He reluctantly cut off that disturbing train of thought. This was not a good time to be distracted. Still, he couldnt help one last appreciative glance at the diminutive figure. Okay, so she was a touch on the scrawny side. But she had great legs. Definitely great legs.
Footsteps clipped across the marble floor. Guy turned and saw Kistners secretary, an unsmiling Thai with a beardless face.
Mr. Barnard? said the secretary. Our apologies for the delay. But an urgent matter has come up.
Will he see
me now?
The secretary shifted uneasily. I am afraid
Ive been waiting since three.
Yes, I understand. But there is a problem. It seems General Kistner cannot meet with you as planned.
May I remind you that I didnt request this meeting. General Kistner did.
Yes, but
Ive taken time out of my busy schedule he took the liberty of exaggeration to drive all the way out here, and
I understand, but
At least tell me why he insisted on this appointment.
You will have to ask him.
Guy, who up till now had kept his irritation in check, drew himself up straight. Though he wasnt a particularly tall man, he stood a full head taller than the secretary. Is this how the general normally conducts business?
The secretary merely shrugged. I am sorry, Mr. Barnard. The change was entirely unexpected His gaze shifted momentarily and focused on something beyond the French windows.
Guy followed the mans gaze. Through the glass, he saw what the man was looking at: the woman with the honeycolored hair.
The secretary shuffled his feet, a signal that he had other duties to attend to. I assure you, Mr. Barnard, he said, if you call in a few days, we will arrange another appointment.
Guy snatched up his briefcase and headed for the door. In a few days, he said, Ill be in Saigon.
A whole afternoon wasted, he thought in disgust as he walked down the front steps. He swore again as he reached the empty driveway. His car was parked a good hundred yards away, in the shade of a poinciana tree. The driver was nowhere to be seen. Knowing Puapong, the man was probably off flirting with the gardeners daughter.
Resignedly Guy trudged toward the car. The sun was like a broiler, and waves of heat radiated from the gravel road. Halfway to the car, he happened to glance at the garden, and he spotted the honey-haired woman, sitting on a stone bench. She looked dejected. No wonder; it was a long drive back to town, and Lord only knew when her ride would turn up.
What the hell, he thought, starting toward her. He could use some company.
She seemed to be deep in thought; she didnt look up until he was standing right beside her.
Hi there, he said.
She squinted up at him. Hello. Her greeting was neutral, neither friendly nor unfriendly.
Did I hear you needed a lift back to town?
I have one, thank you.
It could be a long wait. And Im heading there anyway. She didnt respond, so he added, Its really no trouble.
She gave him a speculative look. She had silver-gray eyes, direct, unflinching; they seemed to stare right through him. No shrinking violet, this one. Glancing back at the house, she said, Kistners driver was going to take me
Im here. He isnt.
Again she gave him that look, a silent third degree. She must have decided he was okay, because she finally rose to her feet. Thanks. Id appreciate it.
Together they walked the graveled road to his car. As they approached, Guy noticed a back door was wide open and a pair of dirty brown feet poked out. His driver was sprawled across the seat like a corpse.
The woman halted, staring at the lifeless form. Oh, my God. Hes not
A blissful snore rumbled from the car.
Hes not, said Guy. Hey. Puapong! He banged on the car roof.
The mans answering rumble could have drowned out thunder.
Hello, Sleeping Beauty! Guy banged the car again. You gonna wake up, or do I have to kiss you first?
What? What? groaned a voice. Puapong stirred and opened one bloodshot eye. Hey, boss. You back so soon?
Have a nice nap? Guy asked pleasantly.
Not bad.
Guy graciously gestured for Puapong to vacate the back seat. Look, I hate to be a pest, but do you mind? Ive offered this lady a ride.
Puapong crawled out, stumbled around sleepily to the drivers seat and sank behind the wheel. He shook his head a few times, then fished around on the floor for the car keys.
The woman was looking more and more dubious. Are you sure he can drive? she muttered under her breath.
This man, said Guy, has the reflexes of a cat. When hes sober.
Is he sober?
Puapong! Are you sober?
With injured pride, the driver asked, Dont I look sober?
Theres your answer, said Guy.
The woman sighed. That makes me feel so much better. She glanced back longingly at the house. The Thai servant had appeared on the steps and was waving goodbye.
Guy motioned for the woman to climb in. Its a long drive back to town.
She was silent as they drove down the winding mountain road. Though they both sat in the back seat, two feet apart
at the most, she seemed a million miles away. She kept her gaze focused on the scenery.