triumphant, and it changed from amber to brightest purest white like the
sparkle from a paragon diamond, then it turned to the blue of sunlight
on a tropical ocean, to soft forest greens and desert golds, an endless
cavalcade of colours, changing, blending, fading, flaring in splendour
that held her captive.
Then the colours took shape, they spun like mighty Catherine wheels, and
soared and exploded, showered down in rivers of flame that burst again
into fresh cascades of light.
She was appalled by the dimensions of shape and colour that engulfed
her, bewildered by the beauty of it and at last she could bear it no
longer in silence and she cried out.
Instantly there was a hand in hers, a strong hard familiar hand, and his
voice, dearly beloved, reassuring and firm.
David, she cried with relief.
Quietly, my darling. You must rest.
David. David. She heard the sob in her own voice as new torrents of
colour poured over her, insupportable in their richness and variety,
overwhelming in their depth and range.
I'm here, my darling. I'm here. What's happening to me, David? What's
happening? 'You are all right. The operation was a success. You are
just fine.
Colours, she cried. Filling my whole head. I've never known it like
this. It's the result of the operation. It shows that it was a
success. They removed the growth. 'I'm frightened, David. 'No, my
darling. There is nothing to be afraid of Hold me, David. Hold me
safe. And in the circle of his arms the fear abated, and slowly she
learned to ride the oceanic waves and washes of colour, came gradually
to accept and then at last to look upon them with wonder and with
intense pleasure.
It's beautiful, David. I'm not frightened any more, not with you
holding me. It's wonderful. 'Tell me what you see, he said. I
couldn't. It's impossible. I couldn't find the words. 'Try!
he said.
David was alone in the suite, and it was after midnight when the call
that he had placed to New York came through.
This is Robert Dugan, to whom am I speaking? Bobby's voice was crisp
and businesslike. It's David Morgan. 'Who? 'Debra Mordecai's husband.
Well, hello there, David. The agent's voice changed, becoming
expansive. It's sure nice to talk to you. How is Debra? It was
obvious that Dugan's interest in David began and ended with his wife.
That's why I am calling. She's had an operation and she's in hospital
at the moment. 'God! Not serious, is it? She's going to be fine.
She'll be up in a few days and ready for work in a couple of weeks.
'Glad to hear it, David. That's great. Loo ere, I want you to go ahead
and set up that script-writing contract for A Place of Our Own. 'She's
going to do it?
Dugan's pleasure carried six thousand miles with no diminution. She'll
do it now. 'That's wonderful news, David. 'Write her a good contract.
Depend on it, boyo. That little girl of yours is a hot property.