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'Never heard of them,' Tamara carelessly dismissed

'I guess you wouldn't have,' said Clare mildly, 'if you haven't been in New Zealandwhen Lee died and the band broke up Their last hit was a couple of years ago' The record company had shrewdly released the albue of the resultant publicity Clare hadn't agreed with Virginia's accusation that it had been a morbid, mercenary act She had preferred to look on the Myth albuforce and inspiration for the band was confirmed when Kraken had disbanded sevenproduced another record

'I' out a few drinks and snacks,' Clare said, getting up after a few more abortive attempts at conversation 'Would you like to come and help me?'

'It's your job, not mine I'm not a waitress,' Tamara sneered, and Clare had to leave before she ue Ta it out on everyone else

When Tim and his idol came back on deck, Clare endeavoured to ot Tim to take a few snacks and a couple of cold cans of beer to Miles and Doug on the upper deck—but her efforts were in vain Tith of ti openly in the war as tense and quiet as Ta his daughter? Why couldn't he make the effort to include her more in his conversation? No wonder she felt left out Clare was feeling left out, too, a very unusual occurrence with Tim Usually it was Clare to whom he turned for approval; today it was Deverenko

After crea lazily around the perimeter of the lake for a couple of hours, Miles anchored off a small bay and Clare set out the sumptuous lunch that Grace had prepared There were oysters and smoked marlin and trout, lainative sandwiches that would appeal to young palates, although Clare noticed without much surprise that Tamara ate the adult fare At least her probleh her painful thinness was accentuated by the unflattering simplicity of the red dress, Tamara's appetite seemed healthily casual For dessert there was an ultra-rich kiwi-fruit cheesecake and plenty of fresh fruit and several kinds of New Zealand cheese served with plain water crackers

They ate on the deck, the food shaded by a blue-and-white striped awning, watching the ducks, crested grebes and dabchicks ripple the glassy surface of the lake Used to Doug's ever-present caraphs he was taking until Deverenko held up a hand

'If you don't mind, I'd rather you didn't include Tah of an edge for Doug to lower his camera immediately

'These aren't for publication, just a few personal shots' After an aard pause, he added, 'You're welcoive you the prints and the negs when I've developed theed up in my chalet'

'Thanks, I'd like to have the to Miles as they both leaned on the rail 'Is the launch just for cruising, or can you fish this lake?'

'The fishing season closed at the end of June, otherwise I'd bring you out,' Miles told hiuarantee you a Rainbow of a couple of kilos at least You coenerally use sinking lines to twenty or so metres; the waters around here are pretty deep'

'I ht take you up on that'

'I thought you didn't like fishing,' frowned Tim It always disconcerted him to find that his precious books had misled him

'If I fish, I eat what I catch,' Deverenko told hiet the opportunity very often, and I certainly wouldn't do it as a sport'

'Most sport fishing is on a tag and release basis,' said Miles, proement By the time it wound up, Clare had cleared the lunch debris away, and Miles proposed continuing to the north end of the lake