Blood Storm (45 page)

'He can take a fortnight off,' Tweed told her.

Coral rushed across the room, talking as she moved,
threw her arms round Paula. 'You've been a real brick, looking after me. I do want us to keep in touch.'

'A long dinner, then, when you get back. My bet is Pete
is waiting downstairs for you in the visitors' room.'

'Yes, he is. But before I do . . .'

She rushed at Tweed, hugged him so hard he was almost
out of breath. She then administered the same treatment to Newman, waved a hand and was gone.

'I did work it out eventually,' Tweed said to Paula,
linking his hands behind his neck. 'The newspaper on
Coral's desk announcing Nelson's promotion, Coral
dancing with delight. That killer had charm and she'd fallen
for him, so she was the next victim, not the Parrot.'

'Which I'd worked out earlier.' Paula frowned. 'You took
your time getting to me.'

'I know. I was wrong, you were right. I'm so sorry. In
future you tell me when I slip up. Don't forget.'

'I won't. You'll get sick of me reminding you.'

Author's Note

This novel takes place some time in the near future.

All the characters portrayed are creatures of the author's
imagination and bear no relationship or resemblance to any
living person.

The same principle of pure invention applies to all buildings, headquarters, residences, hotels, villages,
institutions and apartments in Great Britain and France.