The phone rang. Her "Hello" was barely audible.

" Elizabeth," a voice boomed. "How are you? You're on my mind."

It was Min von Schreiber! Of all people! Elizabeth instantly felt wearier. Min had given Leila her first modeling job, and now she was married to an Austrian baron and owned the glamorous Cypress Point Spa in Pebble Beach, California. She was an old and dear friend; but Elizabeth didn't feel up to her today. Still, Min was one of the people Elizabeth could never say no to.

Elizabeth tried to sound cheerful. "I'm fine, Min. A little tired, maybe. I just got home a few minutes ago."

"Don't unpack. You're coming to the Spa tomorrow morning. There's a ticket waiting at the American Airlines counter. The usual flight. Jason will pick you up at the airport in San Francisco."

"Min, I can't."

"As myguest."

Elizabeth almost laughed. Leila had always said those were the three hardest words for Min to utter. "But, Min-"

"No 'buts.' When I saw you in Venice you looked too thin. That damn trial will be hell. So come. You need rest. You need pampering."

Elizabeth could see Min, her raven-black hair coiled around her head, always assuming in her imperious way that what she wanted was automatically granted. After more futile protests in which she listed all the reasons why she should not come, could not, she heard herself agreeing to Min's plans.

"Tomorrow, then. It will be good to see you, Min." She was smiling when she put the receiver down.

Three thousand miles away, Minna von Schreiber waited for the connection to break, then immediately began to dial another number. When she reached her party, she whispered, "You were right. It was easy. She agreed to come. Don't forget to act surprised when you see her."