INTIMATE STRANGERS 14

'That’s nice of you, Brett,' she said gratefully. He really sounded as if he meant it, besides, if he was seeing someone else, it meant the two of them could simply be friends. He’d be someone to go out with casually and definitely with no strings. It was exactly what she wanted. Smiling happily, she leapt out of the car when he stopped in the drive. She waved as he turned and drove away. As she approached the porch, she saw Ashton standing waiting for her. She did not see the grim expression on his face.

‘Oh Hi!’ she said, cheerfully.

“Where the hell have you been?’ he demanded. Her smile faded.

‘To stay with Margaret. You know, I met her on the flight over. Didn’t Kate tell you? I phoned to let you know.’

‘Don’t try to pretend to me. I’ve been up half the night worrying. I nearly phoned the police. No idea where you were or when you were coming back. How could you? You knew Kate was going out. I had to rush home to baby-sit; left no end of work at the office. I had planned to fin