‘This is a liberated age. You’re entitled to have a man in your room.’
‘Are you daring to suggest that I pretend that you and I-’
‘Unless you can think of something more convincing. I suppose I could be trying to sell you insurance-’
‘Shut up!’
‘Whatever you say. I’m at your mercy.’
‘Mademoiselle!’ That was the policeman again.
Then another man’s voice said, ‘He’s obviously in there. Beat the door down.’
There was a thump on the door. Furious with all of them, Mandy wrenched it open so fast that the attacker was caught in mid-blow, lunging forwards against her and landing hard enough to knock her back. Only the swift movement of her mysterious companion prevented her hitting the wall.
‘Murderer!’ he cried. ‘My darling, has he hurt you?’
‘I’m not sure,’ she said faintly. ‘Help me up.’
He did so, lifting her in his arms and carrying her towards the bed, laying her down, then sitting beside her, still holding her.
‘Get out, the pair of you,’ he said to the two other men who were just behind him. ‘Look what you’ve done.’
Through half closed eyes Mandy surveyed the two men, one of whom was in a police uniform. Madness seized her and she pointed to the other intruder, a squashy-looking individual with a mean face.
‘Why did he attack me?’ she asked in a quavering voice.
‘I didn’t, I didn’t,’ he squeaked. ‘I was seeking the man who was with my wife. I thought he was here-’
‘Ooh!’ she moaned, covering her face and turning so that the stranger’s arms enfolded her.
‘Get out before I have the law on you,’ he threatened.
The policeman began a stumbling apology but fell silent when he saw a look in the stranger’s eyes. A jerk of the head sent him retreating through the door, half dragging the outraged husband with him.
‘It’s all right, they’ve gone.’
Lifting her head, she saw him regarding her with a mischievous devil in his eyes. Then her appalled glance fell on herself, and the towel robe which had drifted open, revealing her nakedness. Sanity descended on her like a cold shower and she snatched the edges together.