Chapter 47

Neil was by the pool with Paula and Ray, the latter still cradling Kip's drink and his own. Of Annette there was no sign and that was a relief until Natalie saw Neil's thunderous looks. Everywhere she turned there seemed to be problems. She greeted Ray almost hysterically.

'Enjoying yourself?' Neil looked about as happy as a sick crocodile, Paula standing somewhat subdued beside him. Evidently her new-found strategies had waned and Natalie felt too upset to help right now.

She ignored Neil completely, tucking her arm in Ray's and hoping that Kip would just go. This evening couldn't end soon enough for her. She wished she had pleaded a headache and stayed at the hotel.

'We'll have a little dance,' Ray suggested, sweeping her up and getting into the beat of the music. He looked a bit frantic; maybe soon he would have everyone on his hands, Paula as well as Natalie. Just so long as he didn't get Annette he would cope, but he was worried by Natalie's sudden pallor. Somebody should lock Annette up.

The other couples there took up the idea and soon a small crowd were circling the pool, laughing and screeching as they sometimes came dangerously close to the edge. Natalie couldn't get into any party spirit now. She had exhausted herself much earlier and she slid out of Ray's arms.

'Sorry, partner. I've had enough. I'll sit out if you don't mind.'

One minute she was looking into his rueful eyes and the next she was almost sailing through the air, straight into the water that looked pale green and cold and felt very cold indeed as it closed over her head. Somebody had pushed her, somebody who almost caught Ray too. She had a vague feeling of seeing him tottering and then righting his balance, consternation on his face as he shouted her name hoarsely.

She surfaced, barely seeing the ring of faces that surrounded the pool, all looking at her as if she were stark raving mad. She struck out for the side and saw Kip push Ray away and reach for her himself, lifting her out and holding her steady.

Water was pouring from her, from her dress and her long black hair and she looked into Kip's angry face like a lost soul.

'My sandal came off.' Oddly enough, it was all she could think to say. His lips tightened to one straight line, more angry still by the look of him.

'I'll get someone to fish it out. Right now you've got to get dry.'