Page 53 of Marcel

“There is noway to stop this?”

“He alreadysent a copy to the press. He is claiming that it’s his way ofclearing his conscience.”

“Goddamnedmoron.” Reaching for the phone, he was about to call his wifewhen he saw her coming towards his office.

“Matthew.”Giving her brother-in-law a warm smile, she turned to her husband.“What’s wrong?”

He was startingto realize and loved that about her. She did not ask unnecessaryquestions.

“I will letMatthew fill you in. I have some calls to make,”

*****

“Sorry aboutdinner.” Marcel looked up as his wife came toward him with somecartons.

“You sent outfor Chinese.”

“I figuredsince we are pulling an all-nighter, we might as well have somethingwe both enjoy.”

“Please tell methere is Beijing roasted duck.”

“And Kung Paochicken.” Putting the cartons on the table before the sofa, shehanded him the chopsticks. “What’s the progress?”

“We havemanaged to kill the story from making the morning edition of thepapers.” He glanced up as she came to sit next to him. Thescent of her perfume was tantalizing his senses, and he cursed thathe would have to finish this before even thinking of going home.

“We have asource in the papers. But the good doctor’s suicide is going toblow up in a scandal all on its own. My source told me he had beenmaking noises everywhere.” Pushing aside the papers strewn allover the space beside him, he reached for the carton. “Youcould go home.”

“Are you tryingto get rid of me?” She asked mildly, folding her legs beneathher as she started eating. “I need your particular skill.”

“Which one? Ihave so many.” She told him loftily.

Grinning at her, heleaned over and captured the chicken she had just put in her mouth.

“Hmm.Delicious.”

“If you aregoing to start stealing my food, you will have to pay up.”

“I havecash.” He was nibbling at her full bottom lip.

“I don’twant cash.” She put aside the food and cupped his face betweenher hands.

“What can Ioffer?”

“Oh, Ithink I already see what I want.” Climbing on top of him, shesnakes down against his already surging erection.

“We are in fullview of anyone-”

“The staffalready left.” Pulling his tie off, she started to unbutton hisshirt.

“The cleaningcrew-”

“Came and left.It’s late.” She was pushing the shirt off his shoulders.

“Thesecurity-”

“Would not darecome up without alerting you; frankly, I don’t care.”

“Mrs. Hadley,you are being very naughty,” he whispered against her throat.