Unknown (9 page)

‘Let’s hope our faith is justified,' Brad said grimly, ‘I hope he hasn’t given her false hopes.’

‘I shouldn’t think so. It’s more than he would dare do.'

‘I shan’t feel happy until I actually see her walking again. If anything goes wrong she’ll blame me more than ever.’

‘Brad!’ Laura pleaded. ‘You’re not to think like that. You’ve done what you thought was the right thing and now we must wait.’

‘I wish I was with you, but it’s impossible. I’ll try and get down in a few days, Keep me informed of any developments.’

A warm glow enveloped Laura as she replaced the receiver. Hearing his voice had re-awoken the feelings she was trying so hard to forget. At the stormy beginning of their relationship love had been the furthest thought from her mind. She had felt he wasn’t her type at all, yet here she was—completely under his spell. And there was nothing she could do about it.

Laura spent most of her time with Helen during the following days and the two girls became firm friends. There were occasions when Helen complained that they did not seem to be doing anything towards making her better, but Laura reasonably pointed out that they had to observe her case in the first place and that she must be patient. What were a few days or weeks compared to a lifetime of inactivity?

And then for two days running Laura was not allowed at the clinic as Doctor Jorgenson wished to carry out some extensive tests. Time passed very slowly and Laura felt more lonely than ever before. If only Brad could spare the time to visit them—but she knew that was impossible. He had telephoned her the evening before saying how snowed under with work he was and it would be a good job when she was back. He hadn’t realised exactly how much work she had taken off his hands. Laura suggested he bring some of it to the flat, but he refused, insisting she enjoy her break.

On the second day of her ‘holiday’ Laura browsed round the shops, admiring the Christmas displays which already added a festive air to the scene. She was walking slowly along Oxford Street deliberating whether to return to the flat or make her way to Hyde Park and enjoy a breath of fresh air when a heavy hand clapped her on the shoulder.

‘Laura Templeton! What on earth are you doing here at this time. of day? Shouldn’t you be tapping away at your typewriter?’

‘Mr. Harvey!’ Laura smiled warmly at the young man in the expensive suit and flashy tie. ‘How nice to see someone I know.’

‘Philip, please.’ He swung into stride beside her. ‘But you haven’t answered my question. Don’t say Mr. Greg’s given you the sack? You were looking very despondent just now.’

‘He’s emigrated—didn’t you know? Although I suppose you wouldn’t unless you had any further business with him.’

He shook his long fair hair, his dazzling smile revealing even white teeth. ‘I’d no idea.’ He caught her hand. 'Come and have coffee and tell me what you’re doing with yourself these days. I couldn't believe my luck when I saw you here.’

Laura allowed herself to be led into a nearby restaurant and when they were settled told him about her new job and the reason she was in London.

‘So—you’re alone,’ when she had finished. ‘Must do something about that. How about dinner this evening?’

Too late Laura realised that her enthusiasm at meeting a familiar face had given Philip the wrong impression. He was not her sort at all. With plenty of money in his pocket he was out for a good time. ‘I’m sorry, but I'm expecting my employer to ring at nine. He likes to know how Helen’s progressing.'

‘That’s all right.’ Philip brushed away her excuse. ‘I’ll pick you up at quarter past. We’ll wine and dine and I'll show you a side of London you’ve never seen before.’

His manner was so persuasive that Laura found herself agreeing. One date won’t hurt, she decided. The change would do her good.

Fortunately she had brought a long dress with her, packed on the spur of the moment in case Brad turned up and asked her out for an evening, and as she showered and dressed she began to look forward to Philip’s company. Despite his too-familiar attitude he was good fun and the diversion was just what she needed.

When the bell rang, Laura slipped a wrap round her shoulders and opened the door. Philip’s dazzling smile faded when he realised she was not going to ask him in, but he quickly regained his composure and escorted her out to his waiting Triumph,

‘You look very beautiful, Laura. You should always wear your hair loose.'

‘Thank you,' replied Laura primly, ‘but it’s not very practical when I’m working.’

The car slid smoothly away and Laura found it pleasant to be in the company of a man who made no pretence of the fact that he found her attractive, even though she would have much preferred her escort to be Brad.

‘I’m taking you to a nightclub I know.’ He slanted her a glance. ‘The world’s your oyster tonight.’

For the first time Laura experienced a feeling of apprehension. Had she been wise in accepting Philip’s invitation? Had she let herself in for more than she had bargained? Firmly she pushed these doubts to the back of her mind. If Philip Harvey started any funny business she was quite capable of dealing with him. He would not be the first man to make unwanted passes. She had had enough of that sort of thing when working for David. A girl alone was a target for such men, especially as the business had not boasted a waiting-room and any visitors had had to sit in her office. Philip had been a typical example and she realised now that she should not have been so friendly when they met earlier. He would certainly take it the wrong way.

‘I didn’t realise we were going anywhere like that. I thought a hotel or restaurant—but a nightclub—I’ve never been to one before.’

‘Then now’s the time to find out, my sweet.’ His hand left the steering wheel and rested for a moment on hers. ‘You don’t know what you’ve been missing.’ Laura pulled away sharply. ‘I’m not sure that I’ve been missing anything. That side of life doesn’t appeal to me.’

‘Come now, honey. Surely every woman dreams of glamour and riches?'

‘Maybe the women in your life do, but not this one. 'I'm a country girl at heart. Why do you think I took that job in Shropshire?’

'I've no idea. But you can’t fool me that you weren’t feeling lonely when I saw you this afternoon?'

'Maybe I was, but it doesn’t mean I want to spend all my time searching for excitement.' She sensed Philip’s withdrawl and immediately regretted her sharp words. ‘Don’t get me wrong—I’m looking forward to my evening out I just don’t want you to get the wrong impression.'

He flashed her a smile. ‘That’s my girl! I knew I hadn’t underestimated you.’ As the car glided to a halt outside the large, impressive building, Laura swallowed her apprehension, preparing to enjoy herself. Their table was set back in a tiny alcove, yet still permitted full view of the stage where an attractive girl was singing a current pop song. As they ordered their meal Laura realised that Philip must be a regular customer. He only had to raise his hand and a waiter appeared. It was amazing what money could do, she thought, although it was very pleasant to receive such deferential treatment.

They ate their meal in silence, enjoying the antics of a comedian who had followed the girl. Once or twice Laura felt Philip looking at her with more than a hint of admiration in his blue eyes, but she resolutely ignored his overtures and concentrated on the excellent duck with orange sauce which was the speciality of the evening.

When Philip ordered her a brandy she was about to protest, as she was already feeling the effects of the dinner wine, but realising that he would be offended by her refusal, she took a steady sip, determined to make it last her all evening. She was not accustomed to drink and didn’t want to disgrace herself in front of Philip.

A group of musicians appeared on the stage and several couples whirled round the limited space of the dance area. Philip took Laura’s hand as the music changed to a dreamy waltz. ‘Come, my sweet. I’m sure you dance as divinely as you look.’

After a few circles of the floor, Philip’s arm tightened round Laura’s back. 'You’re the most beautiful woman in the room,’ he whispered. ‘We must do this more often.’

Laura stiffened and tried to pull back her head, but short of creating a scene she was forced to stay within the confines of his arms. ‘Do you say that to all the girls?’ she asked stiffly, ‘or am I being singled out for special treatment? If so I’m afraid you’re wasting your time.’

‘What do you mean, sweetheart? Aren’t you enjoying yourself?’ The shock on Philip’s face made Laura want to laugh. He didn’t look as though he was used to such replies.

'Of course I am. Who wouldn’t, with such superb food and a handsome escort? But don’t get carried away. This is a one-time date and don’t you forget it.’

‘Laura!’ His arms relaxed their hold and his expression became all at once serious. ‘You don’t really mean that? I wanted to ask you out when you worked for David Greg, but he always seemed to keep his beady eye on you. But there’s nothing to stop you seeing me now?’ He looked at her left hand. ‘You’re not engaged or anything?’

‘Er—no. But I’m in London on business, not pleasure.’

‘You can’t be on duty all the while. You must have some spare time
.'
He pulled her close again. ‘Anyway, let’s not spoil the evening. I’m sure you’ll change your mind before the night's over
.'

The dancing finished and they returned to their table, Laura thankful to be free from Philip's all too passionate caresses. He was proving more of a handful than she had at first thought and she took a long sip of brandy to steady her ruffled nerves.

Later, when the cabaret finished, Philip suggested they go and play the gaming tables in the room below, but Laura refused. The idea of gambling was distasteful to her, but rather than admit this she insisted that she was tired. 'I've had such a full day that I really must get to bed. I want to be at the clinic early in the morning.’

Surprisingly he did not argue and had the car waiting outside when Laura emerged from fetching her wrap. He was unusually silent during the journey and Laura, who really did feel tired now, did not attempt to make any conversation.

On arrival he switched off the engine and caught her hands in his. ‘Sweetheart, you will come out with me again? You didn’t mean what you said earlier
?'

He looked so pathetic that Laura felt a pang of remorse, but she was determined not to let the friendship develop. It was no use encouraging him when she knew nothing could arise from their relationship. Her heart belonged to Brad, even though he was aware of the remoteness of his ever returning her love.

‘I’m sorry, Philip. I did mean it. Thank you for a most enjoyable evening.’ She kissed him lightly on the cheek and slid from the car before he had time to realise what she was doing.

Once in the flat she took off her dress, hanging it carefully in the wardrobe before slipping into a blue nylon housecoat. She made herself a cup of coffee and curled up on the settee. Philip’s demanding company had taken more out of her than she thought. She felt drained of all energy. He was thoughtful and charming, she could not deny that, but his idea of a good time was not hers. Although—if Brad had taken her out for such an evening would she be feeling the same as she did now? In all honesty she knew the answer was no. Wherever she went with Brad—whether it was a simple walk in the country or dining out at the most expensive restaurant—she knew' without a doubt it would be enjoyable. If only he wasn’t so arrogantly superior! She sighed. It was no use wishing for the moon. To Brad she was his secretary and that was all there was to it. Even if he had kissed her she could only put it down to an impulsive action that he immediately regretted.

As for Philip, it was a pity she could not return his feelings, for he was good company, except that she wouldn’t mind betting he treated all his women the same. Look how the staff at the Golden Crest had jumped to his attention. He must be a very good customer indeed and she couldn’t see him tying himself down to one girl. She was glad she hadn’t given him any encouragement. He was the type to want all the advantages of marriage without the formalities that went with it.

Helen was sitting up in bed when Laura arrived the next morning, a frothy creation of blue lace draped casually round her shoulders. Her face lit up at the sight of her friend. ‘Am I glad to see you? It’s been a long two days and I’m absolutely worn out with all the examinations. But guess what?' Her eyes shone with excitement. ‘Eric says he’s confident he can cure me!'

Laura sat on the edge of the bed and hugged Helen, tears of happiness stinging the back of her eyes. ‘What wonderful news ! Brad will be delighted.’

Helen closed her eyes. ‘Doesn’t it sound marvellous? I never thought it would be possible. Oh, Laura, if it really happens I shall never forgive myself for treating Brad the way I have. He must think me the rottenest sister any man can have.'

‘Of course he doesn’t. What you’ve been through was bound to make you feel disgruntled—he said so himself.’

‘You sound as though you’re championing him.’ Helen smiled slowly. ‘Don’t tell me you’ve fallen for him as well?'

Laura felt the tell-tale colour creep into her cheeks and quickly turned away, taking off her coat and hanging it on a hook behind the door. ‘That’s hardly likely, the way he treats me,’ she said over her shoulder. ‘I’ve never met a more tyrannical person.’

Helen laughed. ‘You get used to that—it’s just his way.’

Sinking on to a chair at the side of the bed, Laura smiled wryly. ‘I could imagine what would happen if I ignored his commands. I’d be out of a job in double quick time.’

‘I’m not so sure. He won’t get another secretary like you very easily. I bet if you tried you could twist him round your little finger. Don’t you fancy him one little bit?’

Laura pretended to consider the question. ‘Well—he is handsome, and can be quite nice if he tries, but I’m afraid we never see eye to eye.’

‘I doubt if you will,’ returned Helen. ‘You’re too much alike—in temperament, I mean,' she added in reply to Laura’s frown.