“So long,” she said, and turned back to the mirror.
She didn’t move until she heard the front door slam, then she jumped to her feet and ran over to the window. She watched Conrad drive away, then she stood for a long minute, her arms across her breasts and her eyes closed, savouring a sense of freedom.
She had four days and three nights alone! She didn’t intend to waste such a gift.
She ran across the room, down the stairs to the telephone. As she dialled the number of the Paradise Club she was aware that her heart was beating wildly and her breath was coming in quick, uneven gasps. She reached for a cigarette, lit it and tried to control her breathing.
“Mr. Seigel, please?” she said, as a woman’s voice came over the line.
“Who’s calling?”
“Mr. Seigel is expecting me. Put me through, please!” Janey said sharply. She had no intention of advertising her name to a receptionist.
“Hold a moment.”
After a long pause Seigel snapped, “Who is it?”
He sounded curt and angry.