. She would not let Rory see he had upset her. In a way it was comforting that she would not be subjected to further amorous advances from him. On the other hand, she was still in a mess. Just who had planted the wretched jewellery on her? The car -drew up outside Soya Sands. Rory motioned that she should alight, and she did so, standing uncertainly in the drive, staring wearily at him. What now? Was he going to let her go back to George and Chloe? He indicated that she should precede him up the steps to the house. For a moment she hesitated, as an unwelcome thought entered her head. He looked back at her. 'Rest easy,' he drawled. 'You're not residing here. Only guests and acquaintances I can trust stay under this roof.' Her green eyes glittered back at him, their message clear. He laughed. 'You don't like being found out, do you? No one does, of course, but it must be more galling in your case, you're so used to adoration, aren't you?' He waited until she passed him, then led her into the vast hall. He then opened the door 138

of a room just off the hall and with a curt nod indicated that she should enter. Then he shut her in, locking the door before he left. Sonia stood in the middle of the room, staring in dislike at the rich tapestry of the chairs and curtains. She so disliked the place and its owner, she wouldn't even sit on one of his chairs. About fifteen minutes later Rory came back. Sonia still stood in the same position. He flicked a quick glance at her. 'You may sit down,' he said authoritatively. She ignored this order. 'I want to see George,' she said quietly. He walked over to a desk, pulled out a drawer and placed a sheet of paper on the desk, then sat down. 'All in good time,' he answered. 'First I require a few facts from you.' He glanced irritably at her still standing in front of him. `Sit down,' he said harshly, 'and stop acting the outraged innocent. You've been caught redhanded, as the saying goes. You might as well accept the fact and thank your lucky stars I didn't send you over to the mainland to be dealt with.' would have preferred that,' she declared through clenched teeth. His eyes narrowed as he looked her over, and she felt a touch of panic; she didn't like the way he looked at her one bit. `Don't try me too far,' he said softly. 'Women 139

have been whipped for less than what you've done. Now, are you going to sit down, or do I have to slap you into a chair?' Still she stood there defiantly staring at him. He got up and jerked her into a chair opposite the desk. 'Just move,' he said grimly, 'and you'll find out I meant what I said about whipping.' Sonia was past moving—or indeed anything. She gave up the fight. She was on a losing hand anyway. George would help her. Her eyes dwelt on the rich carpet at her feet, her hair fell in soft folds around her face, half hiding it from his gaze. `Your name is Sonia Wells?' he asked flatly, in a voice devoid of any emotion. 'Just say yes or no,' then harshly, 'I would prefer you to look at me when you answer.' `My name is Sonia Wells,' she repeated in a voice equally devoid of emotion. As soon as she had spoken, her gaze returned to the study of the carpet. `I require your age and occupation,' he said. Sonia was even past caring about this. She gave her age, and that she was at university, studying for a physics degree. She spoke as if she were attending an examination board, no emotion whatsoever. If the information surprised him, or indeed if he believed a word of it, she had no way of knowing, or caring. She looked dully at him 140

filling in the answers. He wore a dark suit with a light blue silk shirt and navy and blue striped tie—correctly dressed, she thought bitterly, for the judging and condemning of one Sonia Wells. `And you are here on a visit to your brother, George Denby?' `I am visiting my brother,' she repeated after him. He was silent for a second or so afterwards and Sonia, wondering what the hold-up was, glanced up to find him watching her steadily, obviously waiting for her to look at him. `You are charged with... Well, we can skip the details, I suppose. Accused pleads not guilty.' He wrote this down, and glancing suddenly up at her asked, 'Or would you like to change your plea to guilty and save my office staff a lot of wasted time?' Sonia's look was eloquent. 'In trying to prove my innocence, you mean?' she said scathingly. `I don't blame you for not attempting to clear my name, it's so neat and tidy this way, isn't it?' He looked as if he could murder her. 'Believe me, Miss Wells, it's a good thing there happens to be a desk between us,' he said between his teeth. 'Enquiries will go on until your guilt or innocence is ascertained, in spite of the evidence of our eyes. In the meantime you will be kept under surveillance.' Sonia felt relief flow through her. She would 14 1

go back to George and Chloe. `I shall send you to Mainsprings,' he said. Sonia stared at him. `Where?' she asked. He returned her look coolly. 'It's a holiday camp the other side of the island,' he said coldly. `Work will be found for you.' Her green eyes widened in disbelief. 'You did say holiday camp, didn't you, not a concentration camp ?' He got up quickly and Sonia's hands clenched. This time he would throttle her ! But he took a deep breath and sat down again. 'Should your innocence be proved,' he went on unperturbedly, `you will receive full compensation.' He leaned forward and she did not like his smile. 'Also, you might very well receive the emerald eagle.' He was baiting her, but she refused to rise. It showed her conclusively he was absolutely positive she was guilty. He got to his feet again. 'Are you ready ?' he enquired coldly. `When am I going to see George ?' `When I say so,' he snapped. 'If you behave yourself at Mainsprings, perhaps in a day or so.' Sonia could have spat at him. Instead, she got up and haughtily accompanied him back to the car..

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CHAPTER EIGHT THE island, she realised, was larger than she had thought. The journey took about half an hour. Her first sight of the holiday camp took her by surprise. It was a de luxe affair. She might have known it would be, she thought sourly. Rory Maragal would have no secondclass affairs on his property. Passing terraced slopes to the main buildings, she noted a plush swimming pool, gay striped umbrellas and lilos scattered around it, most of them occupied by the sun-worshippers. On the tiered terraces were ornate tables and chairs, covered by the same bright umbrellas as at the pool. Waitresses could be seen weaving in and out of the occupied tables. The car passed on. The higher they got, the more expansive the view. Forests of trees were seen here and there, and as always, the splashes of glorious colours from the island's blossoms. Before they turned the final bend that appeared to lead them straight to the main buildings, more in the nature of an exclusive hotel than a holiday camp, Sonia glimpsed a beach below them, and wondered if there were 143

more caves there, and very nearly forgot herself to ask the silent man beside her if this was so, and only caught herself up in time. She wondered if this was where Rory got all his staff. Did all who displeased his lordship land up slaving away here? He had mentioned silver mines once; he really meant Mainsprings. He led her to the reception office, amidst many respectful salutes from staff. He strode through to the manager's office, keeping a light hand on her arm. Sonia knew she had only to hold back and the light hold would become a firm grip. Once in the office, he left her with a curt, ` Wait here until someone collects you.' This time he did not lock the door. He was back a short while later accompanied by a middle-aged, short tubby man. `This is Miss Wells, Gerald,' he said. 'Find out what she can do. If she proves unco-operative let me know.' With that abrupt introduction, he slammed out of the room leaving Sonia staring at the closed door. Any past experience?' asked the manager cheerfully. `None,' replied Sonia, wondering if he knew what she was there for. His next words proved he did. `Well, can you keep an eye on the kids in the 1

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swimming pool? It would be useful if you could swim, of course, in case someone gets into difficulty, doesn't matter if you can't. As long as there's someone there to give the alarm. We're a bit short in the sports section at the present time.' Sonia thought about it. She did swim. She was not brilliant, but knew enough to be able to keep children out of trouble. She nodded. He stared at her fixedly. 'There are a few rules we shall expect you to abide by,' he said slowly. 'No mixing with the guests apart from the call of duty, understand? Lights out at eleven, and mealtimes must be strictly adhered to. When you're off duty, there's a recreation room for your use. You're to stay within the camp. Visitors are allowed once a week for half an hour. Any questions?' Sonia blinked. It really was a concentration camp ! But what a plush one ! She slowly shook her head, then remembered George and Chloe. `When can I have a visitor?' she asked. `We'll have to wait until Mr Maragal says so,' he said, then pressed a bell at the side of the door. A few minutes later there was a tap at the door, and a small elderly lady entered the room. She looked like someone's maiden aunt. Her grey curly fringe and tightly permed hair was enclosed under a net. She wore a green uniform 145

with long sleeves, the only relief being in the white piping at the peter pan collar and cuffs. `Maisie, take Miss Wells to—' he glanced towards a house map on the wall of the office, `number twenty-five. Show her the ropes. She's assigned to the children's pool supervision.' Maisie's small black eyes darted from the manager to Sonia. She said, 'Yes, sir,' and held the door open for Sonia to follow her. When they were out of earshot, she turned to Sonia. 'What are you in for, ducks?' she asked. Sonia couldn't help grinning. 'Are you on parole too?' she queried. Maisie grinned back. 'We all are,' she said. `All except Mr Parks, and he's the manager.' She shrugged expressively. 'Course, there has to be someone honest running the show, doesn't there?' `What,' asked Sonia curiously, 'are you in for?' Another toothsome grin from Maisie appeared. 'Shoplifting,' she said. 'Can't seem to keep my hands off those lovely things in shops.' She sighed, then looked at Sonia. 'Now you.' Sonia didn't see any reason for beating about the bush. 'Oh, I tried to pinch the Crown Jewels,' she answered airily. Maisie stopped dead in her tracks and stared at her. There was a dawning respect in her eyes. `You didn't, did you?' she pleaded. 146

Sonia nodded. 'Got caught at the ferry,' she said. Maisie's mouth fell open. 'Even Joshua didn't reach those heights,' she said reverently. `Just wait till I pass the word around ! You'll be well looked after.' Sonia wasn't too sure what that meant, but hoped it was a good omen. She saw many green uniforms around as they made their way to the back quarters of the building. 'Are they all on parole ?' she asked. Maisie nodded, then amended her earlier remark. 'Well,' she said, opening a screen door and holding it open for Sonia, 'most of them come on parole, then stay. Take Joshua, for instance. He's spent more time here than anywhere else on the island. When his time was up, he was lost and begged to come back again. When it was no go, he goes and burgles someone. He was lucky really not to get sent over to the mainland, but he explains how it was to Mr Maragal and gets sent back here. Same with most of us, me included. I've been here seven years. Well, all my friends are here. I daren't risk leaving. I know I'll fall back into the old ways again. Mr Maragal warned me if I get caught again I get sent over to the mainland. I'm taking no chances, if you see what I mean. The pay's good, and we more or less eat the same as the guests, and there's the tips from the 147

generous ones.' Sonia stared at her. 'But aren't they worried that the guests' valuables will disappear?' she asked. Vigorously shaking her head, Maisie replied, `None of us would touch anything of theirs,' and looked at Sonia. 'And don't you be tempted. It would let Mr Maragal down. It's the mainland for sure then. He always finds out the truth. One chap tried it on, but didn't get away with it. He got three years in the mainland gaol. No, if you play fair with Mr Maragal, he plays fair with you. It don't pay to cross him.' Sonia's lips straightened. She wished she had the same faith in Rory Maragal. He hadn't exactly played fair with her. But then he had a score to settle with her, hadn't he? Her room was bright and though not luxurious, was amply furnished. She unpacked her case with Maisie an interested onlooker. 'You've got some nice things, Sonia,' Maisie remarked. `Speak well too, had a good education, I'll bet. How come you took to crime?' Sonia's lips twisted wryly. 'It just sort of happened,' she said. Maisie sighed. 'I know what you mean. I came here with a family from New Zealand. Couldn't have asked for a better job, and what do I do? Let 'em down, that's what. I'd never seen supermarkets before, seemed to me they 148

were just asking to be picked up, them nice things, I mean. Scent and soaps, they were my downfall.' After a moment's thought, she brightened up. 'Mind you, I'm better off here now. My employer died, so I'd have been out of a job, might not have been so lucky with the next one.' When Sonia had finished unpacking, Maisie told her they would now go and fit her out with a uniform. 'It will suit you,' she said, 'with those green eyes of yours. I've never seen anyone before with green eyes. Can you see in the dark ?' she asked curiously. `I can't say I've ever thought to put it to the test,' smiled Sonia. A uniform was found near enough her size as to look presentable. 'Watch out for those camp Romeos,' Maisie advised. 'Some of them think they've bought the place for a fortnight, including the staff. If you get any trouble report them to Mr Parks, he'll sort them out.' Sonia looked at Maisie. 'Do they know why we're here?' she asked. 'The guests, I mean?' Looking scandalised, Maisie said, 'Of course not ! You know what people are. Give a dog a bad name and all that. No, wealthy as they are, and they have to be, this place is exclusive, they'd be bound to try it on—well, some of them anyway. They'd say they'd misplaced things, you know, and sue the management. Some folk,' she 149

added bitterly, 'get a kick out of that sort of thing.' Sonia felt relief. It was bad enough being accused of something you hadn't done, without added insults being given by dissatisfied customers. A chiming bell announced lunch, and Maisie led Sonia to the staff dining-room. Anything less like prison quarters would be hard to imagine, Sonia thought, as she glanced round the spacious room—bright striped curtaining and gay checked tablecloths, individual tables, polished floors, and everything sparklingly clean. They joined a queue at the self-service counter. Sonia found herself undergoing discreet scrutiny by other members of staff. They were, she noticed, mostly middle-aged, and she could only see two reasonably young offenders, although she knew there could only be a small proportion of the actual staff present. She looked at the younger ones. The man was tall and well muscled, with bright blond hair, the girl, a thin brunette, older than herself, probably around the thirty mark, Sonia surmised. Arriving at the food counter, she was surprised at the choice of dishes available. As Maisie had said, they more or less had the same as the guests. When the selection had been made, Maisie chose a table in the centre of the room, and when all were seated, she introduced Sonia. 15 0

`She's working, at the pool, children's section.' She looked directly at the large blond man. `Atlas, you'll watch out for her, will you?' He grinned, 'Sure will, Maisie.' Maisie turned to Sonia. 'Atlas will put you right. He's in the gym section, but he also keeps an eye on outdoor sports.' It soon became obvious that Maisie was the organiser. At five foot nothing in her stockinged feet, she ruled the roost. Lunch over, Sonia was taken on a guided tour of the camp. As she walked beside Maisie, listening to her directions as to where the recreation room was, the kitchens, and stores section, even a hairdressers, and fancy goods departments, she marvelled at the layout. It was a world within a world, like being on board a large liner at sea. She was too interested to worry about her position; she'd think about that later. As they passed various staff, Maisie would murmur, 'Pickpocket,' or 'Shoplifter like me.' Atlas, Sonia learned, was a con man, the slim, tired-looking brunette his accomplice. 'They won't stay,' said Maisie. 'It's a pity really. We shall miss Atlas when their time is up. They'll head for the mainland and start up again somewhere else. Now they're known they'll have to get right out of the area.' `Doesn't anyone get sent over to the mainland?' Sonia queried curiously. 151

Maisie looked surprised. 'Oh yes,' she answered. 'Hardened criminals, of course. Atlas now, he'd have gone only for the fact he saved a child's life just before he was picked up. He could have got away, but he spotted this kid out of his depth and in trouble. Maureen—well, she's just a bit weak, crazy over him of course, just follows where he leads her. They're not really bad. A spell in real gaol will cure the pair of them.' She gave Sonia a considering look. `You were lucky you weren't sent over.' Sonia had already begun to realise this fact. `Perhaps because I was a first offender,' she said lightly, then grimaced and met Maisie's eyes. 'I didn't do it, you know,' she said quietly. `Someone planted them on me.' Maisie was not wholly convinced. 'Never mind,' she said kindly. 'How long did he give you?' Sonia sighed. 'I don't know, he didn't say.' Patting her on the arm, Maisie murmured consolingly, 'Well, it's not so bad, is it?' Sighing again, Sonia thought it could have been worse, it was true. Arriving back at the staff quarters, they found a message to the effect that Sonia was to report to the manager's office immediately. Maisie frowned. 'Perhaps you've got vistors,' she said. As she hurried over to reception, Sonia fervently hoped she was right. Nice as the place 152

was, she had no wish to stay. She tried not to get too hopeful. If George had managed to get through to her, there were still a lot of unaccountable happenings to be accounted for. She remembered the contract and stopped dead in her tracks. Would he now lose it? Remembering Rory Maragal's grim expression, Sonia thought he probably would, particularly when the relationship was established. She now walked more slowly, less keen than she had been for the meeting. When she entered the small room off the manager's office, Chloe all but fell on her neck. `George is seeing Rory,' she said as she hugged Sonia, then she pointed to a heap of parcels. Sonia stared, and watched Chloe unwrap a pair of silk sheets plus pillow slip, soaps, and various items she referred to as 'little comforts'. In spite of her fascination, Sonia's heart sank. She was not apparently being released, hence Chloe's thoughtful contributions. When the gifts had been put aside, Chloe looked at her. 'I haven't quite got over it yet,' she said bewilderedly. 'Rory didn't tell us much, just that the eagle had been found in your luggage and you were being held until they got to the bottom of it. Poor George was astounded.' Sonia came out of her depressed state. 'If he was astounded, how do you think I felt ?' she retorted indignantly. 'If I hadn't actually seen 153

the police officer produce it out of my coat pocket, I'd have accused him of planting it ! ' She sighed. 'Well, someone did. Any ideas, Chloe?' Chloe threw up her hands. 'I've gone over it time and time again, I know you didn't, but that's as far as I get.' She looked at Sonia, a rueful expression in her eyes. 'I thought it was Rory at first. A ruse on his part to keep you here.' Sonia smiled wryly. 'I see he soon helped you to dispel that idea, as he did me when I accused him outright.' Chloe nodded gloomily. 'I wondered about Barbara,' she mused. 'She didn't like playing second fiddle to you one bit.' `So did I,' said Sonia. 'But it won't wash, she had a clear field, she wasn't likely to arrange for my continued presence here.' `Except,' said Chloe slowly, 'for the fact that Rory is no longer interested in you. He's a proud man. He's not likely to forgive or forget someone who stole the family's most treasured possession. And,' she added triumphantly, 'there's something else we forgot ! That contract ! The Dilsons lost out to George, didn't they?' Sonia looked depressed. 'I suppose they'll get it now, will they?' Chloe looked surprised. 'Oh no,' she said, 'it hasn't changed that. I think Rory said some15 4

thing about George not being responsible for your actions.' `That was big of him, I must say ! ' commented Sonia with flashing eyes. ` Well, as a matter of fact, I thought it was,' said Chloe mildly. Patting her on the hand, Sonia said softly, `Yes, dear, I'm sorry. I'm not seeing things too clearly right now.' Chloe tried to brighten up. 'Well, George will sort it out. He hasn't said much, but as I've said, it took the wind out of his sails.' `I hope he doesn't sink on me, then,' muttered Sonia glumly. R ory's labouring under the impression that I had an accomplice.' Chloe gasped. 'Who, for heaven's sake? Me?' Sonia smiled at Chloe's horrified expression. `No, dear—Kirk.' `Kirk?' Chloe looked thoughtful. Sonia watched her closely. 'It doesn't surprise you?' she asked. Chloe was still thinking. 'No,' she said abruptly. 'Kirk's been in trouble before.' She frowned. `Surely he wouldn't have been such a fool. He'd just about reached the end of the line with his father. One more slip and he was on his own.' She .shook her head. 'I can't see him stealing from his father's business associates. That would really cook his golden goose.' She was silent for a while. 'Still, he did have the opportunity, 155

didn't he?' `So did a dozen others,' Sonia reminded her. `You don't lock up at night, do you? And that coat was in full view of anyone opening the front door, it was highly unlikely I would search the pockets before taking it with me.' Chloe sighed heavily. 'Back to square one,' she muttered. Sonia got up hastily and started to clear the wrappings from Chloe's parcels. 'Well, that leaves yours truly,' she said. 'Keep the food parcels coming, dear, I've a feeling I'm here for a long spell. Oh, that reminds me, you know that case I left for you and George to bring on to me in Nassau? Well, I've got some textbooks in it. Could you bring them in to me? I might as well do some studying, I've my interims to take this year, I don't know whether they'll accept postal entries, I just might get out in time to collect my diploma personally in two years' time!' `Oh dear,' wailed Chloe, 'I don't seem to be much help, do I, dear ?' Sonia was saved the necessity of answering by the arrival of George. He didn't walk in, he stamped in. `If this is some kind of a joke, Sonia, it's gone far enough,' he said crossly. Sonia looked at him in astonishment. 'You don't think I took the wretched things, do you?' she exclaimed 156

Chloe began, 'Really, George ! ' but was forestalled by his holding up an imperative hand. He gave Sonia an exasperated look. 'Just tell Rory the truth. He annoyed you, didn't he? What were you going to do? Post them back to him after giving him a fright? Sonia stared at him, then her eyes started to spark. 'Thank you for your confidence in me,' she said coldly. Tor once and for all, I did not steal those jewels.' `Who,' demanded George, 'said anything about stealing? Of course you wouldn't steal anything. Good gracious, as if I didn't know that! I do know you're liable to remove things if someone's annoyed you.' `George !' burst out Chloe, unable to keep silent any longer. He looked from Chloe to Sonia. 'I remember a time,' he said in a matter-of-fact voice, 'when a whole set of my golf clubs went missing.' Blinking in astonishment, Sonia exclaimed, 'I was only fourteen then!' `And the time,' went on George implacably, `when my best bowler hat was found on the manure dump, full, I might add, of unspeakable contents.' Chloe stood grinning in the background. `I was only ...' began Sonia. `Nevertheless,' continued George, 'the pattern was the same, wasn't it? I refused to let you 15 7

go camping in the Hebrides with the Scouts.' `Guides,' amended Sonia, unable to suppress a grin. 'Did you really think they were Scouts, George? No wonder you refused to let me go !' George was not amused. 'So,' he went on, as if the whole explanation was within his grasp, `just own up. Rory will understand. You'll get a lecture, of course, but I shall explain things to him,' he ended grandly. `Don't you dare!' ground out Sonia. 'If you say one word about the golf clubs or the bowler hat, I'll never speak to you again ! He'll never believe I'm innocent if you do.' He was somewhat taken back by this outburst, and stared at her. 'You didn't take them?' he said in half-surprise. Sonia clenched her teeth. 'I keep telling you so,' she said crossly. `Well, in that case,' said George stoutly, 'we must find out who did.' He marched to the door, then turned and looked at her as he reached it. `Don't worry, Sonia, I'll soon get you out of here. I'm going to have another word with Rory.' Chloe and Sonia looked at each other. 'See,' said Chloe. 'George will get to the bottom of it.' A loud tap on the door indicated that visiting time was over. Chloe started and looked woefully at Sonia. 'I don't want to leave you here to rot,' she said miserably. 158

Sonia grinned. 'I'm not exactly rotting, dear. In fact I'm quite enjoying myself—but don't tell Rory Maragal that or I shall get pushed over to the mainland. Now that I know someone is doing something about it, I don't feel so bad.' ` Well, you can be certain George and I will do something,' Chloe assured her. 'I don't ,know what, but we'll think of something.' George popped back after Chloe had left. `Afraid you'll have to stay here for a while, Sonia,' he said glumly. 'I don't know what's got into Rory, absolutely insists on keeping you here.' He patted her on the back. 'Don't worry, you're in good hands, neither of us will rest until the truth's unearthed.' Sonia stood looking at the closed door. She just couldn't see George as a sleuth, and she most certainly didn't see Rory Maragal as Dr Watson. She felt extremely depressed.

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CHAPTER NINE THAT same afternoon she began her duties. The children's pool was alongside the adults' main pool. Quite a few mothers were relieved to see her, and handed over their offspring to her care. It didn't take long for Sonia to get organised. The depth of the pool was about three feet, but one still had to keep a watchful eye on the more adventurous children. Their ages ranged from two to five years. After about an hour Sonia's dress was soaked, and there wasn't a great deal she could do about it. She was extremely relieved when Mr Parks, making his rounds, and she suspected, keeping an eye on her, remarked, 'It might be as well if you wore a swimsuit, Miss Wells.' The following morning Maisie found her a sedate one-piece, in the same green as the uniforms, but with the name 'Mainsprings' sewn like a badge in the front of the costume. She was on duty each day, from ten to twelve-thirty, and from two till four each afternoon, the time when teas were served. The hours sounded very lenient, but Sonia found there were a few more duties lined up for her. Help was always required 160

in the vast kitchens, such as washing up, or the peparation of salads and vegetables. From seven p.m., her time was her own. There were plenty of books to read. The recreation room was amply provided with leisure pursuits—table tennis, snooker for the men, wireless, etc. It was an ideal time for studying, and Sonia hoped Chloe would be able to get her books to her within a day or so. On her third day she caught sight of Rory's tall form in the distance. He had a group of elderly men around him. Sonia thought she saw him look her way, and immediately went down to the far end of the pool away from his searching eyes. She had been given to understand that he rarely visited the camp. Mr Parks was in full control and reports were phoned through at regular intervals to Soya Sands. Why then was he there now? Sonia bit her lip; had he come to gloat over her enforced labour? She glanced back at the pool and was just in time to stop a child attempting to drown his baby brother. `John! For goodness' sake, what are you doing? Are you all right, Brian?' she asked as she caught the shivering child to her, thanking her lucky stars she had come to in time. `He's got my wings ! ' John declared indignantly. `My wings !' gasped the still breathless Brian, glaring at his brother, and lunging at him. 161

Sonia separated them. She looked at Brian's rubber floats. 'How can you tell they're yours?' she asked John. "Cos he stuck a pin in his,' shouted John. `See, they're over there.' And indeed they were—what was left of them. Sonia was now in a quandary. She could not leave the pool unattended at that precise moment, not with John intent on claiming his wings and Brian just as intent on keeping them. She saw the stalwart figure of Atlas on the nearside terrace. 'You all right, Sonia?' he called. `Atlas, be a dear and fetch me another pair of floats, will you?' she shouted. He waved acknowledgement, and disappeared. Sonia looked at the two boys. Now who's going to have a brand new float?' she said, which turned out to be an unfortunate way of putting it, as both boys claimed it. She looked appealingly at John. 'You'll want your own back, won't you, John?' John's lips set stubbornly. 'I want the new ones,' he said belligerently. Brian helped enormously by taking off the floats and throwing them at John. 'Don't want your old wings, you can have them.' The boys threw themselves at each other. Sonia took the brunt of the attack by standing between them. She scooped one up under each 162

arm, legs and arms flailing in space, and sent up a silent prayer for Atlas to put in an appearance soon. The smooth voice of Rory Maragal floated down to her from the upper terrace. 'I see you're coping nicely, Miss Wells.' Sonia stiffened, but would not demean herself to glance up towards the voice. He would have to see that, wouldn't he? He couldn't be around when things were going smoothly ! To her untold relief, Atlas appeared. He carried not one but two floats. She stared at him. 'Atlas, I love you!' she declared fervently. `How did you guess?' He grinned sheepishly. 'I didn't,' he confessed. `Mr Maragal thought two would be required.' Putting the two boys down, she glanced up to where the voice had come from. Rory was still there. He gave her a mocking salute, then moved away. Two days later, Chloe's 'Do something', landed with a vengeance on Sonia's unsuspecting head. She was sent for during the afternoon, and arriving in the manager's office, found herself meeting the cynical eyes of Rory Maragal. He told her to be seated, then threw the news at her. `Your fiancé's arrived,' he said curtly. Sonia blinked, then made a rapid recovery. Who else but George and Chloe would have 1 63

thought that one up? Rory's eyes never left her face. `He demands to see you,' he went on, adding dryly, 'seems to think you've been wrongly accused and are being badly treated.' Sonia barely heard him. She was busy working out just who this fiancé was ! George must have thought the situation called for desperate measures, but not that desperate, surely? She swallowed. `You did say he was a professor, didn't you?' Rory queried mildly. 'Only,' he went on silkily, `I must say he looks a bit young for the part. I shall, of course, go into his qualifications later,' he threatened. For a brief moment Sonia felt relief. She had had a ghastly suspicion that George had sent for Professor Inskip—well, it obviously wasn't him. 'Actually,' she said, 'I was just showing off.' She raised what she hoped were innocent eyes to his implacable ones. 'He's not a professor. You see, George is a bit stuffy and a little bit of a snob, so I lied, I'm afraid.' He gave her a disdainful look. 'Comes easy, doesn't it?' he drawled. 'Lying, I mean.' Sonia flushed. 'Well, may I see my fiancé?' she asked haughtily, wanting to get it over. Rory couldn't very well stay in the room, could he? And she had to see who it was before she made any dangers. 164

His lips thinned. 'Very well,' he said. 'I could have refused, you know. But let's say I'm interested,' he added meaningly. He was only gone a few minutes, but to the waiting Sonia it seemed a lifetime. She all but jumped when she heard voices outside the door. Taking one look at the blond six-footer standing beside Rory Maragal, she just managed to gasp out, 'Gary ! ' before she was caught in his arms and being given a kiss that completely winded her. Gary Linden was a fellow student of hers at Cambridge, studying law. Sonia had lost count of the times he had asked her to marry him. She didn't know how George and Chloe had got hold of him. It was not a choice she would have made herself. Gary would be only too willing to accept the part. Rory's cold voice cut across the rapturous welcome Gary was intent on giving her. 'Would you mind sitting at that table,' he said to Gary. 'Miss Wells, here.' He pointed to a chair the other side of the room. Sonia glared at him. Why had he stayed ? Prisoners were allowed some privacy, weren't they? Gary looked at him. The tension between the two men could actually be felt. 'I would like to see my fiancée in private,' he said haughtily. Sonia could have hugged him. She knew she 165

had a worthy champion in Gary. Rory smiled grimly. 'No doubt you would, but Miss Wells happens to be my prisoner.' Gary's hands clenched, but he remained calm. `I am not only her fiancé,' he said in the best courtroom manner, 'but her lawyer as well. I now request a few minutes alone with my client.' Rory's eyebrows rose, as did Sonia's. She forgot the previous order to stay apart from Gary and held out her hands to him. 'You've passed ?' she cried. He caught her to him. `With flying honours, darling. What better case could I have to start with than my own true love's?' Rory looked murderous. 'This is not a musical comedy,' he said coldly. Gary looked at him over Sonia's head. 'I don't know what else you'd call it,' he answered equally coldly. `Sonia's no more a jewel thief than I am. You've got the wrong person, Mr Maragal, and I'm going to prove it to you.' `Are you,' queried Rory silkily, 'aware of the facts?' Sonia held her breath. Something told her he was about to deliberately bait Gary. Rory continued, 'Certain articles were found in her possession, leaving, I might add, the island.' Gary nodded curtly. 'Anyone could have placed them in her pocket. I can understand 166

why you arrested her. You knew nothing about her apart from the fact she was George's sister, and you weren't even convinced of that either, were you?' Sonia looked at him with dawning respect. He had certainly not wasted much time in getting clued up ! Rory's eyes held ice. 'You are not absolutely correct, Mr Linden. I have had ample chance of observing Miss Wells. I found she was rather addicted to falsehoods. She has in fact admitted as much to me. Under the circumstances, I had no option other than to keep her under surveillance.' Gary looked at Sonia. 'You didn't confess, did you, darling?' Sonia shook her head. She had not liked the reference Rory Maragal had given her. 'I only lied about your position, darling,' she said sweetly. 'I told everyone you were a professor and not a struggling law student.' Gary's expression was comical. He tried to look indignant, but it didn't come off. He grinned. 'I've never been a struggling student, my love, the only struggles I had were with you, and you know it !' Sonia flushed and attempted to pull away from his encircling arm round her waist, but he held on. `I'm afraid your time is up,' Rory announced

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grandly. 'I may permit another visit next week,' he added graciously. Gary stared at him. 'I demand parole for my client,' he announced. Rory's eyes narrowed. 'Your client has parole right now,' he murmured. `I demand access to her at any time of my choosing,' Gary persisted. Sonia looked alarmed. She did not like the idea of Gary pursuing her round the grounds. `You will visit Miss Wells when I choose to allow you access to her,' Rory replied smoothly. Gary's jaw clenched. Sonia saw the danger signals. She caught his arm. 'No, Gary,' she said quietly, 'I can't tell you any more than George or Chloe can. Perhaps in a week you'll have news for me.' He was still glaring at Rory, but he relaxed slightly, then sighed. He looked down fondly at Sonia. 'If they push you around, yell for me, do you hear?' Rory now lost his cool approach to the situation. He moved swiftly, his eyes blazing. 'Would you care to repeat that statement?' he asked through clenched teeth. 'Just to give me the pleasure of knocking it down your throat!' Gary was more than ready to oblige. It was only the entry of Mr Parks that prevented the fight—Rory was wanted on the phone. He drew a swift breath, and told him he would be right 168

along. Then he stood at the door waiting for Gary to join him. For a second it looked as if Gary would refuse to oblige, but Sonia half pushed him to the door. 'See you in a week, Gary,' she said firmly. After Gary's visit, Sonia became aware of being under stricter supervision. It was not blatantly obvious, but she constantly found either Mr Parks or Atlas in the near vicinity. On several occasions she also caught sight of Rory himself, but he did not make his presence known to her. It was just that she had developed a sort of awareness when he was around. She wondered if he were afraid Gary would attempt to get her out of Mainsprings, and as she remembered his mood when he had left that day, it was quite likely he would. Gary's appearance on the scene presented quite a few side issues. Chloe had written to her and more or less explained his presence with a few well chosen sentences, such as, 'Wasn't it nice of her fiancé to decide to join her like that?' from which she deduced that Gary had looked her up; he had known she was visiting George at the start of her vacation. She sighed. How she would be able to keep him at bay if he did manage to clear her was a question that constantly worried her. He was sure to capitalise on it. George and Chloe meant well, but they 169

hadn't actually helped. She was not surprised when she received the note. A child handed it to her surreptitiously during the morning, and shortly disappeared. Sonia dared not read it there. She was not sure the action hadn't been spotted by Atlas, who was quite near. She kept the note tightly clutched in her hand and stayed out of the water until twelve-thirty, when she made her way back to her room to change for lunch. Once there, she read the short, concise note. It told her to make her way down to the swimming pool after lights out, avoiding the lighted areas on the terraces. She frowned at the writing. It didn't look like Gary's, then she thought of his position as her lawyer; if the note were discovered and proved to be his writing, Rory would have a field day. No, he had cleverly got someone else to write it. That it came from Gary she was certain. It looked, she thought grimly, as if there was little hope of establishing her innocence, and he had been forced to adopt this method. He had probably also arranged to get her off the island and back to England. She couldn't see Rory Maragal taking the trouble to pursue her that far. The jewellery was safely back in his possession. In all probability, she told herself, he would be only too pleased she was out of his hair once and for all. Soon after lights out she cautiously made her 17 0

way down the dark passages of the staff quarters. She decided not to take her case, as it would only hamper her progress. Wearing a navy blue sweater and jeans, sneakers, plus a dark scarf she had had the forethought to snatch up in order to cover her hair, and her shoulder bag, containing her passport and various necessary documents she would have been lost without, thanking providence Rory Maragal had not confiscated them, she hugged the side of the passage farthest away from the outside lights. Once outside the building, she drew a breath of thankfulness. So far so good. Now she had the hardest part to negotiate. The terraces were well lit by soft coloured lights, and drinks were served to guests preferring to spend the evening in the cool night air. The terraces sloped gradually down the side of the hill the camp had been built on. Sonia knew she would have to avoid the paths and kept to the bushes bordering the terraces. Nearing the bottom terrace, she peeped cautiously out on to the terrace itself, then quickly drew back. Rory Maragal sat alone at the nearside table. He was smoking a cigar and had a drink in front of him. Sonia's heart hammered. For one awful moment she wondered whether he had written that note himself. If not, what was he doing here at this time? The thought almost made her turn around and slip back into the safety of her 171

room. Then she relaxed. He would hardly be sitting there if he was supposed to be meeting her at the pool. She stood there watching him. She knew she ought to move on, on towards freedom, freedom from the man who had bedevilled her since her arrival on the island. She found herself strangely reluctant to take that freedom. She noted the way his strong lean fingers curled around his glass. His head was in profile as he gazed out over the surrounding valley. Her heart jerked, a sudden crazy impulse came over her to rush over to him—and what? Tell him she loved him? She gulped, the china doll had come to life. But it was too late, she thought bitterly. She moved on quickly, determined now to put as much space between them as possible. She was just being silly. It was a human failing to want what you couldn't have, especially if it had once been within your grasp and you had spurned it. Then she caught herself up quickly. What on earth was she going on about? Rory Maragal had never been in love with her, she could stop fooling herself on that count. Gary loved her— look what he was doing for her now. He wasn't reclining on a terrace enjoying a late cigar with a drink in front of him ! Gary was doing something about her. Making her way stealthily past the main swimming pool partially lit, she had to hug the 17 2

shadows. Gary, she guessed, would be waiting by the children's pool, the lighting there was practically non-existent. She knew the way well enough and kept going until she reached the far end of the pool. `Sonia?' whispered a voice. Turning towards it, she called, 'Here,' softly. `Is that you, Gary ?' A figure loomed up beside her. It was not Gary, he was not tall enough. She knew a moment's panic, then, 'Kirk, at your service, ma'am.' Sonia hadn't much time to think about this as he caught her arm, murmuring softly, `Come on, let's get out of here.' She had no choice but to follow him. She did not understand what was happening or why Kirk should help her. They passed a small clutch of buildings beyond the pool used for stores, and on to the edge of the camp itself. Sonia stared at the six-foot fence facing them. Below, she knew, was the beach she had caught a glimpse of on her arrival. The fence was a precaution against children wandering out of bounds. 'Kirk, I can't possibly scale that!' she whispered. He laughed softly. 'Won't have to.' He bent down and pushed two slats of the fence, and they swung back silently. He slipped through, then helped her through. Now they were on the cliff top. Sonia glanced down, the twinkling lights out at sea telling her 17 3

how high up they were. She closed her eyes, wishing she hadn't looked. Kirk carefully replaced the slats, then still keeping his voice low said, 'We follow the path down. I'll go first—watch your feet, and don't look over the cliff top. Keep the light down on the path.' Sonia, accepting the flashlight he gave her, thought it was a bit late for his advice about not looking down. As she had imagined herself descending a sheer cliff face, she was profoundly relieved to find herself walking a narrow but definite path twisting tortuously down to the beach. It seemed an age, but eventually she was standing on firm beachy ground. The sea lapped the shore close to where she was standing. `We made it ! ' exclaimed Kirk, and she knew he was grinning. Sonia looked at him. 'I don't get it, Kirk. Why did you come? Did Gary put you up to it ?' His voice sounded indignant. 'Honey, no one put me up to it. I got you in this mess, didn't I ? So I get you out. It's as simple as that ! ' Sonia stared at him. 'You put those things in my pocket ! ' she exclaimed indignantly. She saw him shrug. 'Sure, but I thought you'd get clear in time. I'm sorry, honey, I thought they'd concentrate on the island first—in any case I didn't think you'd be searched.' 174

Sonia was nonplussed. 'But why, Kirk? You must have known you wouldn't get away with it. No one would touch that eagle, it's a wellknown collector's piece, according to Rory.' He scuffed the sandy sail with his sandal. 'Oh, I guess I could have found a market for it. You'd be surprised at the way some collectors snap up these pieces without any questions asked.' `But your father ! ' exclaimed Sonia. Again the shrug. Then he said abruptly, `Come on, I've got a boat round this cove. It's as well we get a head start before they discover you're missing.' He caught her hand and led her under the towering cliffs above. He moved quickly and Sonia was too breathless to ask any more questions. They rounded the cliff face and here the beach was wider. Sonia saw the dark hull of a boat loom up before them as they neared it. Kirk climbed aboard and reached a hand down to her. `Where are we going ?' she asked. She saw the flash of his teeth as he answered, `We haven't had that trip to the Bahamas yet, have we?' Sonia looked at the boat. 'In this?' she asked. `Not unless you're a champion rower,' he said, chuckling. `No, I've got the yacht anchored in the bay. Come on.' 175

`But, Kirk—I'm not sure—' she began, then subsided as he caught her hand and pulled her firmly into the boat. 'Kirk ! ' she gasped as she got her breath back. He laughed softly. 'Relax, honey. It's all taken care of.' He slipped quickly out of the boat and gave it a push out, then got back again and started up the motor. 'We'll talk it over in more comfortable surroundings,' he said above the roar of the motor starting up. The yacht was small but in the luxury class— it belonged, she surmised, to his father. The compact salon was well fitted out, even including a tiny bar that Kirk made straight for as soon as they arrived. 'What would you like?' he asked. Sonia shook her head. She was beginning to have qualms about the whole thing. She must get back to Gary and somehow get Kirk to own up. If only he'd told her before she left Mainsprings. She could have gone back and waited until she'd seen Gary again; it would have been no use telling Rory, he wouldn't have believed her, but Gary would have. What was more, Kirk would have had plenty of time to get clear himself. `Come on,' Kirk urged, breaking into her musings. 'Just one to celebrate putting it over Maragal,' he grinned. Well, that was different, thought Sonia. She looked at Kirk; she didn't condone his action in

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taking the pieces, but he had tried to put things right, his way. 'Just a small vodka and lime, please,' she said, unable to stop herself from answering his grin. She stared around at the fittings as he fixed the drink. 'Your father's?' she asked, as he handed her the drink. He made a wry face. 'Of course,' he said. 'I was loaned it on the understanding that I got the hell out of it,' he gave her his characteristic grin again and raised his glass. `Skol! ' he said. Sonia sipped her drink and made a face. `You've gone heavy on the vodka, Kirk,' she accused him. He got up and took the drink from her, then went back to the bar and added more lime. 'Try that,' he said. Sonia did. It was still extremely strong. 'It's better,' she lied, then looked at him. 'Have you quarrelled with your father?' she asked. `That's one way of putting it,' he said as he stared at his glass. 'I'm out on my ear. There was one hell of a row after you left that night.' His eyes narrowed. `Maragal ordered me to stay away from you.' Sonia's eyes opened wide. 'He did? Well, of all the ...' `That's how I felt about it,' interrupted Kirk. `Not hard to see why either. I told you he was crazy about you, didn't I?' 177

Was was the operative word, she thought. It hadn't been love either. Kirk continued, 'I'd just about had enough. What with him laying down the law, and Dad getting on at me, I guess I blew my top. I told Maragal just what I thought of him and he floored me before I could defend myself. Dear old Dad takes his part and tears me off a strip right in front of him.' He drank some of his whisky, then looked at her glass. 'Come on, you've barely touched yours.' Sonia obligingly sipped a bit more. 'I won't have another, Kirk,' she said. 'It must have been pretty rotten for you,' she said sympathetically. He grinned. 'Well, sure got my own back, didn't I?' Sonia was beginning to feel slightly sleepy. It must have been the sea air. She blinked and concentrated on Kirk. 'Not such a good idea, was it?' she said dryly. 'He got his pieces back and I got nabbed.' Kirk's grin got wider. 'Sorry, honey, but there's a bit more. Okay, he got his precious eagle back—I was as sore as hell about that, but what really riled me was the fact that he'd got you. I'd played right into his hands. You don't honestly think he believed you'd taken that stuff, do you?' His eyes narrowed. 'No, baby, he'd got you and he was keeping you. You were in for a long, long stay, and you wouldn't have 17 8

got out until you saw things his way.' He finished his drink, and looked at Sonia. 'I've evened the score now.' He walked towards a wall cupboard and opened it, taking out two small but exquisite gold cups. Indented on either side of them were emerald eagles. Sonia gasped; she didn't need to ask who they belonged to. 'How . .?' she began. He poured himself another drink. 'Sure you don't want another?' he asked. Sonia was sure. She was getting more and more sleepy. She took another sip; perhaps the drink would wake her up a bit. Kirk came back and sat opposite her. 'Since you've been at that camp, he's spent most of his time up there. I wasn't sure where he'd taken you, but when I found out where he was spending most of his time, I caught on. He's even moved in these last four days. I reckoned it was time I hooked you out of there.' He stared at the cups he had left on a side table. 'Lifting that stuff was a piece of cake. He gave his staff time off when he moved into the camp.' Sonia's lids felt heavy. She blinked again— what on earth was wrong with her? Suddenly she found herself yawning. 'Terribly sorry,' she murmured, 'I think I ought to get some fresh air.' She attempted to get up, but found her limbs too heavy to move. Kirk sat beside her. 'It's okay, honey. You'll 179

get all the fresh air you need once we're on the way. We're going much farther than the Bahamas, somewhere where I know I can find a market for the Maragal treasures.' She heard his voice, but it sounded a very long way off, like an echo. Vaguely she knew she didn't want to help him spend his ill-gotten gains, even if it was Rory Maragal's valuables he was selling. She found she was being picked up and at the sensation of being, carried made a small cry of protest. She was put on a bed. Again his voice came from afar. 'Don't worry, Sonia, I'm not that bad. We've plenty of time to get acquainted. I'm sorry it had to be this way, honey,' he said as he laid a coverlet over her, 'but I had a feeling you might have backed out.' He stood looking down at her. Sonia desperately fought sleep. 'You know,' he drawled, 'losing those cups won't hurt half as much as losing you. For once in his life Maragal's lost out.'

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CHAPTER TEN FROM that time on Sonia lay in deep sleep. When she next attempted to open her eyes, her befuddled senses told her it was morning. What part of morning, she didn't know; she just wanted to sleep, but someone was trying to rouse her, she wanted to tell them to go away, but hadn't the energy. `Come on, sweetheart, shake out of it. Try and drink this.' She was lifted up and a cup held to her mouth. She made an effort, but it was no use. Her head lulled back against the shoulder supporting her. There was a resigned, 'Okay, sleep it out, hon, guess I overdid the K.O. drops.' The next time she almost surfaced it was still light and there was a lot of noise quite near her, shouting and feet stamping up and down steps. She tried hard to concentrate, but gave it up. Whatever it was, it did not concern her; her heavy lids closed back over her eyes. The voice sounded quite close to her and was vaguely familiar. 'And what have we here? The Sleeping Beauty, no doubt ! ' Once again her peace was disturbed. She was 181

caught by the shoulders and pulled none too gently upright. She protested weakly and having no strength to support herself subsided slowly back down towards the pillows. 'Oh, no, you don't,' said the voice. 'Come on, the game's up. You can drop the act now.' She was again roughly pulled upwards. 'Look at me, damn you!' he said. Sonia found her lashes glued to her eyes. She made a determined effort, this time with a little success. She couldn't focus, the face before her floated to and fro. She caught a glimpse of hard eyes, and the next moment she was pushed roughly back on the bed. 'Drunk, by heavens !' said a disgusted voice. `No doubt celebrating your success. Well, we'll see what a few cups of black coffee will do, shall we?' Left in peace, she drifted off into dreamland again, but all too soon that wretched voice pushed itself into her conciousness. Once again she was pulled upright and a steadying arm held round her. A cup was put to her lips. She vaguely remembered Kirk doing the same thing. `Kirk?' she muttered. This seemed to infuriate the person with the cup. 'Drink it,' he said harshly, 'or I'll pour it down your lovely throat.' Sonia tried to open her eyes again. She resented being shouted at. She didn't know who he was, but she didn't want him around. She half 182

raised an arm that felt like lead. `Go away,' she said quite plainly `By heavens,' shouted the man, 'drink, will you? When you've sobered, you'll get the thrashing of your life, either that or I'll throttle you!' She tried to sip, but her throat muscles would not oblige, and she turned her head away. She was still hazily concentrating on the man's words. She found it funny, and giggled. 'You sound just like Rory Maragal,' she said, then her head lulled back on to the shoulder and she sank once more into oblivion. When she next awoke, Chloe was with her. Her eyes were still too heavy to open properly, but she knew her voice. Chloe was holding her hand and telling her everything was going to be all right. Sonia wished she wouldn't talk so much, it was hard to concentrate. Chloe was demanding to know why she had been so stupid as to listen to Kirk in the first place, etc., and on receiving no reply, she sighed. 'Oh well, we'll talk about it tomorrow.' Sonia heartily agreed with this decision; perhaps now she'd get some peace. On her next awakening, her senses had cleared, she was still inexplicably tired, but awake enough to take in her surroundings, and they puzzled her. Her gaze took in the sumptuous bed she lay in, swept over the thick golden material of the coverlet, and the silk sheets, then 1 83

travelled on to the walls of the room, tinted a gentle sea green with gold scrolls entwining here and there. The ceiling was a work of art, a slightly darker green than the walls, the gold motif more in evidence making the area shine as the light caught it. Back to the walls again, there were miniatures in delicately ornamental golden frames. Her eyes came to rest on a large picture almost opposite her. A portrait—a man in Spanish armour; his haughty expression and the shield his long fingers rested on brought her to her senses with a rush. Now she knew where she was ! She sat up quickly. She was in her nightdress, and this gave her a few bad moments too. She felt a heaviness on her left arm and stared at the cause. The Maragal betrothal bracelet was on her wrist, and heavens above ! the large emerald ring on her third finger. As she stared A them, something cold moved around her neck, she almost screamed and gingerly felt her neck, It was a gold chain and as she held it away from her the glinting lights of the attached eagle scintillated before her. She closed her eyes. If only she knew how they'd got there ! With a quick movement she removed the eagle, feeling less like a chained slave when it was off. Next she gave her attention to the bracelet, but could not find the catch to release it. She twisted it round and tried again, 184

still with no success. Her lips straightened. Then she pulled at the ring, and her eyes opened incredulously when this too would not budge. She was getting frantic now; what excuse could she give Rory if he came in and found her actually wearing the wretched articles? She would have to plead guilty but insane, she thought, as she tried to keep calm for another go at removing them. In the end she had to admit defeat. Her efforts had exhausted her, and she lay back on the bed and tried to make sense of it all. The door opened and Gary strode in. He walked swiftly to the bed. Sonia just looked at him. She didn't know how to explain her presence in Rory Maragal's house, let alone in one of his bedrooms! Then she saw the man himself follow Gary in, and her smouldering eyes met his bland ones. Would Gary still represent her? she wondered. If ever she needed his help, it was now. He caught her hand. 'Sonia ? Are you all right?' he said. She couldn't understand the question. Gary looked worried. Perhaps she was mad after all! She managed to answer calmly enough. 'I'm a little sleepy, that's all, Gary, don't look so worried.' He looked down at her, his eyes taking in the ring and bracelet. He stiffened and looked back at Rory, and some sort of communication 185

passed between them. Gary sighed and released her hand. He swiftly bent and kissed her cheek. `All the best, sweet', he murmured. Sonia blinked and watched him walk to the door. Alone once more, Sonia was now convinced she had lost her sanity. This must be what was known at 'lucid periods in between'. Perhaps that was why she felt so tired. The door opened again and Rory walked back into the room. He stood looking at her for a moment or so. She could not read his expression, but stared back at him. 'And how is my Snow Queen?' he murmured. Sonia might be mad, but she was not that far gone. 'I am not "your" anything, Mr Maragal,' she said coldly, then remembered the ring and bracelet; she might as well get it over with. She held out the hand towards him. `You're not going to believe this, but I've no idea how they got there, and can't even think up a good story to cover it.' He walked over to her. 'I can,' he said blandly. Sonia did not like the smug look on his face. He picked her hand up and caressed it, and Sonia felt the alarm bells ringing. 'I've decided to marry you,' he announced calmly, and went on before Sonia could recover in time to add her sentiments on the matter, 'I can't see any other way of making sure my collection stays intact. 86

You do seem to have a morbid fascination for it. Perhaps once it's yours, I can sleep in peace.' Sonia found her voice, admittedly it was one octave ,higher. 'I suppose I have nothing to say in the matter ?' she demanded, her eyes glinting green sparks. He further enraged her by shaking his head and answering, 'Nothing that will make the slightest difference.' `You called me a china doll,' she said accusingly. 'You said you wanted a real woman.' His hand still caressed hers. 'I do,' he replied calmly. 'I want the woman I brought to life under my lips that night.' His arm slipped round her shoulders. 'I found her once, I intend to find her again.' He was getting dangerously close. 'I don't love you,' lied Sonia, not ready yet to capitulate. His eyes met hers. 'Don't you?' he murmured. `Well, we can put that right, can't we ?' He pinned her back on the bed. Seeing the determination in his eyes, Sonia tried to still her pounding heartbeats. 'Even Kirk wouldn't go that far,' she managed to get out. His eyes flashed and she held her breath. `Kirk was a fool,' he said quietly. 'Don't make the mistake of classing me with him. He wouldn't be walking about at this moment if he'd laid a finger on you.' 187

She realised quite suddenly this man loved her. He was telling her so in his own way. 'I don't . . . I can't...' was as far as she got. His lips crushed hers. Again she knew the urge to respond, to throw caution to the winds, but she was still afraid. Rory raised his head and looked at her. His eyes were hooded. 'I do hope you are going to be sensible, my love,' he said quietly. 'The whole island knows we're getting married.' He shrugged slightly. 'Not that it surprised anyone. You appeared to be the only one who didn't know how I felt.' Sonia could only look at him, then remembered Gary. She looked at the ring, then back at Rory. 'Gary?' she asked. He smiled, and Sonia thought he had a lovely smile when he chose to show it, it did things to her. `I told him myself,' he said grandly. 'I got the truth out of Chloe. He didn't believe me until he saw the ring.' 'But...' stuttered Sonia, 'you hadn't even asked me then—and come to think of it, you still haven't ! ' He drew her close. 'And give you the pleasure of turning me down? Oh no, my love, we start as we mean to go on. You'll marry me because I say so.' Sonia thought about this dictatorial state18 8

ment, and decided she liked his method of proposal. It was unique anyway. She began to get sleepy again. The warmth of his arms was lulling her back to the cotton wool fields. She murmured, 'Who put me to bed, Rory?' He looked down at her curled like a kitten in his arms, and gently kissed her eyelids. 'Chloe did,' he said softly. 'When you come to again, I'll bring her to see you. Dilson overdid the tranquillisers. The doctor said it will take a day or two to wear off.' Sonia heard his voice slightly fading and because she didn't want him to go away, she slipped. her arms round his neck and nuzzled against his strong jaw. Rory understood. Before she drifted once more into oblivion, a voice caressingly near her ear murmured, 'I'm not leaving you—ever.'

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