he may be persuaded into satisfying your knowing, lord. He is even now coming to confer with you. I too would grieve for the loss of this pretty thing. She has skin like new milk, soft to touch and without blemish. The hair shines like a bronzed sun, soft like silk beneath a hand eager to caress it. Eyes green as an oasis has she. In her anger she grows more beautiful, more desirable. I fear he will kill her because he knows not how to tame her, for surely she will wreak vengeance at the first opportunity.’
‘I hope she kicks him in the balls,’ Capritzo growled just as his secretary announced Doctor Smith’s arrival. He turned to Maharsh. ‘I may have more success with our young doctor if you are not here. Watch instead from beyond the glass.’
Silently Maharsh slipped from the room.
‘Welcome, my friend.’ Capritzo uncharacteristically extended his hand to greet the new arrival.
Young - perhaps thirty, Capritzo guessed - slender, well dressed, handsome in a lopsided sort of way but there was a furtive quality to him which suggested a secret safeguarded, carefully protected at all cost. Whatever that secret was, Capritzo felt sure that it was known to Develin who ensured absolute loyalty from his staff; one way or another.
Momentarily taken back by Capritzo’s appearance, Smith - his real name was Laird; Develin had insisted on an alias - quickly recovered, smiled pleasantly then shifted his notes to his left arm in order to shake Capritzo’s hand.
Formalities completed, Capritzo turned to address his secretary. ‘Jasmine, when the evening paper arrives bring it straight in to me.’
She nodded then withdrew, closing the door silently behind her.
‘Doctor Smith, I have just completed a telephone conversation with Mr. Develin. He is sending a jet to collect both you and the young lady. He has expressed the wish to confer with you immediately, so please, there is a unit in the corner if that will do.’
Laird hurried to the telephone which sat atop a white marble pedestal. A pale pink leather chair cushioned him as he proceeded to punch in the numbers for Develin’s private phone. It was answered immediately.
‘Develin.’
‘You wished to speak with me, sir?’
‘Where are you?’
‘In Mr. Capritzo’s office. There’s a corner phone, but it’s ...’
‘Just tell me, are you satisfied with what you have seen?’
‘Very much so, yes sir,’ he shot back in military style.
‘Good. Jamie will be waiting for you at the airport at ten p.m. Bring all the documentation you have received from White. I will see you tomorrow, at which time we will discuss details.’ Just as Laird thought the conversation had ended, Develin added. ‘Stay away from Capritzo. Just get her out of there, Laird - now!’
Slowly Laird replaced the receiver then turned to find Capritzo standing less than six feet away.
‘Everything is well, I trust?’
‘Yes, absolutely; everything’s just fine.’ Laird consulted his watch. ‘The plane will be here at ten. It’s nearly six now so I, ah…’
‘Then I shall give you this now.’ Capritzo offered Laird a sealed envelope. ‘It is from my personal physician. For Mr. Develin’s eyes only, you understand; a mere formality, of course, since he has been advised verbally.’
Laird frowned.
‘Do not concern yourself, doctor. This matter is not, I believe, within your province, so ...’ Capritzo shrugged. ‘It merely confirms the young lady’s acceptability in the first instance, shall we say. Your tests would hardly have been necessary otherwise.’
‘I’m sorry, I ... I don’t understand.’
‘It is quite simple, my friend. Mr. Develin requested a virgin and so she is.’ Slowly Capritzo turned away, silently relishing the shocked look on Laird’s face. ‘Ah, the evening paper has arrived. Thank you, my dear.’
Capritzo sighed as he scanned the front page. ‘Really, I wonder sometimes why I bother; so much violence, so much death. Take this article for example.’
He handed the paper to Laird then pointed to a small paragraph near the bottom.
TEENS IDENTIFIED
Two university students who died in a horrific freak accident on Highway 5 on New Year’s Eve have been tentatively identified as Sarah Winthrope Churchill and David Michael Kendall, both second-year pre-med students. The cause of the tragedy is unspecified but it is believed that defective brakes were a contributing factor. The ensuing blaze took firemen some time to quell. Police have expressed concern in the past that this section of Highway 5 is…
‘My God!’ Laird choked.
‘Tell me, how long have you been in Mr. Develin’s employ, Doctor Smith?’
‘Ah … three months sir,’ Laird stammered.
‘Indeed. I, on the other hand, have known your employer for many years.’ Capritzo eased closer. ‘I am curious. During the course of our association, he has never once expressed a desire for a girl such as this one.’ He smiled almost shyly. ‘Mr. Develin prefers mature women who are, how shall I phrase it - sexually enlightened? I speak of courtesans, Doctor Smith - well trained and discreet. It is rumored that he is not well so perhaps she is destined for another - a gift perhaps?’
‘I’m sorry but I’m not at liberty to discuss Mr. Develin’s personal life sir. I, ah … you will excuse me please, I’ve got things to do and Miss Churchill …’
‘… represents a considerable challenge even for a man as young and vigorous as yourself, Doctor Smith. Such a radical departure from the norm begs the question why, especially since I have reason to believe that Mr. Develin is quite unwell.’
‘To the best of my knowledge, Mr. Capritzo, Mr. Develin is in excellent health.’ Laird began to back away, suddenly fearful.
‘Excellent news! I can assume then that this girl is for his pleasure only, nothing more. Yet again, I must wonder. Tell me, Doctor Smith, what is your area of expertise?’
‘I’m sorry, but I can’t answer that question.’
‘Yes, of course. But please, one thing more before you go. I am sure you will agree that Miss Churchill is a remarkable young woman - extraordinary perhaps. Should it happen that she does not meet with Mr. Develin’s approval, I would be most interested in having her returned to me, provided, of course, that she is in, shall we say, reasonable condition. I might add, and this is strictly confidential, there is a possibility of an opening either here or in the U.K. for a bright young doctor of ambition who knows an opportunity when it presents itself. Think on it, my young friend and have a good flight.’
4
Sarah
