Kat smiled inwardly. She knew they were more impressed than they expected.
As Kat talked on, a display of lasers began to imperceptibly emphasise her words. Another swaggering model appeared in an erotically fluid dress, and drifted around the room. They crossed each other’s paths like patches of haze, two sirens clad in vapour, taunting the assembly.
At the rear of the room a flourish of silk-curtains slowly spiralled. More models tumbled out to show off the seductive creations, mingled among the Las Modas Ibéricas team; chattered, twirled. Pyrotechnics flashed and banged, smoke curled around, music played, lasers zipped wildly.
Kat knew the show was gaudy, but the ostentation was deliberate. It contrasted the elite elegance of her designs. She didn’t need telling the creations were stunning. She knew from their faces they were all hooked. Francine and her sirens had done their job.
At the end of the show, Rafael’s papá beamed at Kat and walked to her with both hands held out. “Señorita, I am staggered. The dresses are quite stunning! I’ve never seen anything cling like them. Incredible. You’ve imprinted them on my mind forever.”
Kat smiled broadly and took his hands. Now that it was nearly over, her knees were shaky. She was running on adrenalin and it was nearly gone. She said, “I’m glad you liked the show.”
He said, “Rafael must show you around our organization in Spain to see what you think.”
Kat was on last dregs. It wasn’t what she wanted out of life but it would do for now. Nondisclosure forms would have to be drafted before they could go much further. Hundreds of tiny things would have to be reinvestigated; a lot of hurried work lay ahead, but it was nearly in the bag. She nodded wearily, “I think we can do that.”
Chapter 4
Rafael changed gear. “We should arrive soon. It must seem forever when it’s new to you. I know every corner, so it’s not too bad for me, in particular when I’m driving.”
Kat said, “It’s no problem. I’m enjoying the scenery.”
She found it difficult to believe they were searching for ways of clinching a deal worth so much money. They’d been thrown together a lot lately, involving an endless amount of work; and more to come. Her father increasingly left decisions to her. In general she worked in sync with Rafael and they made a good team, but sometimes when she looked up, she found Rafael studying her.
She wondered what would have happened, had things been different all those years ago. Would they have stayed together if she hadn’t finished it? Things hadn’t been different though, and she was older and hopefully wiser. Rafael wasn’t a student any longer, and was powerful. Dad was praying he would become their saviour.
They drove over a small rise and a valley opened out before them. Rafael said, “So how does this part of the world grab you? Most people are surprised when they see it.”
“You’re right. It’s beautiful. I was wondering if my mother came from somewhere like this. She was Spanish, you know.”
“I didn’t realise. Where did she come from?”
“I’ve no idea. I hardly remember her.” Kat stifled a yawn. “Gosh, early mornings and long journeys wear me out. I need a shower to freshen up.”
She smoothed her outfit it was decidedly crushed. Maybe she should have worn something more sensible. Francine had persuaded her to wear it. “Advertise what you are,” she’d said. “Be your own walking model, you’re tall, slim, and you’re beautiful. Show off for once.”
The journey had taken the E7 north from Alicante airport, to junction sixty-three, and at the outskirt of Benissa, turned right. Now they were in Valle de Xaló, where they passed almond groves, vineyards, and now fields of citrus; in complete contrast to the scrubland around the airport. Perhaps she could settle in a similar place when work was no longer a panacea.
“We’re not far off,” he said, “We’ll be coming into Alcalali any minute then it’s a small climb into the Sierras.”
The high-powered Lamborghini slowed as they rounded a bend. A small restaurant faced them with people sitting under the shade of huge red parasols with white letters advertising beer. The engine became throaty as they accelerated out of the bend. One or two of people looked up as they passed; an old man waved and Rafael tooted his horn and waved back.
He said, “My great-great-grandpapa bought the place, an old farmhouse. Each generation added their bit. Papá has modernised it to make it more comfortable. In time,