‘Oh. It’s Daniel, isn’t it?’
‘We met once, didn’t we?’
‘Yes. Look, I’m sorry about, you know —’
‘It’s not your fault. You work for my father, but you’re not like him, are you?’ Daniel walked round the Jaguar. He was carrying a bunch of keys with a remote control device for the
- o
door locks and alarm. ‘I was going to borrow Dad’s car, but
o o ‘
I’ve changed my mind. I think I’d rather walk.’
Andrew watched in astonishment as Daniel tossed the keys into a stone urn standing by the front steps. They vanished into
O j I j
the roots of a small shrub.
‘I thought somebody around here ought to say sorry to you,’ said Daniel.
‘To me?’
The young man came closer. ‘Sorry that you got involved. You and your family. I don’t suppose my parents would ever mention it. They don’t care, you see. They don’t see the effect on anyone except themselves.’
Andrew didn’t know what to say. He clutched his document case closer, searching his reserve of social small talk for a reply. ‘You’re studying at university, aren’t you?’
Daniel laughed, then looked away, as if suddenly losing interest. ‘I’m at Exeter, doing political science. A different world.’
‘Such a dreadful thing to happen,’ said Andrew, exhausting his stock of phrases.
When the young man spoke again, it was as if he was addressing the blue Jaguar, as if he had forgotten that Andrew Milner was there.
‘They had already rung me at Exeter as soon as Laura disappeared, you know. But I just thought she’d gone off with this bloke, the boyfriend, Simeon Holmes. It was bound to happen sooner or later, I thought. I intended to come back home, but
‘ o ‘
only after Mum and Dad had got over the shock of finding out their daughter was a secret nympho.’ ‘I see.’
206
‘I should have come back straightaway Shouldn’t I? Don’t you think so?’
‘It’s not for me to judge. Really —’
‘No, not for anybody to judge but me,’ said Daniel bitterly. ‘Sorry to have bothered you.’
He set off to walk down the drive, his hands thrust into the pockets of his jeans and his shoulders hunched angrily. Andrew watched him until the young man stopped a few yards away and turned back to shout in derision.
‘Don’t just stand there, go on in! I’m sure you’ll find my mother available!’
Andrew shook his head, bewildered, but went on up the steps to ring the bell. Charlotte Vernon answered the door, looking
o o
smart in a cashmere sweater and cream slacks. She stared at Andrew for a moment, then broke into astonished laughter that carried a hint of hysteria.
‘You! What on earth are you doing here?’
Andrew flushed, pulling nervously at his tie. His forehead was creased in permanent anxiety. ‘I’m sorry, Charlotte. I’ve got some papers that I need Graham to sign.’
‘Oh, really? Important papers?’
He waved a hand helplessly, hardly daring to look at her, conscious of the sweat running down inside his collar. He
o
suddenly remembered the car keys in the urn outside, and wondered how he could mention them.
‘Lost for words?’ said Charlotte. ‘You’d better come in, I suppose. But it’ll have to be quick.’
‘I’m sorry. Are you going out?’
‘We’ve got our big moment of fame.’
‘I beg your pardon?’
She stood close to him, touching his arm, widening her eyes instinctively as she enjoyed his embarrassment.
‘Graham and I are doing a television appeal. The police seem to think it will do some good.’
‘Oh, I see.’
