by Jane Corrie
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
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, But 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
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
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.
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
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
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 twenty-four 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
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
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.
Chloe handed George the menu. 'You choose for us, dear,' she said hastily as the waiter appeared. The music began and the Latin-American 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
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 good-looking, 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
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
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 immen
sely 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.
`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?'
