Scarlet Imperial by Dorothy B. Hughes

blinded with terror. A man in a brown topcoat, a brown hat, a gun pointed at her. And then she saw it was Gavin. Her gasp was of relief; the issue of breath that followed of greater fear. It was Gavin and Gavin was a killer. He moved slowly forward.
    She couldn’t stir, not until he slid the gun back into his pocket, flung his hat on the table. He sank down as if exhausted. He said, “I was afraid it wouldn’t be you.”
    Her voice was husky. “You were going out.”
    “If I had to.” He unbuttoned the coat. He had a towel about his shoulders. “Ever since I read the evening paper, I’ve been ready.”
    She asked, “You unbolted the door?”
    “Yes.” She went over and bolted it. If someone other than herself had entered the apartment, Gavin wouldn’t have hesitated. He would have used the gun and gone. He would have killed. She wasn’t frightened for herself now. She couldn’t be allowed fear. She had to keep him here until Towner had the Imp. Even if the purpose was the same, she didn’t dare change Towner’s plans. She didn’t dare reveal Towner’s part in this until he gave the word.
    She returned to Gavin. “Have you eaten anything?”
    He rubbed his hand across his forehead. “I had a glass of milk at noon.”
    “You go back to bed.” She must keep him there. She must get him to sleep before orders came from Towner. “I’ll fix some dinner for you.”
    He was too enervated to protest. The ordeal of waiting had drained him of his small energy. He let her lead him to the bedroom, put him in a chair.
    She kept talking as if she were an Aunt Hortensia. She turned down the covers, prattling, “You made the bed so beautifully I thought perhaps Clemence had been in. Though it isn’t her day.”
    He said in that weary voice, “I didn’t want any evidence of me in the apartment.”
    “It’s all right. No one knows you’re here.”
    He murmured, “I didn’t think it was you. You moved so quietly.”
    Her whisper was stark. “I was afraid.”
    His eyes flashed open then. She shouldn’t have said that. It was said and he was again the animal backed against the wall. “Of what?” Even his voice had tightened to alertness.
    She shook her head. “Let’s get you to bed. And some food. I’ll tell you everything then.” She went to the door.
    “Where are you going?” He was suspicious.
    She forced a smile. “To get the things I brought you. Pajamas.”
    She took time to remove her hat and coat, her rubber boots while she was in the foyer. Time to take a breath. When she returned to the living room with the box she saw he had followed. He was in the doorway, his hands thrust in his pockets. “Wait till you see my shopping.” The gayness of her voice hid her uneasiness.
    She passed him and went into his bedroom. He was behind her. Without turning, she opened the box on his bed, keeping her words casual. “I thought I’d better get you some other things. Until you can get back to your luggage. It’s too bad I couldn’t buy a suit but I know a man can’t just walk in and buy a suit and walk out with it as a woman can a dress. I tried to get a jacket as near as possible your trousers.”
    Her throat was tired but she kept talking. “Here’s pajamas and a robe. Change while I start the food.” She tore open the package. “Toothbrush. Shaving things. Sulfa for your shoulder.”
    He said, “You’re a wonder.” His smile was wan but it was an attempt. He rubbed his chin. “I can take a hint.”
    She shook her head. “No. Not for me. When you go out. Don’t attempt it until you feel better.” She went to the kitchen, lit the oven, put on water for the frozen vegetable and the coffee. She wasn’t hungry, Gavin wouldn’t be, but there must be a pretense of eating.
    She hurried to her room. She didn’t know what tonight would bring; she must be dressed for quick movement. Not girdle and high heels. Not a secretary. A girl who could eel her way out of a tight place. She put on purple wool