Chapter 32

He shook his head and looked sympathetic. “We don’t know yet, but Prudence is a tough lady. Let me take you up.” He directed an enquiring look at Theo, who stood, a silent observer to the interchange. “Would you both like to see her?”

Camille shook her head and said quickly, “No, this is just a friend who gave me a lift.” She turned, her luminous eyes brushing his face as she said, “Thank you.”

Choosing not to analyse either the tenderness that moved through him as he watched her climb the flight of stairs or the stab of dissatisfaction he had experienced when she had called him just a friend, Theo lowered himself into a seat and prepared to wait. Whatever the news, he thought, she would need a friend when she returned.

It was half an hour later that Theo saw the small figure at the top of the stairs.

The harsh electric light overhead shone on her glossy head and revealed the wetness on her cheeks.

He put down the mug in his hands and got to his feet. “