Dreams to Die For by Alan G Boyes Page B

unsure if she heard him correctly. Then laughing loudly, she shook her head, causing her hair to move left then right before it fell gently back strand by strand to its original position. Alan thought she had enjoyed his quick repost to her question, but in fact Cindy was laughing at a vision of a naked Alan in bed with two blonde bimbos each rubbing scented oils onto the others bodies. She could not think of anything less likely or more grotesque, and in her current mood of elation, it made her laugh heartily.
    A couple of hours later, Cindy was seated in a spacious armchair, a footstool supporting both her legs, trying to work out the sudoku puzzle in
The Daily Telegraph
. Alan was on the sofa, reading a book.
    â€œShall I put the news on?” Cindy asked.
    â€œNot for me. Not unless you want it. I’ve had a pretty tough week and I might get to bed soon.” He hoped Cindy might, just might, take the hint and oblige tonight. A broken leg might stop Cindy walking far, but it wouldn’t stop them making love.
    â€œOK, I won’t be long myself,” Cindy was non-committal. “By the way, I’m thinking of getting out and about a little next week. The leg is coming along fine and I think I can manage quite a distance, so thought I might go and look in the shops or something. Haven’t decided which day yet, probably Tuesday or Wednesday,” she innocently remarked, using the excuse she had thought of, in case Alan phoned home on Tuesday and failed to get an answer. Mrs Crookes, the housekeeper, would also have to be told the same lie.
    â€œAre you sure you’re up to it, Cinders?” Alan asked, reminding Cindy that he only used that silly nickname when he wanted something. She now loathed it. It reminded her of when they first started to go out together.
    Crossland continued with what he felt was a kind offer, “Tell me which day and I’ll make sure Jack is around to ferry you about.”
    This was the very last thing Cindy wanted, and it took her off guard. Inwardly she cursed herself for not anticipating Alan’s response and now had to think quickly or she would never convince him of her cover story. Maybe she could turn this to her advantage if she was bold.
    â€œAbsolutely not, Alan. I’m sorry, but that man has a problem and I find him quite threatening at times. On the way back from the hospital I felt he was deliberately putting the automatic into PARK as an excuse to touch my legs, and he brushed against me whenever he could as he helped me in and out of the car. He makes me shudder. No, Alan, I am quite capable of getting a taxi.”
    â€œI’m sure you’re just being over-sensitive and looking for things that don’t exist. The man’s a driver, damn it, and a good one at that. It’s sometimes safer to put the selector into PARK. Anyway, how do you help someone who can’t walk in and out of a car without touching or brushing against them? But have it your way, use a taxi.” Alan rose and came over and kissed her gently but fully on the lips. “Maybe see you later, goodnight.”
    Once he was upstairs Cindy exhaled a long, deep sigh. Tuesday couldn’t come a moment too soon; Alan’s closing remark already forgotten.
    The weekend passed uneventfully and far too slowly for her. At times she snapped at Alan and had to apologise quickly, putting her bad temper down to her frustration at still having the leg in plaster. This was partly true, but she knew the real reason was that Alan intruded upon her thoughts of Gordon. However, Tuesday arrived at last.
    Cindy woke a little before eight to find the mid-August sun already casting a square of golden light around the closed curtains. Brilliant rays speared into her bedroom and danced their way from wall to wall, illuminating the room in a soft yellow glow despite the curtains. She loved this room. It was not grand like the so-called master bedroom, though still large, and it