Deep Allegiance by David Archer

Author:David Archer [Archer, David]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-08-04T22:00:00+00:00

THIRTEEN

Neil joined them a moment later and Jenny turned to him. “Honey, you were right,” she said. “This wasn’t the guy in the Ferrari.”

Neil grinned at Dawson. “I tried to tell her,” he said, “but she gets pretty stubborn sometimes.” He held out a hand. “Jason Turner,” he said. “I’m truly sorry that my wife accosted you this way.”

Dawson shook his hand and smiled. “Harold Lancaster,” he said. “It’s all fine, I assure you.”

Renée turned back toward them, and Neil let his eyes drift over to her.

Dawson saw where his attention was located and said, “Mr. Turner. May I introduce Ms. Willis?”

Neil smiled at Renée. “Ms. Willis, it’s so good to see you again,” he said. “We should apologize to you, as well. Caroline didn’t really mean to make a scene, but it turns out it was simply a case of mistaken identity.”

Renée only stared at him, her eyes wide and looking a little frightened. It lasted only a moment, but it was obvious that the whole situation had caught her off guard. Neil was surprised, but he kept his expression blank and friendly.

Dawson looked at Neil curiously. “You know each other?” he asked.

“Oh, yes,” Neil said. “Not well, but Ms. Willis was my assistant in London for a short time. I don’t recall the name of the temp agency you were working for, Ms. Willis, but I do remember that you were the most efficient assistant they ever sent me.” He smiled broadly at her. “And now that I think of it, you owe me a dance.”

“I—I do?” Renée asked.

“Why, yes. You remember, you accompanied me to the unveiling of our new computer system at Whitehall, and we were so busy with all of the questions we never got to participate in the festivities. You promised me a dance the next time we had the opportunity, and here we are.” He waved his hands to indicate the dance floor, where an orchestra was playing while couples danced, then held out his arm. “Shall we?” He looked around at Jenny for just a second and she smiled, and then he turned back to Renée.

Renée glanced at Dawson, who looked slightly annoyed, but nodded, and then slipped her hand into the crook of Neil’s elbow. She let him lead her onto the dance floor as the orchestra began to play a waltz.

“Now, don’t expect too much,” Neil said. “I’m afraid I’m still not that good a dancer.”

“Oh, I’m sure it’ll be fine,” Renée said. “And I need you to forgive me, but I really don’t remember working with you. How long ago was it?”

“Oh, a couple of years,” Neil replied. “I suppose I should be offended, but I’m not really all that surprised. I suppose I’m just not really all that memorable.”

Renée smiled and did not object when he held her a little closer. He had his face over her right shoulder, and it took him a moment to realize that something was troubling him. He looked at her out of the corner of his eye, taking in her hair and ear, and that’s when it hit him.

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