Edge of Danger

Epilogue

To the world in general and the media in particular, it was a sensational story. That on a day of family tragedy, the funeral of two brothers, Paul Rashid, Earl of Loch Dhu and one of the richest men in the world, had fallen from the Angel Terrace of the Bell Tower at the ancient family home.

The sister's story had been simple. Leaving the reception after the funerals, he'd been distressed. He'd wanted to be alone and had gone up to the top of the Bell Tower, a favourite place. The stories were muted, the Rashids being who they were and having large holdings in both television and the newspaper world. Most newspapers spoke of a tragic accident, there was the odd hint of suicide, but that was all.

One story that was generally reported was the account of Paul Rashid's funeral. All the newspapers carried it. It was a simple service, not even the Dauncey villagers invited, an Imam from London joining the Rector, the only mourner Lady Kate Rashid. As usual, the media got it wrong, for someone else attended.

Sean Dillon didn't go into the church for the service. He sat with Billy in the Jaguar and waited.

'It's raining again,' Billy said.

'Nearly always does,' Dillon told him.

The cortege emerged from the church, Kate Rashid, now Countess of Loch Dhu, following behind the coffin. Dillon got out of the Jaguar.

Billy said, 'Do you want the umbrella?'

'What's a little rain, Billy?'

He let them reach the Dauncey family mausoleum, moved forward and stood at the edge of the churchyard while the Rector and the Imam did their thing. Strange, but Kate Rashid didn't have an umbrella and there was no one holding one over her. She stood in the rain, in her usual black, her only cover a black raincoat, while they took the coffin in. The Rector and the Imam shook hands, the undertakers dispersed.

She turned and started to walk away and came through the churchyard toward the gate where Dillon stood. It was almost as if she moved in slow motion. She was totally alone, her dark hat shading her face, no emotion, not even when she got close to Dillon. It was as if he wasn't there -no, more, as if he didn't exist. She was so close that her coat almost touched him. She moved out of the gate and turned up the street toward Dauncey Place. Dillon watched her go, then returned to the Jaguar.

'Back to London.'

Billy started the car and drove away. 'Is that it, then?'

'I don't think so.'

On Friday night of that week, they met in the Dorchester Piano Bar, Harry and Billy, Ferguson and Dillon. Harry still wore a sling, Ferguson appeared normal, no sign of his broken arm. Dillon stepped behind the piano, lit a cigarette and started to play, working his way through a few standards. He was aware of her appearance but made no sign, continuing to play.

She leaned on the piano. 'I like that, Dillon. "A Foggy Day in London Town."'

'From Damsel in Distress – Fred Astaire.'

'I've seen the movie. Joan Fontaine was terrible, but you're good – good at everything.'

Seated at the end table, Ferguson and the Salters could hear the entire exchange. Dillon shook out another Marlboro and lit it with his old Zippo.

'What do you want, Kate?'

'Not just you, Dillon, you and your friends.'

She turned to the others and stood there in her usual black jumpsuit, only this one looked as if it had cost three thousand pounds at the Armani shop. Her black hair was superbly cut, hanging to her shoulders, and for once, she was ablaze with jewellery. She looked incredible, not just amazingly beautiful, but strong, powerful.

'The Queen of Sheba,' Dillon said quietly.

'Really?' she smiled.

'Oh, yes, and it's not just the Arab influence. There are Dauncey wives with marble faces from long ago in that church who have the same look.'

'You couldn't have paid me a greater compliment.'

Dillon slid from behind the piano and joined the group.

'Lady Loch Dhu,' Ferguson said formally, and they all stood.

'Sit, gentlemen.' They eased down. 'I thought you'd like advance notice of today's news. American and Russian oil interests have agreed on terms for exploration in Hazar and the disputed Empty Quarter with Rashid Investments. There's been strong movement on the stock exchange for a family-owned firm, and me as Executive Chairman.' She smiled. 'Huge movements in New York and the City of London. We've jumped to seven billion. My accountants tell me it makes me the richest woman in the world.'

Ferguson managed a smile. 'Excellent, my dear.' 'I was sure you'd think that, General.' There was silence. Dillon said, 'Get it done, Kate.'

She turned and actually smiled. 'Sorry, Dillon. I just wanted to say that I intend to destroy all of you. It's the Arab half of me, you see. I had three brothers, now I'm on my own.'

'And how do you intend to do it?' he asked gently.

'It doesn't really matter. I believe in the old saying that revenge is a dish best enjoyed cold. I can wait.' She smiled again. 'But it does leave you gentlemen on the dangerous edge of things. When you start the car, will it blow up? The footfall in the darkness, is it an assassin?'

'Do what you like, darling,' Harry Salter told her. 'People have been trying to knock me off for the last forty years.'

Ferguson said, 'My thanks for the advance warning. Very civilized.'

She smiled at Dillon. 'Don't forget me, Sean, and remember the Dauncey family motto: I always return.'

She walked away, supremely beautiful, the epitome of elegance.

Dillon watched her go and said softly, 'Oh, I won't forget you, girl.'