Page 73 of A Night with Damien Spur

The audience gave a round of applause.

‘Come on, gentlemen, back to the bidding,’ Danny said. ‘This is no place to bicker. Remember we’re raising money for a good cause.’

Damien straightened his tie and grabbed the microphone. ‘I am happy to offer an extra night. Just not sure where I can allocate it in my schedule.’

‘Thank you, Damien.’ Danny whisked the mike back. ‘But the way the bidding is going, one night will be just great. Now… where were we?’

‘We are here.’ Elizabeth’s voice, clear and deep, resonated from the Freesia table. ‘Let’s double the last bid from our Russian friend to ten thousand pounds.’

Damien shifted his gaze to Elizabeth, who gave him a sanguine smile.

Blimey, said the Voice.

‘Shhhh,’ Damien hissed. ‘Don’t interrupt.’

The Voice carried on.You’re a good-looking chap, but I wonder what she expects for that? Hope you’re up to it.

Would you stop?Damien pushed the Voice to the back of his head.

‘Any advance on ten thousand?’ Danny asked. The room was silent. ‘Yes, not a good idea to disappoint our lovely hostess… So, going… going… gone… Here we have one Damien Spur, for one night only, promised to Lady Elizabeth Maitland.’

Damien walked back to the table smiling left and right asthe guests clapped. Justin grabbed his arm as he passed him.

‘Well done, old boy,’ he said, ‘but watch your step. She’s a sticky one.’

Damien sat down, ruffled his hair and undid his bow tie.

‘Well, that was a very generous bid,’ he said to Elizabeth.

‘I hope you’re worth it,’ she replied, without smiling. ‘My place, next Friday, 7.30 p.m.’

A handsome Chinese man wearing ceremonial dress appeared, as if by magic. He handed Damien Elizabeth’s calling card.

‘This is my man, Chang,’ she said.

Amazing!said the Voice.Looks like you’re in for quite a night.

Chapter 22

Nicholas and Kate staggered out of the taxi and plunged into the sensual embrace of the Madrigal Hotel.

The desk clerk scanned the tipsy couple’s flushed faces and forced a lip-enhanced smile.

‘Good evening. You are staying with us tonight?’

‘Yuh.’ Nicholas tapped his suitcase. ‘Think so.’

‘Can I take your names, please?’

‘Mr and Mrs Morley… Emile,’ replied Nicholas, notingthe name badge. ‘I believe that Lady Elizabeth Maitland has booked a room for us?’

‘Just a moment, sir, while I check the reservation.’

Nicholas swivelled round and scanned the uber-glitzy couples who whispered and canoodled on luxurious chenille sofas. Paintings of scantilyattired voluptuaries hung on the red silk walls.

On the black marble table in the centre of the lounge clusters of deep purple grapes trailed from a silver plate.

Nicholas groaned. ‘This is going to cost us a bloody fortune. We’re going to have to raid a bank, Kate,’ he whispered.

---