Page 9 (2/2)

“Yes Thousands of them All around the world He’s really famous”

There’s a pause, then Sadie says, “I should have liked to be famous”

There’s a trace of wistfulness in her voice, and I open my mouth to say automatically, “Maybe you will be one day!” Then, as the truth hitsa bit sad There isn’t a “one day” for her anymore, is there?

By now the car is purring up the drive, and I can’t help gazing out of thelike a child I’ve only been to Uncle Bill’s et how iian house with about fifteen bedroo pools in it Two

I’et nervous , I tell myself firmly It’s just a house He’s just a person

But, oh GodEverything’s so grand There are lawns everywhere and fountains sprinkling, and gardeners snipping hedges As we approach the entrance, a tall guy in a black suit and shades with a discreet earpiece is coreet me

“Lara” He clasps h we’re old friends “I’ you I’ll take you round to the office wing” As we start to crunch over the gravel, he adds lightly, “What exactly was it you wanted to talk to Bill about? Nobody seems very clear”

“It’s… um… private Sorry”

“No proble, Sarah,” he says into his earpiece

The side building is as ilass and modern art and a stainless-steel water feature As if by clockwork, a girl coreet us, also dressed immaculately in a black suit

“Hi, Lara Welcome I’m Sarah”

“I’ll leave you here, Lara” Daravel

“So, it’s an honor to meet Bill’s niece!” says Sarah as she leads