Chapter 201

SHE GASPED AND IGNATIUS FROZE, horror snaking down his spine at the realization. Doing the only thing he could think of, he feigned ignorance.

'Ca-catherine?' he stuttered, not hiding the shock.

'Oh my god, I'm so sorry!' The hands jerked back and she whispered the words in a tone of dismay. After a long pause, she gave a nervous giggle. 'Did I wake you?'

The situation did strike him as funny and he worked at keeping his voice neutral, sleepy. 'Uuhh, yes. Is something wrong?'

'No, I was dreaming. Sorry to disturb you.'

He waited until she settled down, then slowly lay back. The shock left him feeling wide awake and he lay there thanking his good fortune that she hadn't realized.

Must put more of the mixture in tomorrow night, he thought, can't have her waking.

WHEN THE LIGHTS TURNED UP, signalling morning, I waited for Ignatius to dress and leave, hoping like mad it had been a dream.

The rational voice in my mind cringed.

Nope. Real.