their worth is finished with. I don’t really think there is anything left for you to do. If you could give me that report as soon as possible and then I guess you’ll want to return to London.”
“So that’s it? Goodbye.”
“Pete,” Hutchinson said, ”Come on. You’re tired. We all are. We’ve had one hell of a day.”
“A hell of a day? You’re not wrong. A car bomb. I’ve been shot at, nearly killed many times. There must be something we can do.”
De Luca shook his head.
“We continue to appreciate everything that you’ve done for us but there is no need to risk yourselves any further. Listen Mr Hutchinson is right. It’s been a hell of a day as he put it. Why don’t you get yourselves back to your hotel, get cleaned up and go out for dinner. The report can wait until tomorrow.”
Dennis looked at Natalie.
“Why not,” she said.
Dennis looked at Hutchinson.
“Jim?”
“No. You kids run along. Have a nice night out. I’ve got computer work to do. It’ll be building up. I‘d better telephone my wife too.”
The paramedic finished her work and closed her medical bag. Dennis thanked her. De Luca clicked his fingers at a uniformed officer who rushed over to him. He quickly gave the policeman some instructions in Italian. Then he turned to the group.
“This officer will drive you back to your hotel. Enjoy your evening. I will see you tomorrow. Sonnenburg will also want to talk to you before you go back to your country.”
Dennis was the last to get into the people carrier. At the door he stopped.
“Cesare?”
De Luca, realising whatever Dennis wanted to say was obviously private, leaned in close to the journalist. Dennis quietly closed the car door so those inside wouldn’t overhear.
“If there was something more that could be done to catch these criminals!”
“The trail is cold. We have nothing more to go on. But surely you wouldn’t risk your friends any further. This has become an extremely dangerous situation. You wouldn’t want anything to happen to Mr Hutchinson or Natalie.”
“No of course not. But then theoretically I was referring only to myself.”
De Luca looked into Dennis’ eyes. He read what was behind them.
“You’re serious aren’t you?”
“Deadly.”
“We would welcome any help you can give.”
When Natalie came out of the bathroom of their hotel room she had a long towel round her body and knotted at her chest. She saw Dennis in his black dinner suit and wolf whistled at him. He was standing by the window with a large whiskey in his hand.
“Where did you get that?” she nodded at the glass.
“I went down to the bar for it.”
“Dressed like that?”
He looked down at himself and then back at her.
“Yes. Oh and I think the barmaid fancied me.”
“Well I’m not surprised with you looking like that.”
She went over to him and kissed him on the lips. She pulled away.
“You look very sexy darling.”
Then, to tease him, she dropped the towel and naked, turned and walked back to the bathroom. He followed and while she was at the basin he pressed himself against her back and kissed her neck. He undid his bow tie and the top button of his shirt. She was watching him in the mirror.
“Um what are you doing?”
He kissed her on the neck again.
“Why don’t we uh, head into the bedroom.”
She pushed against him to move him away.
“We haven’t got time for that. I’m hungry and you’ve got whiskey breath.”
“We’ve got all evening to eat.”
“I’m hungry now.”
“No chance then?”
“No chance.”
Then she burst out laughing.
“Your face. You look like a schoolboy who’s had his football confiscated.”
She came forward.
“Make yourself useful. Go and see if Jim’s all right and if he wants anything while we’re out. Be patient,” she said kissing him gently on the lips again, “And you might get what you want when we get back.”
Dennis smiled at her and left. He went to the next room and knocked the door.
“Just a second,” he heard the American call.
Dennis heard the lock on the other side release. Then the door opened.
“Pete come in,” Hutchinson said going back to his laptop, leaving Dennis to close the door.
“Nat is just getting ready and I thought I should check to see if you want anything.”
“No I’m fine thanks. I’m getting some sandwiches brought up to the room.”
“Sandwiches. Are you sure you won’t come to dinner?”
“What? Oh no! You guys run along. It’ll be nice, just the two of you. Get some time together.”